If you've been asking how do i get rid of slippery yoga mat, you're in good company. Slippery mats are one of the most common frustrations among UK yogis — from brand new PVC mats straight out of the bag to older mats worn smooth with use. This 2026 guide covers every proven method for restoring grip, from simple cleaning techniques to the famous salt trick, plus practical advice on when it's time to upgrade to a mat that won't slide.
QUICK ANSWER
To get rid of a slippery yoga mat, start by washing it with a few drops of washing-up liquid and warm water, rinse thoroughly, and leave to air-dry for 24 hours. For new mats, try the sea salt method — sprinkle salt over the surface, leave overnight, then wipe off. If grip still doesn't improve after multiple washes, the mat may have worn past its usable life and need replacing.
TL;DR
- New mats are slippery due to factory release coatings — break-in takes 1–2 weeks or a vinegar wipe
- Deep clean with washing-up liquid and warm water; rinse thoroughly and air-dry 24 hours
- The sea salt method helps remove the top coating on new PVC mats
- Yoga towels instantly solve slippage during practice — especially in hot yoga
- If your mat is flaking or worn smooth, no trick will restore it — upgrade
- Non-slip yoga mats from Flexa.fit start from £12.99 and arrive next day
Why Yoga Mats Get Slippery
Understanding why your mat is slippery helps you apply the right fix. There are three main culprits:
1. Factory Release Coating (New Mats)
Most PVC yoga mats are manufactured with a thin release agent coating to prevent them sticking together in the factory or during shipping. This coating makes the mat slippery until it's worn away through use and cleaning. This is by far the most common cause of slippery new mats — and the good news is it's temporary.
2. Product Build-Up
Skin oils, sweat, moisturiser, and body lotion accumulate on the mat surface over time, creating a slick film. Regular cleaning prevents this. According to NHS guidance on exercise hygiene, maintaining clean equipment reduces the risk of skin infections including athlete's foot and ringworm — a bonus reason to keep your mat clean.
3. Material Degradation
Older mats, particularly those made from standard PVC, develop a smooth, glossy surface as the micro-textured top layer wears down. No amount of cleaning will restore grip once this happens — the mat needs replacing.
Expert Tip
Run your finger across the mat surface. If it feels smooth and slightly glossy (like polished plastic), the micro-texture is gone and it's time for a new mat. If it still feels slightly rough or patterned, a deep clean will restore grip.
How Do I Get Rid of Slippery Yoga Mat: 5 Proven Methods
Deep Clean with Soap and Water
Mix 2–3 drops of washing-up liquid with 500ml of warm water. Lay the mat flat, scrub with a soft cloth or sponge using circular motions, then rinse thoroughly with clean water. Hang to air-dry fully — at least 24 hours. Never use harsh chemicals like bleach, which degrade rubber and PVC. This method removes oil and product build-up from established mats.
White Vinegar Wipe (Best for New Mats)
Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray over the mat surface, wipe with a damp cloth, then rinse and dry. The mild acidity removes the factory release coating more effectively than plain water. Do this 2–3 times over a week for a new mat that won't grip. Avoid on natural rubber mats — vinegar can degrade the rubber over time.
The Sea Salt Method
Sprinkle fine sea salt liberally over the mat surface. Leave overnight (8–12 hours minimum). Brush or shake off the salt, then wipe with a barely damp cloth and dry. The salt acts as a very mild abrasive, lightly exfoliating the slick top layer to expose the textured surface below. This works best on new PVC mats with factory coating.
Use a Yoga Towel During Practice
A microfibre yoga towel placed over your mat solves slippage instantly. Crucially, microfibre towels grip better when slightly damp — lightly mist yours before practice. This is the go-to solution for hot yoga practitioners who sweat heavily and for anyone whose mat is in the breaking-in phase.
Use a Grip Spray
Dedicated yoga mat grip sprays are widely available. Apply sparingly to the surface and wipe in before use. Look for natural formulas without silicone — silicone makes mats more slippery over time, even though the initial application feels grippy.
Choosing a Non-Slip Yoga Mat
If none of the above methods restore adequate grip, it's time to upgrade. Not all yoga mats are created equal when it comes to grip:
Flexa.fit Premium Yoga Mat 8mm
8mm thick NBR foam with textured non-slip surface on both sides. Heavier than travel mats so it stays put on wooden and tiled floors. Excellent for home practice.
£24.99
Flexa.fit Yoga Mat with Carry Strap
Lightweight 4mm mat with carry strap — perfect for studio-goers. Non-slip bottom prevents movement on smooth floors. Good grip after the initial break-in period.
£12.99
Yoga Mat Material Comparison: Grip Performance
| Material | Grip (dry) | Grip (sweaty) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Rubber | Excellent | Good | All-round yoga, Vinyasa |
| PVC / NBR Foam | Good (after break-in) | Poor (without towel) | Home practice, beginners |
| Cork | Good | Excellent (grips more when damp) | Hot yoga, Bikram |
| TPE Eco Foam | Good | Fair | Eco-conscious buyers |
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Maintenance Tips to Prevent Slippage
- Wipe after every session with a damp cloth or dedicated mat spray to prevent oil build-up
- Deep clean monthly with mild soap and warm water
- Avoid moisturiser before practice — even "absorbed" creams leave a residue on the mat
- Store rolled loosely, not folded — folding creates creases that alter surface texture
- Air-dry before storing — damp storage encourages bacteria and degrades foam structure
- Keep away from direct sunlight — UV degrades PVC and rubber, reducing surface texture
Expert Tip
For hot yoga specifically, place a yoga towel over your mat and lightly mist it with water before class begins. The dampness activates the microfibre grip dramatically — most hot yoga practitioners report zero slipping with this approach.
For more guidance on choosing and caring for your yoga mat, see our related guides: how to choose a yoga mat and how thick should a yoga mat be. Browse Flexa.fit's full yoga mat collection here.
FAQs
Why is my new yoga mat so slippery?
New PVC yoga mats typically have a factory release coating that makes them slippery until broken in. Use the mat regularly for 1–2 weeks or clean with a 50/50 white vinegar and water solution to remove the coating faster. Natural rubber mats grip better from day one but still benefit from an initial wipe-down.
Can I put my yoga mat in the washing machine?
Most PVC yoga mats should NOT go in the washing machine — the agitation damages foam structure and the mat can break apart. Natural rubber and cork mats are also machine-wash no's. Hand washing with mild soap and warm water, followed by a thorough rinse and full air-dry, is the safest method for almost all yoga mat materials.
How often should I clean my yoga mat?
For regular practice (3–5 sessions per week), wipe your mat after every session with a damp cloth or mat spray, and deep clean with soap and water once a month. If you practise hot yoga or sweat heavily, a post-session wipe is essential to prevent bacteria build-up and surface degradation.
Does the salt trick actually work on yoga mats?
The sea salt method works particularly well on new PVC mats. Sprinkle fine sea salt over the surface, leave for 24–48 hours, then brush off and wipe with a damp cloth. The salt gently exfoliates the top layer of the mat, exposing the grippy surface beneath. It works best on mats slippery from a factory coating rather than from age-related wear.
When should I replace my yoga mat instead of trying to fix it?
Replace your mat when the surface is visibly flaking; it no longer lies flat after unrolling; cleaning doesn't improve grip; or it has visible tears. A worn-out mat poses safety risks that no cleaning trick can fix — slipping in poses like Warrior or Downward Dog can cause real injury.
What is the best material for a non-slip yoga mat?
Natural rubber provides the best inherent grip and is the gold standard among serious yogis. PVC (standard foam mats) grips adequately when clean and broken in. Cork is excellent for hot yoga as it grips better when slightly damp. TPE eco foam is a good middle ground. Avoid thin travel mats for home practice — minimal grip and cushioning.
Conclusion
Getting rid of a slippery yoga mat is usually straightforward once you identify the cause. For new mats, give the break-in methods — vinegar wipe, sea salt, or repeated use — a couple of weeks to work. For older mats with product build-up, a thorough soap-and-water deep clean is usually all that's needed. If neither fixes the problem, the surface is worn past its usable life and a quality non-slip replacement — like Flexa.fit's Premium Yoga Mat 8mm — is the smart investment for your safety and practice.
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