As a practitioner, it is important to ready or prepare your mat for better experience from day one. The yoga mats by YOGA MATS & PROPS are German made, manicured to meet the requirements of different types of yoga. Based on your choice of the mat, it can be categorized under STICKY MATS (Spezial and Extra) and GRIP MATS (Kurma Grip, Grip Lite and Grip Variant). The former mats are travel-mate. They can be easily folded or rolled and stored. The latter mats are meant for professional or studio use. These GRIP mats need to be rolled only with the embossed surface outwards (i.e. the logo side). The GRIP mat can stand up on its own when rolled properly.
Preparing the mats:
Breaking in the mat before the initial use would help in removing any possible film residue left by the manufacturer. It, as well will help in enhancing the grip of the mat. And with every use, the surface texture of the mats will improve.
STICKY MATS: In sticky mats – SPEZIAL and EXTRA, especially, often extra stickiness might be experienced if the mat is used unprepared. It may lead to slips. To avoid the same and enhance the performance of the mat, it is recommended to soak the mat for 15-20 minutes in salted water (enough water to soak the mat). You can as well use mild detergent instead of salt. The mat can be machine-washed at a gentle cycle; however do not spin dry or tumble dry. After the initial rinse or wash, it is recommended to hang the mat up and allow it to weather dry. If you feel excess of water, you can roll it up with a towel that can absorb excess of water and then allow it to weather dry. Please ensure that the mat is completely dry before rolling it or folding it.
GRIP MATS: These mats – GRIP, GRIP LITE and GRIP VARIANT can be prepared for use by wiping off the surface with a wet cloth or a non-scratch moistened sponge. You may use some mild detergent and water if need be. Rinse the mat and weather dry it. This stage helps to also remove possible film residue left by the manufacturer. This mat should not be machine-washed as it may create dents and creases. Roll up the mat only when complete dry.
Cleaning the mats:
STICKY MATS: You can clean the mat after every use or once a week based on your practice. For quick cleaning, a wet cloth or sanitizing spray can be used. For deep cleaning, you can soak the mat and scrub gently using a non-scratch sponge or go for a machine wash as instructed in the “Preparing the mats” section.
GRIP MATS: The closed-cell structure of the mat ensures that it can be cleaned and maintained easily by just mopping it. The top surface of the mat can be mopped with a wet cloth using a mild detergent solution or sanitizing the spray. It can be rinsed with clean water and then weather dried by rolling out or hanging up. It is not recommended to machine wash the GRIP or GRIP LITE mat as it may cause impressions or creases on the mat.
All the mats are made to last long. With proper care and usage, the surface will open up and enhance with every practice. We would like to hear from you if this was helpful. Also drop by any of your queries.