Best Practices: How To Store Yoga Mats Long Term

What is the best way to store a yoga mat? The best way to store your yoga mat depends on how much space you have and what kind of mat you own. There is no one single best way for everyone. But there are simple rules that help keep any mat nice. Following these simple rules helps you store your yoga mat long term. Proper storage helps you avoid common problems. It stops your mat from getting ruined. It keeps it clean. It helps prevent bad smells. Good storage makes your mat last a long time. This guide shares simple tips and yoga mat storage ideas. It covers how to keep your mat safe when you are not using it, even for a long time.

How To Store Yoga Mats
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Why Care About How You Store Your Mat?

Your yoga mat is important. It helps you practice. You stand on it. You sweat on it. Over time, it can get dirty. It can hold moisture. If you put it away without care, problems start.

Think about what can go wrong.
* Your mat can get creases.
* It can get tears.
* It can get sticky.
* It can smell bad.
* It can grow mold or mildew.

All these things make your mat bad to use. They can also make it wear out faster. Storing yoga mat long term needs extra care. It is not just about putting it away. It is about putting it away the right way.

Taking time to store your mat well is important. It saves you money later. You won’t need to buy a new mat as often. It makes your practice better too. A clean, fresh mat is nice to use. Learning how to store yoga mats well is a simple step. It protects your tool for health and peace. You will learn many yoga mat storage ideas here.

Clean Your Mat First

This is the most important step. You must clean your mat before putting it away. This is especially true for storing yoga mat long term. A dirty mat will cause problems. It will smell bad. It can grow germs. It can get sticky.

Keeping yoga mat clean storage starts with cleaning it before storage. Do not skip this step.

How do you clean your mat?
* Use a mat cleaner. Many shops sell cleaners just for yoga mats.
* You can make your own cleaner. Mix water with a little bit of white vinegar. Or use a tiny bit of mild soap.
* Put the cleaner on a cloth. Do not spray it straight onto the mat too much.
* Wipe down the mat. Clean both sides.
* Wipe it again with a damp cloth. This gets rid of cleaner left behind.

Be gentle when you clean. Do not scrub too hard. This can hurt the mat surface. Some mats, like natural rubber, need special cleaners. Check what your mat is made of. Follow the maker’s cleaning tips.

Simple Cleaning Steps

Here are easy steps for cleaning your mat:

Unroll your mat all the way.
Get a clean cloth.
Wet the cloth with water and your cleaner mix (or store-bought cleaner).
Wipe the top side of the mat well.
Wipe the bottom side of the mat well.
Get a new, clean cloth. Just make it damp with plain water.
Wipe both sides again. This removes soap or cleaner.
Your mat is now clean.

This step takes a few minutes. It makes a big difference. It is key to keeping yoga mat clean storage. It helps with avoiding yoga mat smell storage too.

Dry Your Mat Completely

After cleaning, drying is the next big step. Your mat must be bone dry. Even a little wetness is bad. Wetness leads to mold. Mold causes bad smells. Mold hurts your mat.

How to dry your mat:
* Lay your mat flat. Put it on a clean floor. Or hang it up.
* Let air get to both sides.
* Keep it away from direct sunlight. Sun can make colors fade. It can make some mat materials break down.
* Give it plenty of time. This might take many hours. It might take a full day.

Do not rush this step. If you roll a wet mat, it will cause problems fast. This is extra important for storing yoga mat long term. Make sure it is totally dry. Feel it with your hands. Is it still cool or damp? Let it dry longer.

Think about the material of your mat.
* Foam mats (like PVC) dry faster.
* Natural rubber mats take longer to dry. They also can feel damp even when dry. Be sure it has air dried for a long time.
* Cork mats dry fast on the surface. But check the back too.

Hanging yoga mat storage before putting it away is a great way to dry it. You can drape it over something. A railing, a shower rod, or a special mat drying rack works well. Make sure the air can reach all parts of the mat.

Signs Your Mat Needs More Drying

It feels heavy.
It feels cool to the touch.
You can see dark spots (might be wetness).
It feels sticky (can be leftover cleaner or wetness).

Be patient. A fully dry mat is a happy mat. It is ready for storage. This helps prevent yoga mat damage.

How to Put Your Mat Away

Once your mat is clean and dry, you can store it. There are different ways to store a mat. The best way depends on:
* Your mat material (some mats should not be folded).
* How long you will store it (short time or storing yoga mat long term).
* How much space you have.

The most common ways are rolling, folding, or hanging.

Rolling Your Mat

Rolling is a very common way. Most mats come rolled up. This is good for keeping the mat shape. It helps prevent creases.

How to roll your mat:
* Start at one end. The end that was on the floor during practice is often best to roll outwards. This way, the side you stand on is on the outside of the roll.
* Roll it tightly and evenly. Keep the edges lined up. If you roll unevenly, the mat can get weird bumps.
* Use a mat strap to hold the roll. Most mats come with one. If not, a simple strap or tie works.

Rolling is great for:
* Taking your mat with you.
* Storing it standing up in a corner.
* Putting it in a storage rack.

It is usually the best way to store yoga mat if you use it often. For storing yoga mat long term, rolling is often still a good choice. Make sure the roll is not too tight or too loose. Too tight can stretch the mat. Too loose can make it unroll and get messy.

Folding Your Mat

Folding is not good for all mats. Thick mats or sticky mats (like PVC) often get lasting creases from folding. These creases can be annoying when you practice. They can also become weak spots where the mat tears later.

Folding might be okay for:
* Thin travel mats.
* Some fabric mats.

If you must fold, fold it loosely. Try not to make sharp creases. Folding saves space. You can stack folded mats. You can put them in drawers.

But be careful. Folding can cause prevent yoga mat damage over time, especially creases that don’t come out. For storing yoga mat long term, rolling or hanging is often better than folding.

Hanging Your Mat

Hanging is a great way to store mats. It lets air get to the mat. This is good for keeping it fresh. It prevents creases that rolling or folding can cause.

How to hang your mat:
* You need something to hang it on. A hook, a rack, or a bar.
* Hang the mat from one end. Let it hang straight down.
* Make sure the hanging point does not pinch the mat too much. This can cause damage.

Hanging yoga mat storage is excellent for:
* Gyms or yoga studios.
* Homes with wall space.
* Mats that you use often.
* Storing yoga mat long term.

Hanging helps keep the mat flat and smooth. It stops bumps or rolls from forming. It is a top choice for many people who want the best way to store yoga mat.

Yoga Mat Storage Ideas and Solutions

Where do you put your mat once it is ready? You have many options. The best choice depends on your home and style. Here are some popular yoga mat storage ideas:

Using a Yoga Mat Rack

A yoga mat storage rack is a piece of furniture or hardware. It is made to hold yoga mats. Racks can stand on the floor or attach to a wall.

Floor racks: These stand on the ground. They can hold one mat or many mats. Some have spots for blocks or towels too. They are easy to use. They take up floor space.
Wall racks: These attach to the wall. They save floor space. They can hold one mat or many mats. They look neat. You need to put holes in your wall to install them.

A yoga mat storage rack keeps mats tidy. It gets them off the floor. It is a clear spot for your mat. This can make you use your mat more often. It is also a good way for storing yoga mat long term if the spot is right (away from sun, etc.).

Hanging Your Mat on the Wall

This is a simple form of hanging yoga mat storage. You don’t need a full rack. Just a few hooks or a simple bar on the wall.

Hooks: You can use two strong hooks. Put them on the wall the right distance apart. Hang your rolled mat from the hooks using its strap. This is easy and cheap. It works well for one or two mats.
Wall Mounts: Some wall mounts are made just for mats. They might have two arms that stick out. You rest the rolled mat on the arms. Or they might be clips that hold the mat. A yoga mat wall mount is a clean look. It keeps the mat off the floor and flat against the wall area.

Hanging on the wall is a great space saver. It keeps the mat visible. This might remind you to practice! It is a good yoga mat storage idea for small spaces. It also promotes air flow around the mat, which is good for avoiding yoga mat smell storage.

Simple Storage Spots

You don’t need special furniture. There are many simple yoga mat storage ideas:

In a corner: Roll your mat tightly. Stand it up in a corner of a room. Use a mat strap to keep it rolled. This is easy and uses little space. But it can get dusty here.
Behind a door: If there is space, you can stand a rolled mat behind a door that is usually open. Make sure it doesn’t get pinched when the door closes.
Under a bed: If your bed is high enough, you can slide a rolled mat under it. Keep it in a bag to keep dust off for storing yoga mat long term.
In a closet: You can stand a rolled mat in a closet. Or if you have space, you can hang it inside the closet door. This keeps it out of the way.
In a basket or bin: Use a tall basket or bin. Stand your rolled mat inside it. This looks nice and keeps the mat tidy.

These simple methods work well. They don’t cost much. The main thing is to make sure the mat stays clean, dry, and protected. No matter which yoga mat storage ideas you pick, put the mat away properly each time.

Choosing the Right Place to Store Your Mat

Where you store your mat is as important as how you store it. The spot you choose affects how long your mat lasts and if it gets damaged or smells bad.

Look for a place that is:

Cool: Avoid very hot places. Heat can make some mat materials sticky or break down. An attic or a car is a bad place.
Dry: Avoid damp places. Basements or garages can be damp. Wetness leads to mold and mildew. This causes bad smells and ruins the mat. This is key for avoiding yoga mat smell storage.
Dark: Avoid direct sunlight. Sun can make the mat’s colors fade. It can also make the material weak and crack over time. Keep it away from windows.
Clean: Avoid dusty or dirty places. Dust will settle on the mat. You will have to clean it every time you use it. For storing yoga mat long term, a clean spot is a must.
Safe: Avoid places where it can get stepped on, bent, or have heavy things put on it. This helps prevent yoga mat damage.

A bedroom closet, a dedicated corner away from a window, or a hallway rack are often good spots. If you use a garage or basement, make sure it is dry and has good air flow.

Yoga Mat Care Tips for Storage

Proper storage is a big part of yoga mat care tips storage. It helps your mat last longer. It keeps it nice to use.

Here are more tips:

Always roll it: If your mat should be rolled (most are), roll it neatly every time. Don’t just fold it or throw it down. This keeps its shape and prevents creases that cause prevent yoga mat damage.
Use a strap or bag: A strap keeps a rolled mat tight. A mat bag protects it from dust and dirt. It also makes it easy to carry. For storing yoga mat long term, a bag is a good idea to keep dust off.
Don’t store things on top of it: If you roll or fold your mat, don’t put heavy things on it. This can squash it or cause damage.
Let it air out: Even if you don’t clean it every time, unroll your mat after practice. Let it air dry for a bit before rolling it up. This lets sweat dry. This is a simple tip for avoiding yoga mat smell storage.
Clean spills right away: If you spill water or anything else on your mat, wipe it up fast. Don’t let liquids sit on the mat.
Check it now and then: If you are storing yoga mat long term (for many months), check on it sometimes. Unroll it, let it air out, check for any issues, then store it again.

Following these yoga mat care tips storage helps keep your mat like new.

Storing Yoga Mat Long Term: Extra Steps

If you won’t use your mat for a long time (weeks, months, or years), take extra steps. This protects your mat during the long break.

Super Clean and Dry: Clean your mat extra well. Make sure it is completely, totally dry. More dry than usual. Any tiny bit of wetness will be a problem over time.
Roll Neatly: Roll your mat tightly and evenly. Use a strap to hold it firm.
Use a Breathable Bag: Put the rolled mat in a bag. Do not use a plastic bag that seals tightly. This can trap any tiny moisture or smells. Use a cotton mat bag or a storage bag made of fabric. This protects from dust but lets air move.
Pick the Perfect Spot: Find a place that is very stable. Not too hot, not too cold. No sunlight. No dampness. A cupboard inside your house is better than a shed or garage if those places get hot, cold, or wet.
Avoid Pests: Make sure the storage spot is safe from bugs or mice. Some mats, especially those made of natural materials, could be interesting to pests.
Raise it Up: If storing on the floor, put the mat roll on a shelf or a block of wood. Do not let it sit right on the floor for months. This stops any dampness from the floor getting into the mat.
Check on It: Even in long term storage, check your mat every few months. Take it out of the bag. Unroll it slightly. Let it air out for an hour in a safe spot (no sun). Check for any smells, spots, or changes. Then roll it up and put it back.

These steps for storing yoga mat long term help keep it in good shape until you are ready to use it again. They prevent yoga mat damage and avoiding yoga mat smell storage over time.

Avoiding Yoga Mat Smell Storage

Smell is a common problem with yoga mats. It comes from sweat, dirt, and bacteria. If you put a mat away when it is not clean or dry, the smell gets worse. It gets trapped in the mat.

Here’s how to stop your mat from smelling bad in storage:

Clean Often: Wipe down your mat after every few uses, or at least once a week if you use it a lot.
Dry Completely: This is key. Make sure your mat is totally dry before rolling or storing. Hang it up for hours if needed.
Proper Cleaning Mix: Use a cleaning mix that kills bacteria. Vinegar is good for this. Store-bought mat cleaners usually help.
Let it Breathe: Don’t keep your mat trapped in a tight, non-breathable bag all the time, unless it’s a breathable fabric bag for long term storage. When you are using it often, store it where air can move around it, like rolled in a corner or on a rack.
Wash Your Feet and Hands: Clean hands and feet mean less dirt and oil on your mat.
Deep Clean: Sometimes, a simple wipe is not enough. Some mats can be gently washed (check maker’s instructions!). A deeper clean removes smells trapped inside the mat material.
Baking Soda: For a bad smell, you can sprinkle baking soda on your dry mat. Let it sit for many hours or overnight. Then brush or vacuum it off. This helps pull out smells.

Avoiding yoga mat smell storage is mainly about cleanliness and dryness. Store your mat clean and dry in a place with good air flow.

Prevent Yoga Mat Damage Through Storage

Bad storage is a main cause of yoga mat damage. Common damage includes:

Creases and Cracks: Folding or squashing can make creases that turn into cracks. Rolling improperly can cause bumps.
Tears: Weak spots from creases or damage can tear easily. Sharp things can poke holes.
Sticky Surface: Improper cleaning or storing in heat can make the mat sticky.
Material Breaking Down: Sun, heat, and improper cleaning products can make the mat material wear out faster.
Mold/Mildew: Wet storage leads to mold, which ruins the mat and is bad for your health.

How proper storage helps prevent yoga mat damage:

Rolling: Keeps the mat’s shape, prevents creases (if rolled correctly).
Hanging: Keeps the mat flat, prevents creases and bumps, allows air flow.
Clean & Dry: Stops mold/mildew and bacteria that break down the material.
Right Location: Avoids sun, heat, cold, and dampness that hurt the material.
Using a Bag: Protects from dirt and sharp things.
Avoiding Weight: Stops the mat from being squashed or bent.

Good storage is a vital part of prevent yoga mat damage. It makes your mat last longer and stay safe to use.

Summary of Storage Options

Here is a quick look at different yoga mat storage ideas and how they work:

Storage Method	How It Works	Pros	Cons	Best For
Rolling	Mat is rolled up into a cylinder.	Keeps mat shape, prevents creases (usually), easy to carry.	Can cause bumps if not rolled well, takes up floor space if standing.	Most mat types, daily use, travel.
Folding	Mat is folded into squares or rectangles.	Saves space, easy to put in drawers or bags.	Causes creases in many mat types, can lead to tears over time.	Thin travel mats, short-term storage.
Hanging (Hooks/Bar)	Mat hangs from one end or is draped over a bar.	Keeps mat flat, good air flow, prevents creases, saves floor space.	Needs wall space, can pinch mat if hooks are bad, needs hardware.	Any mat type (if hung properly), saves space.
Yoga Mat Rack	Special furniture or wall unit holds rolled mats.	Neat and tidy, dedicated spot, can hold many mats, looks good.	Costs money, takes up space (floor or wall), needs installation (wall).	Homes, studios, people with multiple mats.
Simple Corner/Closet	Rolled mat stands in a safe spot.	Easy, no cost, simple.	Can get dusty, might fall over, could be forgotten.	Any mat type, temporary storage, small spaces.

Choosing the best way to store yoga mat for you means thinking about these things.

Simple Yoga Mat Storage Ideas Revisited

Let’s list out some easy ideas you can use right now. These are simple ways to store your mat without buying special things.

Roll it tight, put the strap on, stand it in a corner.
Roll it tight, put the strap on, slide it under your bed.
Roll it tight, put it in a mat bag, stand it in your closet.
Drape it over a sturdy chair back (only for drying, not long-term storage usually).
Hang it from a coat hook (if the mat strap can handle it).
Rest a rolled mat on top of a tall bookshelf or cabinet.
Use two simple hooks on the wall to hang a rolled mat. A yoga mat wall mount is just a fancier version of this.
Get a tall, simple bin from a home store. Stand your rolled mat inside.

These ideas are low-cost. They work if you just need a place to keep your mat tidy and safe between uses. Remember the key rules: clean, dry, cool, dry spot, out of sun, protected from damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions people ask about storing yoga mats.

Can I leave my yoga mat rolled up all the time?

Yes, rolling is how most mats are meant to be stored when not in use. It helps the mat keep its shape. Just make sure it is clean and completely dry before you roll it up. Leaving a wet mat rolled up is bad.

Is it okay to fold my yoga mat?

It depends on the mat. Folding can cause creases in many materials, especially PVC or thick mats. These creases might not come out and can damage the mat. Thin travel mats or fabric mats might be okay to fold. Check what the mat maker says.

How should I store my yoga mat to prevent smell?

The most important things are cleaning and drying. Always wipe down your mat after practice. Let it air dry completely before rolling or storing it. Store it in a cool, dry place where air can move. Using a cleaner that kills bacteria also helps.

Where is the worst place to store a yoga mat?

Avoid hot places (like a car trunk or attic), damp places (like a wet basement or shed), and places in direct sunlight (near a window). These conditions can quickly damage your mat and make it smell bad.

Do I need a special yoga mat storage rack?

No, you do not need one. Simple methods like rolling it in a corner, putting it in a closet, or hanging it on hooks work well. A rack is a nice option if you want a very tidy look or have many mats, but it is not required for good storage.

How do I store my mat if I won’t use it for months?

For storing yoga mat long term, clean and dry it extra carefully. Roll it neatly. Put it in a breathable fabric bag. Store it in a stable place that is dark, dry, and has a steady cool temperature. Check on it every few months.

Will hanging yoga mat storage cause it to stretch out?

If you hang a very heavy mat from just one narrow point for a very long time, it could possibly stretch a tiny bit. But for most standard mats and normal hooks or racks, hanging is a safe and recommended storage method. Using a wider bar or two hooks can help distribute the weight.

How do I keep my yoga mat clean storage?

Clean your mat often. Wipe off sweat and dirt after practice. Deep clean it now and then based on how much you use it. Make sure it is fully dry before storing. Store it in a clean place like a closet or on a clean rack. Using a mat bag helps keep dust off.

Last Thoughts on Mat Storage

Your yoga mat is your partner in practice. Treating it well helps you get the most from it. Learning how to store yoga mats the right way is simple. It means taking a few extra minutes to clean and dry it. It means choosing a good spot away from sun, heat, and wetness.

Whether you use simple yoga mat storage ideas like standing it in a corner, or invest in a yoga mat storage rack or yoga mat wall mount, the rules are the same. Keep it clean. Keep it dry. Protect it from harm.

Doing this helps prevent yoga mat damage. It helps with avoiding yoga mat smell storage. It is the best way to store yoga mat for a long and happy life. These simple yoga mat care tips storage will make sure your mat is ready whenever you are.