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Grasping Why Your New Manduka Mat Feels Slick
Have you just unrolled a new Manduka yoga mat and wondered, “Why is my Manduka mat so slippery?” Or maybe you’re asking, “How do I get my Manduka mat ready to use?” It’s a common question! Many people find their new Manduka PRO or PROlite mats feel quite slippery at first. This is because of a thin protective layer, often called a factory coating, left over from how the mat is made. Think of it like a fresh finish on furniture; it needs to be broken in before you get the best feel and grip. The good news is, this slipperiness is temporary. Breaking in your Manduka mat is a simple process that makes the mat non-slip and ready for your practice. This guide will show you the best way to do it, step by step.
Fathoming the Manduka Break-In Journey
Manduka mats, especially the PRO series, are known for lasting a very long time. They are built tough. Part of this strength comes from the material and how it’s processed. This gives the mat a closed-cell surface. This surface is great because it doesn’t soak up sweat and germs easily. It makes the mat hygienic and easy to clean.
But this same smooth, closed surface starts with that slight factory coating. This coating is what makes a new Manduka mat feel slippery. It’s not a fault; it’s just part of the mat’s birth. To get the mat to its perfect, grippy state, you need to remove this layer. This process is called breaking in the mat.
Breaking in helps improve yoga mat grip significantly. It changes the surface just enough to give you the hold you need for poses, even when you sweat. Without breaking it in, your hands and feet might slide, which isn’t safe or fun during practice.
The Number One Way: The Salt Scrub Method
The most popular and effective way to break in a Manduka PRO or PROlite mat quickly is the salt scrub method. This method helps remove the factory coating yoga mat makers use. It’s simple and uses things you likely have at home.
What You Need for the Salt Scrub
Gather these items before you start:
- Your new Manduka mat (PRO or PROlite).
- Coarse sea salt. Avoid fine table salt; the larger grains work better. About half a cup to a full cup should be plenty for a standard mat.
- A spray bottle filled with water.
- A stiff brush or a firm sponge (like a kitchen scrub sponge, but a new, clean one).
- A place to work, like a bathtub, shower floor, or outside area where you can make a little mess and get the mat wet.
Step-by-Step Salt Scrub Instructions
Follow these steps carefully for the best results:
- Lay Out Your Mat: Place your Manduka mat flat on the floor with the top side (the side you practice on) facing up.
- Wet the Surface: Lightly spray the entire top surface of the mat with water. You don’t need to soak it, just make it damp.
- Apply the Salt: Sprinkle the coarse sea salt generously over the entire damp surface of the mat. Make sure the salt covers the whole area evenly.
- Let It Sit: This is important. Let the salt sit on the mat for at least 12 to 24 hours. During this time, the salt begins to work on the factory coating. It starts to break it down and absorb some of the slickness. Do not rush this step.
- Scrub the Mat: After the sitting time, use your stiff brush or firm sponge. Gently but firmly scrub the salt into the mat’s surface. Use small, circular motions. Work your way across the entire mat. Focus on areas where you typically place your hands and feet. The salt acts as a natural abrasive to help lift the coating. You will see the salt crystals become smaller as you scrub.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Once you’ve scrubbed the whole mat, it’s time to rinse off all the salt. The easiest way is to use a shower head or hose to wash away the salt and any residue. Make sure you get all the salt off. Leftover salt can feel gritty and also might not be great for the mat long term.
- Dry the Mat: This is a critical step to prevent damage and smells.
- Hang your mat up to dry. A shower rod, a clothesline, or over a fence works well.
- Make sure air can circulate around both sides of the mat.
- Do NOT put your mat in a clothes dryer.
- Do NOT leave it in direct sunlight for long periods, as this can damage the material.
- Let it dry completely. This can take 24 hours or more, depending on the humidity.
Why the Salt Scrub Works
The salt scrub method is effective because:
- The coarse salt crystals provide a gentle abrasive action that helps wear down the initial factory coating.
- Salt also absorbs moisture and oil, further helping to remove the slick residue.
- Letting the salt sit allows it time to interact with the coating before you even start scrubbing.
Completing the salt scrub is a major step to make yoga mat non-slip. Many people find their mat is much better after just one scrub.
The Natural Way: Practicing on Your Mat
Besides the salt scrub yoga mat technique, the most natural way to break in your Manduka mat is simply by using it. Every time you practice, your hands and feet move on the surface. Your sweat and the mat’s surface interact. This friction and interaction slowly wear down the factory coating and improve yoga mat grip over time.
How Practice Helps Break In the Mat
- Friction: Poses that involve pressing your hands and feet into the mat create friction. This helps wear away the slippery layer.
- Sweat and Oils: Your body’s natural moisture and oils also interact with the surface. Over time, this helps break down the initial finish.
- Compression: Standing and holding poses compress the mat’s cells slightly, which can also contribute to breaking it in.
How Long Does the Practice Method Take?
This method takes much longer than the salt scrub. For some people, it might take weeks or even months of regular practice (2-3 times per week) before the mat feels fully broken in. The Manduka PRO break in period can be longer due to its thickness and dense surface. The Manduka PROlite break in might be a bit faster because it’s thinner, but it still takes time.
If you choose this method, be patient. Your slippery Manduka mat will get better with each session. Using a yoga towel can help manage the slipperiness during this break-in period.
Dealing with a Slippery Mat While Breaking It In
It can be frustrating to practice on a mat that feels slick. Here are ways to manage a slippery Manduka mat while you are in the process of breaking it in:
Use a Yoga Towel
This is one of the best solutions. A yoga towel is a thin, absorbent towel made from materials like microfiber or cotton. You lay it on top of your mat.
- How it Helps: The towel absorbs sweat, and many are designed to become grippier when wet. This gives your hands and feet a stable surface to grip onto, even if the mat underneath is still slick.
- Types of Towels: Look for towels specifically designed for yoga. Some have silicone dots on the back to help them stay in place on the mat.
- When to Use It: Use it during any practice, especially if you tend to sweat a lot or if you are doing poses where grip is very important (like downward dog).
Adjust Your Practice
While your mat is breaking in, you might need to make small adjustments:
- Focus on engaging muscles: Really activate your hands and feet. Spread your fingers and toes wide, press down firmly. This can help create more natural grip.
- Be mindful of weight distribution: Pay extra attention to how you are distributing your weight in poses. Adjusting slightly can help prevent sliding.
- Go slower: Don’t rush through transitions. Move mindfully and focus on finding stability in each pose.
Using a towel and adjusting your practice can make the break-in period much more pleasant and safe.
Keeping Your Grip: Maintaining a Broken-In Mat
Once your Manduka mat is broken in and feels grippy, proper care is key to keeping it that way. Routine cleaning and care help maintain its non-slip surface and extend its life.
The Right Way to Clean Your Manduka Mat
Knowing how to clean Manduka mat properly is vital. Because Manduka PRO and PROlite mats have a closed-cell surface, they don’t soak up moisture like open-cell mats. This is great for hygiene, but it means you don’t need to deep soak or use harsh chemicals.
- Frequency: Clean your mat regularly, especially if you practice often or sweat a lot. Cleaning after every few practices is a good rule of thumb.
- What to Use:
- Manduka Mat Wash: Manduka makes specific cleaning sprays designed for their mats. These are a safe and effective option.
- DIY Solution: You can make your own cleaning spray. Mix distilled water with a small amount of white vinegar (about a 1:4 ratio of vinegar to water). Vinegar helps clean and disinfect without damaging the mat.
- What NOT to Use: Avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, or too much soap. These can damage the mat’s surface or leave a slippery residue. Also, do not use essential oils directly on the mat as they can break down the material over time. If using a DIY spray with essential oils, use only a few drops in a large amount of water and test in a small area first.
Step-by-Step Cleaning
- Spray: Lightly mist the top surface of your mat with your cleaning solution. Don’t soak it.
- Wipe: Use a clean, damp cloth (microfiber works well) to wipe down the entire surface. Rub gently to clean away dirt, sweat, and oils.
- Rinse (Optional): If you used slightly more spray or feel there might be residue, you can wipe the mat again with a cloth dampened only with clean water.
- Dry: This is very important. Hang your mat or lay it flat to air dry completely before rolling it up or using it again. Rolling up a damp mat can trap moisture and lead to smells.
Conditioning Manduka Mats?
You might see information about conditioning yoga mats. However, for Manduka PRO and PROlite mats (which are closed-cell), you don’t need to “condition” them in the way you would condition an open-cell mat that dries out. The closed-cell material doesn’t absorb moisture deeply. The focus for Manduka care is cleaning the surface. So, when you see “condition Manduka mat” discussed, it usually refers to keeping the surface clean and free of residue, rather than adding moisture or pliability.
Complete Manduka Mat Care Instructions
Taking good care of your Manduka mat ensures it stays grippy, clean, and lasts a long time.
Daily / After Practice Care
- Wipe down with a damp cloth to remove sweat, especially after a hot or sweaty class.
- Allow the mat to air out completely before rolling it up.
Regular Cleaning (Weekly or Bi-Weekly, depending on use)
- Use Manduka mat wash or a diluted vinegar solution.
- Lightly spray and wipe clean with a damp cloth.
- Rinse cloth and wipe again if needed.
- Air dry completely, hanging the mat is best.
Deep Cleaning (Less Frequent)
If your mat feels like it needs a deeper clean, you can use the spray and wipe method but perhaps scrub a bit more firmly with a non-abrasive sponge. Remember the closed-cell nature; water won’t penetrate deeply, so deep soaking is unnecessary and can make drying take too long.
Storage Tips
- Store your mat rolled up with the top surface (the practice side) facing outwards. This helps the corners lay flat when you unroll it.
- Keep the mat out of direct sunlight, as UV rays can degrade the material over time.
- Store it in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing it in a hot car or damp environments.
- If you use a mat strap or bag, make sure the mat is completely dry before storing it.
Following these Manduka mat care instructions will help maintain the grip and lifespan of your mat.
Summarizing Manduka Mat Break-In & Care
Here is a quick overview of the main points for breaking in and caring for your Manduka mat:
| Step | Method | Purpose | Key Action | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Break-In | Salt Scrub | Remove factory coating | Apply coarse salt, let sit 12-24 hrs, scrub, rinse | Once (or maybe twice if needed) |
| Practice | Naturally wear down coating | Use the mat regularly | Ongoing | |
| Managing Slickness | Use Towel | Improve grip during break-in | Lay towel on mat during practice | As needed |
| Adjust Practice | Improve grip during break-in | Engage muscles, focus on weight | During practice | |
| Ongoing Care | Regular Cleaning | Remove sweat, dirt, oils | Spray with cleaner, wipe, air dry | After few uses |
| Proper Storage | Protect mat, maintain shape | Roll practice side out, keep out of sun/heat | Always | |
| “Conditioning” (Cleaning) | Keep surface clean, maintain grip | Focus on surface cleaning, not deep moisture | Part of cleaning |
Troubleshooting: My Mat is STILL Slippery!
You’ve done the salt scrub, you’ve practiced on it, you’ve cleaned it, but your Manduka mat still feels too slippery. What else can you try?
- Repeat the Salt Scrub: Sometimes, a very stubborn factory coating might need a second salt scrub treatment. Make sure you used coarse salt and let it sit for the full 12-24 hours the first time.
- Check Your Cleaning Method: Are you using too much cleaner or soap? Is your cleaner leaving a residue? Try cleaning only with plain water and a damp cloth for a few practices to see if the residue is the issue. Then switch to a very diluted vinegar solution.
- Ensure Full Drying: Is your mat completely dry before you use it or roll it up? A slightly damp mat can feel slippery. Always allow ample drying time.
- Consider Your Environment: High humidity can sometimes affect mat grip. Using a towel is the best solution in humid conditions.
- Give It More Time: Even after a salt scrub, Manduka mats often improve further with continued use. Keep practicing, and it might just need a bit more natural wear.
- Body Chemistry: Some people’s body chemistry (how much they sweat, the oils in their skin) can interact differently with mat materials. Using a towel is often the most reliable solution for those with very sweaty hands or feet, regardless of the mat’s break-in state.
Comparing Manduka PRO vs. PROlite Break-In
Both the Manduka PRO and the Manduka PROlite are made from the same closed-cell material. Therefore, the break-in process, including the salt scrub yoga mat method, works for both.
- Manduka PRO: This is the thicker, heavier mat. Its density means the factory coating might feel more pronounced initially, and the Manduka PRO break in period (especially using just practice) might take slightly longer simply due to its robustness.
- Manduka PROlite: This mat is thinner and lighter. The surface material is the same, so the process to improve yoga mat grip is identical. The PROlite break in might feel marginally faster for some people due to the mat’s overall flexibility, but the principles are the same.
Regardless of which model you have, the salt scrub is the recommended way to remove the factory coating yoga mat comes with and speed up the break-in.
Why the Effort is Worth It: Advantages of a Broken-In Manduka Mat
Going through the break-in process might seem like extra work compared to mats that are grippy right away. However, the payoff for breaking in a Manduka mat is significant:
- Incredible Durability: Manduka PRO mats are legendary for lasting a lifetime (literally, they have a lifetime guarantee). PROlite mats are also extremely durable. The break-in process doesn’t harm this; it prepares the surface for use.
- Consistent Grip: Once broken in, the grip is reliable and consistent, even in sweaty conditions (especially with a towel). This allows you to feel secure in your poses.
- Stability and Support: The dense material provides excellent support and stability, protecting your joints. A properly broken-in surface lets you root down effectively into this supportive base.
- Hygienic Surface: The closed-cell structure means sweat and bacteria stay on the surface, where they can be easily wiped away. This makes cleaning simple and keeps your mat fresh.
- Environmental Consideration: Because these mats last so long, you’re not replacing them frequently, which is better for the environment.
The initial slippery Manduka mat experience is just a phase. Once you remove factory coating yoga mat performance improves dramatically, you’ll have a reliable partner for your practice for years to come.
Wrapping Up: Achieving Your Manduka Mat’s Potential
Breaking in your Manduka mat is a rite of passage for many yogis. It’s the step that turns a new, stiff, potentially slippery surface into a reliable foundation for your practice. Whether you use the effective salt scrub yoga mat method or choose to let time and practice do the work (perhaps with the help of a yoga towel), patience is key.
Remember that knowing how to clean Manduka mat and following proper Manduka mat care instructions are just as important as the break-in. Regular cleaning keeps the surface free of oils and dirt that can reduce grip. While you don’t typically “condition Manduka mat” like other mats, keeping the surface clean is its own form of care.
Your Manduka PRO or PROlite break in journey leads to a mat that offers unparalleled durability and a consistent, supportive grip. Put in the initial effort to remove factory coating yoga mat manufacturers apply, care for it well, and your Manduka mat will support your yoga journey for decades.
Frequently Asked Questions
h4: Do I have to do the salt scrub?
No, you don’t have to. You can choose to break in your mat simply by practicing on it regularly. However, the salt scrub method is highly recommended because it removes the initial factory coating much faster than practice alone. If you skip the salt scrub, expect your mat to feel slippery for a longer time.
h4: Can I use any kind of salt for the salt scrub?
It’s best to use coarse sea salt or rock salt. The larger crystals provide the necessary gentle abrasion to help remove the factory coating. Fine table salt isn’t as effective.
h4: How long does it take for a Manduka mat to become non-slip?
Using the salt scrub method, your mat should feel significantly less slippery after one full treatment (including the 12-24 hour rest time and drying). It might still improve a little over the next few practices, but the main slipperiness should be gone. If you only use the practice method, it could take weeks or months of regular use.
h4: Can I use essential oils on my Manduka mat?
It’s generally not recommended to use essential oils directly or in high concentrations on Manduka PRO/PROlite mats. Some oils can break down the mat’s material over time. If you want a scented cleaner, use a mat wash specifically designed for closed-cell mats or add only a very small amount of essential oil (like tea tree or lavender for scent/cleaning properties) to a large amount of water in a DIY spray, and always test it in a small, hidden area first. Focus on cleaning agents like vinegar or witch hazel instead of oils for function.
h4: My mat feels less grippy over time, even after breaking it in. Why?
This is often due to residue buildup – either from sweat, body oils, dirt, or even residue from cleaning products if not wiped away thoroughly. Regular cleaning is key. Make sure you are wiping down your mat properly and allowing it to dry fully.
h4: Is the break-in process different for Manduka PRO and PROlite?
The material is the same, so the process is the same. The salt scrub works for both. The PROlite might feel broken in slightly faster just because it’s thinner, but both require removing that initial coating for optimal grip.
h4: How often should I clean my Manduka mat?
It depends on how often you practice and how much you sweat. If you practice daily or have sweaty practices, cleaning it after every few uses (2-3 times a week) is a good idea. If you practice less often or don’t sweat much, cleaning it weekly or bi-weekly might be sufficient. Always wipe it down with a damp cloth after a particularly sweaty session.