How to Care for Your VIVA Yoga Mat

VIVA Yoga Mat Care Guide

• Protect from Oils and Stains
  Your mat’s finely textured surface is designed to grip, but it can also absorb oils from skin and products. Practice on clean, dry feet and hands, and avoid contact with oily substances.
• Shade and Shelter
  Crafted from natural rubber, your mat thrives in cool, dry conditions. 
  Please shield it from extended sun exposure and rain, which may accelerate wear.
• Roll Gently and Correctly
  This is essential:
     - Always roll your mat with the PU surface facing out.
     - Never reverse-roll (with rubber out), as this may cause creasing, delamination, or cracking.
  The layers are thermally bonded with no glue used, so proper rolling preserves its structure. 
  Minor edge splits may occur naturally; please do not pull them. They will not spread with normal use.
• Gentle Cleaning
  Avoid cleansers with tea tree or other essential oils.
  Instead:
     - Lightly dampen a cloth with water and a drop of mild dish soap (diluted).
     - Wring well and wipe gently.
     - Follow with a clean damp cloth, then air-dry flat in shade.
  Never soak the mat or allow water to pool.
• Dry Fully After Use
  After each practice or cleaning, allow the mat to dry completely flat, PU side up, in a shaded and well-ventilated space.
• A Note on Scent
  A subtle natural rubber scent is normal at first and will fade with time. 
  We avoid masking it with synthetic perfumes for your health and our planet. 
  Those sensitive to scent may air the mat in a ventilated area for a few days.
• Keep Away from Heat
  In cooler weather, avoid placing your mat near radiators, heated floors, or stoves. 
  Excess heat can affect the material’s properties and longevity.
• Color Care
  We forego aldehyde-based dyes to prioritize your well-being and the environment. 
  Some color transfer may occur initially, so we recommend wearing darker activewear during early uses.

Hug Dry Yoga Mat Care Guide

5 mm Mat (Machine Wash Prohibited)

• Everyday Refresh
  After each practice, lightly mist the surface with yoga mat spray or clean water.
  Wipe with a soft, clean cloth.
  For sweat-heavy sessions, use a soft damp towel with a few drops of diluted, mild, pH-neutral soap.
  Follow with a cloth dampened in clean water to remove residue. Air-dry flat in the shade.
• Deeper Clean (Wipe-Only Method)
  Lightly dampen a cloth with water and 1–2 drops of mild dish soap (diluted).
  Wring well and wipe gently in one direction — avoid scrubbing.
  Wipe again with a clean, damp cloth to rinse.
  Lay flat to dry, out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources.
• Stains & Odor
  Spot-treat with the diluted-soap cloth, rinse-wipe, and air-dry.
  For odor, wipe with water and a splash of white vinegar (about 1:10 vinegar to water), then rinse-wipe.
• Storage
  Ensure the mat is completely dry before storing.
  Roll loosely, surface side out, and keep in a cool, shaded place.
• Do Not
  Machine wash, spin, wring, or tumble-dry.
  Soak or submerge in water.
  Use bleach, fabric softeners, essential-oil concentrates, alcohol, or solvents.
  Expose to prolonged sunlight or sharp objects.

1.5 mm Mat (Hand-Wash or Occasional Machine Wash)

• Everyday Refresh
  Follow the same steps as the 5 mm mat: mist, wipe with a clean cloth, and for sweat build-up, use a soft damp towel with diluted mild soap, then rinse-wipe. Air-dry flat in the shade.
• Hand-Wash (Preferred for Routine Deep Cleans)
  Fill a tub or sink with cold water and add a small amount of mild, pH-neutral soap.
  Submerge briefly and gently agitate by hand without twisting.
  Rinse with clean cold water until no suds remain.
  Press water out with a towel (do not wring).
  Hang or lay flat to air-dry in the shade.
• Machine-Wash (Infrequent, Only When Needed)
  Frequency: no more than once every 3 months.
  Cycle: delicate/light, cold water only, spin-dry OFF.
  Setup: use a front-loading washer, and place the mat alone in the drum or a large laundry bag.
  Detergent: a small dose of mild, pH-neutral detergent.
  After wash: remove promptly, press with a towel to absorb excess water, then air-dry flat or hang in shade until fully dry.
• Do Not
  Use hot water, bleach, fabric softener, stain removers, essential oils, alcohol, or solvents.
  Dry with heaters, radiators, or direct sunlight.
  Place near sharp or hard objects.

Pro Tips

• Residue can reduce grip. Always finish with a clean-water wipe before drying.
• Let your mat dry fully before rolling.
• Roll surface side out to prevent edge curling.
• Store in a cool, dry, shaded area for best longevity.

The Real Effect Is You