How to Break In a New Yoga Mat So It Grips Better

By Yoga Accessories | Published: 2026-10-14

Category: How-to Guides

Learn how to break in a new yoga mat so it grips better and stops slipping. Follow these steps to make your mat sticky and safe for practice.

Quick answer

To break in a new yoga mat, first wipe it with a damp cloth and mild soap, then practice on it regularly for 1–2 weeks. If it still feels slippery, try a salt scrub or place it in direct sunlight for a few hours. Most mats become grippy after a few uses as the surface coating wears off.

Why new yoga mats are slippery

New yoga mats often have a manufacturing residue or a slick top layer that makes them feel slippery. This is normal and usually fades with use. The material needs to be broken in so it can absorb moisture and provide traction. PVC, rubber, and TPE mats all have different break-in times, but the process is similar.

Step-by-step: How to break in your mat

Follow these steps in order. Each step includes a common mistake to avoid and a checkpoint to know you're on track.

When to consider a different mat

If you've tried all the steps and your mat still slips after a few weeks, it may be too smooth for your practice style. Consider a mat with a textured surface or a different material. For example, the Fun Yoga Mat For Kids by YOGA Accessories is sized for younger bodies but has the width of a standard adult mat, which can help children feel stable during movement.

Steps to break in a new yoga mat

Clean the mat: Wipe both sides with a damp cloth and a few drops of mild dish soap. Rinse and air dry completely. Mistake: using harsh chemicals or soaking the mat. Checkpoint: mat feels clean, not soapy.
Practice regularly: Use the mat for 15–20 minutes daily for 1–2 weeks. Focus on poses that make you sweat slightly, like downward dog or plank. Mistake: avoiding the mat because it slips. Checkpoint: after a week, you notice less sliding.
Try a salt scrub: Mix 1/4 cup coarse salt with just enough water to make a paste. Rub it into the mat, let sit for 24 hours, then wipe clean. Mistake: scrubbing too hard. Checkpoint: mat feels slightly rougher and more grippy.
Sun and air: Place the mat outside in direct sunlight for 2–3 hours. Fresh air and warmth can help evaporate residual oils. Mistake: leaving it out for days, which can degrade some materials. Checkpoint: mat smells fresh and feels drier.
Use a towel if needed: If your hands still slip, place a absorbent towel over the mat where you need extra grip. Mistake: ignoring the problem and risking injury. Checkpoint: you can hold poses without sliding.

Product facts

Fun Yoga Mat For Kids by YOGA Accessories: Fun Yoga Mat For Kids by YOGA Accessories is specifically sized (60” L x 24” W x 1/4" H) to fit younger bodies comfortably while maintaining the width of a standard adult mat. A properly sized mat reduces slipping because the user can place hands and feet securely without overreaching.
Embroidered Yoga Mat Bag: Embroidered Yoga Mat Bag is 30'' long and 9'' wide, fitting both 1/8'' and 1/4'' sticky yoga mats, plus a strap or water bottle. A well-fitting bag protects your mat from dirt and oils between classes, helping it stay grippy longer.