How to Clean Yoga Blocks and Props (Without Ruining Them)
By Yoga Accessories | Published: 2026-09-15
Category: Tips & Care
A practical, prop-by-prop routine for cleaning yoga blocks, straps, bolsters, and towels so they stay grippy, fresh, and ready for your next class.
Quick answer
Clean foam and cork yoga blocks with a damp cloth, mild soap, and warm water, then air-dry them fully before stacking. Wipe straps and mats with the same diluted soap solution or a plant-based mat cleaner, and wash fabric props like towels and eye pillows according to their care labels. Disinfect blocks only when needed, using a spray that is safe for the material, because harsh chemicals can break down foam and leave slippery residue.
Yoga blocks and props pick up sweat, skin oils, and dust every time you practice, and that buildup can make them slick, smelly, or less stable under your hands. A simple weekly wipe-down keeps them hygienic without wearing out the surfaces you rely on for grip.
The right method depends on the material. Foam, cork, cotton, and fabric props each respond differently to water, soap, and disinfectants, so the routine below walks through what to use, what to avoid, and how to dry everything so it lasts.
Gather the right supplies before you start
You do not need a cabinet full of specialty products to clean yoga props. A spray bottle with warm water, a few drops of mild dish soap or castile soap, and two microfiber cloths will handle most blocks, straps, and mat surfaces. Keep a separate cloth for drying so you are not spreading moisture back onto the prop.
For routine refreshing, a plant-based cleaner like EverOM 4oz Yoga Mat Cleaner is formulated to refresh mats and accessories while preserving grip and mat life. It is a convenient option when you want a quick spray-and-wipe between deeper cleanings. Avoid abrasive scrubbing pads, bleach on foam, and oil-based polishes, which can leave residue that makes blocks slippery.

- Use two cloths: one damp for cleaning, one dry for buffing.
- Mix soap and water in a spray bottle for even coverage.
- Test any new cleaner on a small corner of the prop first.
Match your cleaning method to the prop material
Foam blocks are porous and can trap moisture, so they need a gentle wipe rather than a soak. Cork blocks are more forgiving but still benefit from minimal water and thorough drying. Cotton straps and fabric props like eye pillows and towels can usually be hand- or machine-washed, but check the label because fillings such as flax seed or buckwheat should not get soaked.
If you are unsure about a prop's material, choose the gentlest option: a barely damp cloth with plain water. You can always repeat a gentle clean, but you cannot undo water damage or chemical breakdown in foam.
- Foam: wipe, do not soak.
- Cork: wipe and dry immediately.
- Cotton and fabric: follow the care label.
- Eye pillows with flax or grain filling: spot clean only.
Step-by-step: clean your yoga blocks and props
- Clear and sort your props: Remove blocks, straps, bolsters, towels, and eye pillows from your bag or shelf. Sort them by material so you do not accidentally soak a foam block or a flax-filled eye pillow. Checkpoint: if you are unsure what a prop is made of, treat it as delicate and use only a damp cloth.
- Mix a gentle cleaning solution: Fill a spray bottle with warm water and add a few drops of mild soap, or use a plant-based cleaner such as EverOM 4oz Yoga Mat Cleaner. Shake gently to combine. Common mistake: using too much soap. Excess suds leave residue that makes blocks and straps slippery.
- Wipe hard props first: Spray a microfiber cloth, not the prop directly, and wipe foam or cork blocks on all sides. For textured surfaces, use a soft brush to lift dust from crevices. Checkpoint: the cloth should be damp, not dripping. Foam blocks should never feel wet to the touch.
- Hand-wash cotton straps and fabric props: For cotton straps like the 6' Pinch Buckle Cotton Yoga Strap, hand-wash in cool water with mild soap, then rinse thoroughly. For eye pillows, spot clean the cover only and avoid soaking the flax filling. Common mistake: machine-washing a strap with a metal or plastic buckle on a hot cycle, which can warp the hardware.
- Disinfect only when necessary: If a prop was shared or you are recovering from illness, use a disinfecting spray that is labeled safe for the material, or wipe with a diluted vinegar solution and then wipe again with plain water. Checkpoint: never use bleach on foam blocks. It breaks down the material and leaves a slippery surface.
- Rinse and remove all residue: Wipe every cleaned surface with a clean, damp cloth to remove soap or cleaner residue. This step is easy to skip but it is what keeps grip intact. Common mistake: letting soapy water air-dry on the prop, which leaves a film that attracts dust.
- Air-dry completely before storing: Lay blocks and straps flat or hang them in a well-ventilated area away from direct sun. Foam blocks can take several hours to dry inside; cork dries faster but still needs airflow. Checkpoint: if the prop feels cool or damp to the touch, it is not dry. Storing it damp invites mildew.
Props that are easy to keep clean
- 6'' Original SUPERBLOCK: This foam block stands over 13 inches tall and is designed to raise the floor for forward bends, back bends, balance, and seated positions. Its large foam surface wipes down quickly with a damp cloth, but the size means you should dry it fully on all sides before stacking it with other props.
- 6' Pinch Buckle Cotton Yoga Strap: The cotton strap is thick and textured so it will not slip out of sweaty hands, and the pinch buckle is fully adjustable with one hand. Cotton straps can be hand-washed with mild soap and air-dried, which removes sweat and keeps the texture grippy without damaging the buckle.
- Small Cotton Eye Pillow - Lavender Scented: This eye pillow is 100% cotton and filled with organic flax seeds, lightly scented with lavender. Because the filling is flax seed, it should not be submerged in water. Spot clean the cotton cover and air it out between uses to preserve the lavender scent and the filling.
- EverOM 4oz Yoga Mat Cleaner: This plant-based citrus mist is designed to refresh mats and accessories while preserving grip and mat life, and it is safe for your mat and easy on the planet. It is a practical choice for a quick daily wipe-down of blocks, straps, and mats when you do not want to mix your own soap solution.
Cleaning yoga blocks and props is mostly about consistency and material awareness. A weekly wipe-down with mild soap or a plant-based cleaner, careful handling of fabric and filled props, and thorough drying will keep your gear grippy, fresh, and ready for practice. When in doubt, choose the gentlest method and let everything air-dry completely before it goes back on the shelf.