Why Outdoor Practice Demands a Different Cleaning Routine
Taking your yoga mat outside—whether to a park, beach, or backyard—exposes it to dirt, grass, sand, and moisture. A quick wipe after an indoor session won't cut it when your mat has been on the ground. The good news is that cleaning a travel yoga mat after outdoor use is straightforward if you stick to the right method.
The Trekk travel yoga mats (including the Morrissey, Raliegh, and Diamond models) are designed for portability and durability, but they still need regular care to stay non-slip and bacteria-free. Let's walk through what works and what to avoid.
What the Trekk Travel Mats Offer for Outdoor Use
- Morrissey Trekk Travel Yoga Mat: Made from eco-friendly PVC, free of Phthalate and Latex, with a soft and durable top and a firmer, stickier bottom for grip on any surface. The non-slip bottom helps keep the mat stable on grass or uneven ground, and the PVC construction is moisture-resistant, making it easier to clean after outdoor sessions.
Morrissey Trekk Travel Yoga Mat - Raliegh Trekk Travel Yoga Mat: Measures 24"x72"x5mm and weighs only 2.5lb for easy transport. Anti-tear material allows you to fold the mat in any manner. The lightweight, foldable design is perfect for carrying to outdoor spots, and the anti-tear material means you can scrub or wipe it without worrying about damage.
Raliegh Trekk Travel Yoga Mat - Diamond Trekk Travel Yoga Mat: Printed digitally with eco-friendly UV cure inks. The mat is double-sided with a dark bottom for use anywhere. The dark bottom hides outdoor dirt and grass stains, and the UV-cured inks are less likely to fade or peel during cleaning.
How to Clean Your Travel Yoga Mat After Outdoor Use
Follow these steps each time you practice outdoors to keep your mat fresh and grippy.
- Shake off loose dirt and debris: Before you start cleaning, give the mat a good shake or gently brush off sand, grass, and dust. This prevents scratching the surface when you wipe.
- Prepare a mild soap solution: Mix a small amount of mild soap with lukewarm water. Avoid harsh detergents, bleach, or alcohol-based cleaners, as they can damage the PVC and printed design.
- Wipe the mat with a soft cloth or sponge: Dampen a cloth or sponge with the soap solution and gently wipe the entire surface. For stubborn spots like mud or grass stains, let the solution sit for a minute before wiping.
- Rinse with clean water: Use a separate damp cloth with plain water to remove any soap residue. Soap left on the mat can make it slippery during your next practice.
- Air dry completely before rolling or storing: Lay the mat flat or hang it over a rack to dry. Avoid direct sunlight for extended periods, as UV rays can degrade the material over time. Once dry, fold or roll it up for storage.
How Often Should You Clean After Outdoor Use?
If you practice outdoors regularly—say, a few times a week—a quick wipe-down after each session is enough. For occasional outdoor use, cleaning after every outing is still recommended to prevent dirt from grinding into the surface. The Trekk mats are moisture-resistant and don't absorb germs, so a simple wash keeps them hygienic.
For deeper cleaning, you can occasionally wash the mat with mild soap and water as described above. The catalog notes that the mat is easy to maintain and bacteria-free with regular care.
What to Avoid When Cleaning
To keep your travel yoga mat in good shape, avoid these common mistakes:
• Do not use bleach, ammonia, or abrasive cleaners—they can break down the PVC and cause the mat to become slippery or sticky.
• Do not machine wash or dry the mat. The heat and agitation can warp the material and damage the anti-tear properties.
• Do not soak the mat in water for long periods. While it's moisture-resistant, prolonged soaking can affect the adhesive layers and printed design.
• Do not store the mat while it's still damp. Moisture trapped inside can lead to mold or mildew, which is hard to remove from a closed-cell mat.
Maintaining Non-Slip Performance After Cleaning
The Trekk travel mats have a textured top and bottom for extra grip. After cleaning, the texture should remain intact if you use a gentle touch. If you notice the mat feeling slippery after a wash, it could be due to soap residue. Rinse thoroughly and let it dry completely before your next practice.
The mats are designed to be non-slip on various surfaces, including outdoor terrain. Regular cleaning with mild soap and water helps maintain that grip without needing special products.
