How to Care for your Exercise Mat

Keep your exercise mat in good shape with these easy tips.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• solid foam exercise mat
• sponge
• baking soda
• warm soapy water (if not using baking soda)
• rubber gloves (optional)

1. To keep your mat clean, never wear the same shoes you wear outside while exercising. You can pick up all kinds of bacteria and viruses on the soles which can transfer to the mat, which could easily make you sick.

2. To wash down your mat, use either warm soapy water or water and a mild solution of baking soda. Let the mat dry thoroughly before rolling it up to prevent mold or mildew. Unless you perspire a lot or carry it places where you suspect there are germs, you shouldn't have to clean it very often.

3. To prevent the mat from curling, change the direction in which you roll it up after use. Roll it up from the end where you rolled it out. Alternating the direction every time will keep the mat from developing a curl at the end.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep your mat out of sunlight when not in use.
• Make certain that you keep it in a place where it will not be damaged by something cutting or poking a hole in it.
• Given the proper care, your exercise mat should last a long time.