You've unpacked your new GLUE™ yoga mat, eagerly started your first yoga session – and suddenly you realize: the mat is more slippery than expected. This is a common phenomenon, especially with PVC yoga mats, and often surprises many yoga practitioners at first. But don't worry – it doesn't mean the mat is bad!
The initial slipperiness is due to a thin protective film that forms during production. This film ensures that the mat remains supple and doesn't stick to the machines. The good news is: this film disappears with use or can be easily removed!
This article explains why your new yoga mat might be slippery, offers simple methods to make it non-slip, and explains why you don't need to worry about cleaning it. With a few easy tricks, you'll soon have the perfect grip for your yoga practice!
Why is my new yoga mat slippery?
If your GLUE™ yoga mat is slippery, this is due to a natural production film that forms during manufacturing. This is completely normal and not a sign of poor quality.
The most important thing first:
- The film is harmless and occurs with many new PVC mats.
- With regular use, the mat will naturally become grippier – but there are tricks to speed up the process.
- No need to worry about cleaning! The closed-cell structure of the mat prevents moisture or bacteria from penetrating the material.
5 easy ways to make your GLUE™ yoga mat non-slip
With these tricks you can quickly remove the protective layer and perfectly prepare your GLUE™ yoga mat for your practice.
1. Salt solution – The gentle method for more grip
Why?
A mixture of salt and water acts as a natural cleaning agent that removes the slippery film.
Here's how:
- Mix 1 liter of lukewarm water with 2-3 tablespoons of salt.
- Dip a soft cloth or sponge into the solution.
- Wipe the mat thoroughly and let it air dry.
💡 Extra tip: If you want a more intensive cleaning, you can lightly rub the mat with a damp microfiber cloth.
2. The Coarse Salt Method – Natural Deep Cleaning
Why?
Coarse salt acts like a gentle exfoliant, rubbing away the protective layer.
Here's how:
- Sprinkle coarse sea salt evenly onto the mat.
- Gently rub it in with a damp cloth or your hands.
- Leave it on for 12-24 hours.
- Wipe the mat with clean water and let it dry thoroughly.
💡 When to use? This method is particularly suitable if you want to thoroughly work your mat in.
3. Clean with vinegar water – The natural grease remover
Why?
Vinegar removes excess oils and helps to make the surface of the mat more grippy.
Here's how:
- Mix 1 part apple cider vinegar with 3 parts water.
- Wipe the mat with a cloth.
- Let them dry thoroughly in the air.
💡 Caution: Do not use pure vinegar, as it may be too aggressive for the material.
4. Break it in – Grip improves with use.
Why?
With regular use, the protective film wears off by itself.
Here's how:
- Practice on your mat as often as possible – especially barefoot.
- Focus on pressure poses like downward-facing dog.
- Vary between dry and slightly damp hands to wear off the film faster.
💡 Result: After one to two weeks of regular use, the protective layer is usually gone.
5. Use a yoga towel for extra support.
Why?
If your hands sweat a lot, a non-slip yoga towel will immediately provide better grip.
Here's how:
- Place a yoga towel with anti-slip nubs on your mat.
- Especially suitable for sweat-inducing yoga styles such as Vinyasa or Hot Yoga.
💡 Alternative: A microfiber towel can also help if you don't have a special yoga towel.
How long does it take for my yoga mat to become non-slip?
This depends on various factors:
- Using the methods mentioned above, you can improve grip immediately or within a few days.
- Without treatment, it usually takes one to two weeks of regular use for the film to wear off.
- Intensive practice accelerates the process – the more pressure movements, the faster the mat becomes grippy.
💡 Tip: Combine several methods to achieve the best results!
GLUE™ Yoga Mat – The perfect balance of grip & comfort
Our GLUE™ yoga mat was specially designed for stable support and comfortable support:
- Non-slip surface – Perfect grip after a short break-in period
- Shock-absorbing and joint-friendly – ideal for all yoga styles
- Durable & long-lasting – Perfect for regular use
- Hygienic & easy to clean – Thanks to its closed cell structure, the mat does not absorb liquids or bacteria.
Important: The initial film is not a quality defect, but a natural effect that disappears with use.
Conclusion: Your yoga mat will improve over time!
A new GLUE™ yoga mat may be slippery at first – this is perfectly normal and can be easily remedied.
Whether with a salt solution, vinegar water, or intensive use – you have several options to quickly improve the grip. If you want immediate grip, a yoga towel can help until the mat is perfectly broken in.
After a short break-in period, your mat offers optimal grip for every yoga practice – and remains hygienic and easy to care for thanks to its closed cell structure.
