How to Clean and Care for Your Yoga Mat Towel So It Lasts Longer

A well-cared-for yoga mat towel stays grippy, smells fresh, and lasts through hundreds of sweaty sessions — here is exactly how to wash, dry, and store yours.

Updated 7 Sep 2026 4 min read 9 sections

A yoga mat towel is the single best upgrade you can make for a slippery, sweaty practice. But if you toss it in the wash with fabric softener or let it sit damp in your bag, you will lose that grip fast. Here is how to clean and care for yours so it stays absorbent, non-slip, and ready for class.

Why Proper Care Matters for Your Yoga Mat Towel

Heathyoga yoga mat towel for hot yoga practice and moisture wicking — Yoga mat towel$24.99Image from the merchant

A yoga mat towel does two jobs: it soaks up sweat and it keeps you from sliding. Both abilities depend on the towel’s fibers and any silicone grip backing. Fabric softener, dryer sheets, and high heat coat those fibers and ruin the grip. The New York Times Wirecutter team found that What Separates a $70 Hot Yoga Towel From a $20 One… often comes down to how well the towel holds up after repeated washing. Spending a little time on care means your towel performs like new for months longer.

How to Wash Your Yoga Mat Towel

Check the Tag First

Most towels recommend cold or warm water, mild detergent, and no fabric softener.

Use a Gentle Cycle

Select a delicate or gentle cycle on your machine. Aggressive agitation can peel the silicone dots off a grippy towel and cause pilling on cotton blends.

Skip Fabric Softener and Bleach

Fabric softener coats the fibers and makes the towel less absorbent. Bleach weakens the material and can fade colors. If you need extra freshness, add a half cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle once a month.

Wash with Similar Fabrics

Heathyoga workout capris, a pair of cropped athletic leggings for exercise — Workout capris$19.99Image from the merchant

Avoid washing your towel with rough items like zippers or hooks. We recommend washing it with other soft gear such as workout capris, bootcut yoga pants, or a dress with shorts underneath. The less friction the better.

Drying Tips for Maximum Grip

Air Dry Whenever Possible

The safest way to dry a yoga mat towel is on a rack or clothesline. Air drying preserves the grip dots and prevents shrinkage. We hang ours over a shower rod or drying rack after every session.

If You Use a Dryer, Use Low Heat

If you need it dry before class, use the lowest heat setting and remove the towel while it is still slightly damp. Overdrying can melt silicone grip patterns and stiffen cotton fibers.

No Dryer Sheets

Just like liquid softener, dryer sheets leave a waxy residue that kills absorbency. If you want a soft feel, tumble with a couple of wool dryer balls instead.

Storage: Keep It Dry and Breathable

Never store a damp yoga mat towel inside your bag or a plastic bin. Bacteria and mildew grow fast in dark, wet places, and that smell is nearly impossible to remove. Instead, hang the towel open to dry fully before folding it. Store it in a cool, dry spot. If you practice daily, rotate between two towels so each one has time to air out.

How to Handle a Hot Yoga Mat Towel

A hot yoga mat towel takes on more sweat, so it needs more frequent washing. We wash ours after every second use, or immediately if it starts to smell. The same rules apply: cold water, mild detergent, no softener. For extra odor control, soak the towel in a mix of water and baking soda for 30 minutes before washing. Shape magazine’s guide to The 8 Best Yoga Towels – Shape confirms that towels with corner pockets tend to stay put better during hot classes, and we agree. The corner pockets on our yoga mat towel keep it anchored through even the sweatiest flow.

What to Avoid With a Yoga Mat Towel With Grip

If your towel has silicone grip dots, treat them gently. Do not wring or twist the towel aggressively. Do not iron it (the heat melts the silicone). Do not use stain removers with bleach or hydrogen peroxide. If you follow these rules, a yoga mat towel with grip will outlast a standard towel by a wide margin.

Pairing Your Towel With the Right Mat

Heathyoga TPE yoga mat with non-slip surface for eco-conscious practice — Tpe yoga mat$64.90Image from the merchant

A good towel needs a good mat underneath. We recommend pairing your towel with a tpe yoga mat or a gofit alignmat yoga mat: both offer enough texture to help the towel stay in place. If you practice on a very smooth surface, a towel with corner pockets is the best yoga mat towel choice for you. For extra support during restorative poses, add a yga block and yoga knee pads or a yoga knee cushion under sensitive joints.

How Often Should You Replace Your Yoga Mat Towel?

With proper care, a quality cotton towel lasts about six to twelve months. A yoga mat towel with silicone grip can last even longer. Replace yours when the grip starts to peel, the fabric no longer absorbs water, or you notice a lingering smell after washing. If you want to start fresh, check the latest price on our towel and grab the current 25% OFF code while you are there.

Final Tips for a Long-Lasting Towel

Wash before first use to remove factory residue and boost absorbency.
Wash with like fabrics only, no denim, no towels with loops that snag.
Never use fabric softener or dryer sheets, even on a gentle cycle.
Air dry whenever possible, or use low heat in the dryer.
Store fully dry and in a breathable space.

Lululemon’s research into Non-Slip Yoga Towels shows that keeping the towel clean and free of residue is the number one factor in maintaining grip. We could not agree more. Take care of your yoga mat towel, and it will take care of you through every downward dog, warrior, and savasana. If you need a backup or a fresh start, grab the code for 25% off your next order.

Questions

Can I wash my yoga mat towel with other clothes?

Yes, but only with soft, similar fabrics. Avoid washing it with items that have zippers, hooks, or rough textures that could snag the fibers or peel silicone grip dots. Workout capris, leggings, and yoga pants are safe choices.

How often should I wash my yoga mat towel?

Wash it after every two uses if you practice moderate sweat sessions. For hot yoga, wash it after every single use to prevent bacteria buildup and odor. If it starts to smell even when dry, wash it immediately.

Why does my yoga mat towel lose its grip after washing?

The most common cause is fabric softener or dryer sheets, which coat the fibers and silicone grip dots. Always skip both. High heat in the dryer can also damage the grip. Air drying or low heat is best.

What is the best way to dry a yoga mat towel with grip?

Air drying is the safest method. Hang it over a drying rack or shower rod. If you use a dryer, select the lowest heat setting and remove the towel while it is still slightly damp to protect the silicone grip pattern.

How do I get the musty smell out of my yoga mat towel?

Soak the towel in a mix of cold water and half a cup of baking soda for 30 minutes, then wash on a cold gentle cycle with a splash of white vinegar in the rinse cycle. Never use bleach or fabric softener.

Can I use a yoga mat towel on any mat?

Most towels work on any mat, but the best results come from pairing with a textured mat like a TPE or alignmat. If your mat is very smooth, choose a towel with corner pockets to keep it anchored.