Öko Living mats will last a lifetime with proper care. Follow washing instructions below and stay away from chemical detergents and sunlight to keep the integrity of your mat strong.
Wash Frequency: Our mats are naturally antibacterial and antifungal so you only need to wash every 3-5 months depending on your practice.
Machine wash (recommended): Wash with cold water on gentle cycle and toss cotton pouch of 4-5 soap nuts inside or add soap nut tea for a deeper wash (see below how to make soap nut tea). You may also use any natural detergent but test a corner of the mat to make sure it's safe with the natural dyes. An extra spin cycle is recommended to dry the mat out more before hanging dry in shade.
Hand wash: Fill a tub with cold water. Use natural laundry detergent or soap nut tea (see below how to make). Pour the soap nuts liquid in the tub and agitate (note: you will not see suds like normal detergent). It's recommended to then place in wash machine rinse and spin cycle to remove excess soap and water. Then hang dry in shade.
Hang dry: Always hang in the shade. Do not roll the mat when wet.
In between washes: Wipe the mat down with a damp cloth, then hang to dry.
Reduce sun and heat exposure: You can use the mat outdoors but keep out of prolonged direct sunlight to reduce any color lightening. Keep out of hot temperatures over 95 degrees F. The latex can soften a bit at high temperatures and if not rolled properly it can stick to itself esp. if it is left folded or crumpled. If so warm with a hair dryer or warm water before attempting to gently pull it apart. Pulling apart without warming it up first could result in damage to your mat. If taking a hot yoga class over 100 degrees let the bottom of the mat cool a bit before rolling. Always roll the mat to store.
Soap nuts: To make soap nut tea: Soak 4-6 bagged soap nuts in a cup of very hot water for approximately 1-3 minutes. Take this water and toss in the wash or tub. You can use 4-6 nuts in a bag 3 to 5 times. Dry the bag of nuts in between washes. The nuts will turn soft and greyish when they are done. They have a natural vinigary smell but do not leave a smell on the items. Soap nuts are a safe, natural alternative to harmful chemicals. Soap nuts release saponin (an effective, hypoallergenic, biodegradable organic cleaning agent that ends our reliance on sulfates, synthetic chemicals and other toxins). Our soap nuts come wildcrafted from the foothills of the Himalayas.
Note: Non-natural laundry detergent could alter the color of the mat.
Toxin Free: Unlike most yoga mats made with PVC our mats do not use toxic chemicals or off-gass. We are 100% toxin free through the production, use and lifecycle of our mat.
Medicinal Herbs: Oko Living mats are organic and herbal dyed using an ancient ayurvedic method that preserves the bioactive medicinal qualities of the plants. Science shows our skin absorbs what it touches. Regular contact with the mat allows your skin to assimilate the properties of the herbs, thus supporting your vitality.
Aromatherapeutic: We also use some of the best relaxing aromatic herbs in the world. The mat will carry a subtly sweet, natural smell that reduces stress.
Yes, this mat is chemical and allergen free. Keep in mind the bottom has a non slip coating of natural latex rubber. The mat is not advised for those with latex allergies.
100% USDA CERTIFIED Organic Cotton / OneCert Asia Organic certified
10-20 Medicinal plant dyes (see each product for the plant list)
Natural latex rubber tree bottom coating.
The benefits of an organic cotton yoga rug are:
- Pesticide Free
- More Durable than Conventional Cotton
- Breathable and More absorbent than Conventional Cotton
- No harmful chemicals are involved in its production
- Hypoallergenic
- Natural, renewable, biodegradable and sustainable fiber
The Oko mat is handwoven, ethically, in India, the birthplace of yoga and home to generations of weavers. Yoga rugs are the original rug of yoga. The natural grip promotes better posture and more strength. These yoga rugs also help support artisans and keep this vibrant tradition and knowledge alive.
Natural dyes are eco-friendly. Typical industrial dyed use over 8,000 chemicals and known carcinogens. Textile dye is also the #2 water pollutant on the planet! Natural dyes have almost been forgotten and we think it is one viable option for healthier textiles.
Ayurveda is a traditional Indian system of medicine. It aims to preserve health and wellness by keeping the mind, body, and spirit in balance and preventing disease rather than treating it. Ayurvedic medicinal herbs are also an important component of this approach. They help to protect your body from disease and offer a variety of sciences backed health benefits. We have an Ayurvic Dr. hand select an herbal mix for skin soothing and relaxing benefits
Oko Living works with dyers in India that have preserved an ancient and disappearing knowledge of Ayurvastra. Ayurvatra is a process of naturally dyeing textiles that preserves the medicinal benefits of the plants. They do this by only using pure, natural ingredients in every step (even when bleaching the cotton), a mixture of medicinal plants (vs. just one plant for color). And salt as the main mordant vs heavy metals.
These mats take lots of time, love and care to make. It starts with ethically produced raw organic cotton that is naturally bleached with zero chemicals. Our artisans then straighten , thicken and cone the cotton into threads. The threads are hand dyed laid to dry and then woven over the course of a few days. Our partners are all paid a fair wages.
Incredibly well! The Oko mat has been designed to keep you grounded, regardless of your practice. Organic cotton is luxurious woven for cushion with ribs for grip. It is especially amazing for restorative or meditative yogas.
Yes, this mat gets gripper as you sweat. And remains soft and dry as you work out. Cotton breathes, so it stays cool. It draws heat away from your skin to keep you cooler. Cotton absorbs moisture easily and can take up to one fifth of its weight in water before it actually feels damp.
The grip is one of the best for a yoga rug and the reason is our rib strips. These mats are different from PVC rubber mats and promote better posture and strength by using the original mat design yoga was created on. If you are a beginner or find you want more grip you can lightly spray spray the mat with water at your hands and feet.
This mat will most likely be different than any you have ever used. We encourage you to try it at home in a clean and pet free room first to make sure you enjoy it.
SPECIAL HOLIDAY RETURN POLICY
Any gift item purchased between Nov 20 and Dec 20 can be returned by Jan 5th in original condition for a refund (excluding shipping costs).
We offer a full refund for items returned within 15 days from the shipment date in it's original condition (excluding shipping costs).
How to Return Items:
1. We accept returns postmarked within 15 days from the shipment date date.
If 15 days have gone by since your purchase, unfortunately, we can’t offer you a refund or exchange.
3. Items must be returned unwashed and undamaged with all original tags / items attached.
4. Please email us at hello@okoliving.com
a. Send your invoice/tracking number (and pictures attached of the item if applicable) and detailed information to describe the issue.
b. We will send you the return address and label
c. Your request will be processed and confirmed via email on working days usually within 72 hours.
d. As a new, small business we ask that you pay for all shipping including the return shipping costs.
5. Once your return is received and inspected your refund will be processed. Most returns are processed within 5 business days after we receive your package. We’ll issue the refund to your payment account.
Full Refund for any issues we are responsible for.
We'll give you a full refund if we're responsible for the issue, e.g. quality problems or items missing.
Yes, all packages ship from the Portland OR in the US. VAT and customs charges my be added when importing to your country. Please note we do not cover duties. Customer are responsible for any/all Duty and Customs Fees. Please check which VAT and customs charges apply to your country.
We ship within 1-2 business days unless you purchased an item on preorder. Preorders shipping dates are posted on the product page and checkout page. It could take up to 5-7 days during holidays or high volume sales to process and ship.
Questions? Email Us!
hello@okoliving.com
We are located in Portland Oregon!
