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.

General: Wash alone and not with other items and do not spot clean. 

Hand wash (recommended): 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 water especially for the darker colors like clay. Then hang dry in shade. Hand washing is recommended for the best color and fabric longevity of the mat. The Chakra mat is also recommended for hand wash only to keep the lighter colors bright.

Machine wash:  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.  A front load washing machine or one without an agitator is required to maintain the highest quality of the handwoven fabric. If you have an agitator in your washer please hand wash.

Hang dry:  Always hang in the shade. Do not machine dry. 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. Our mats are dyed with very brilliant colors that you don't normally see from natural dyes. You can expect a little bit of color lightning over time with washing. We hope you experience this as the beautiful shift of natures way and a welcome friend that helps us move away from s the toxic chemical industry to a more healthy and vibrant life.