Why put salt on a yoga mat?

Why Some Yogis Swear by the Salt Scrub for Their Yoga Mat

It might sound strange—rubbing salt on a yoga mat—but plenty of seasoned practitioners swear by this gritty little trick. The idea isn’t to season your practice like a steak, of course, but to help “break in” a new mat more quickly. Fresh yoga mats often feel slick or too smooth, especially during sweaty flows. That’s where the salt comes in.

By gently scrubbing coarse salt—like sea salt or kosher salt—into the surface of your mat with a bit of water, you’re creating a micro-abrasion that increases grip over time. Think of it like scuffing up the soles of new shoes for better traction. The texture starts to adapt to your hands and feet, offering a more personalized, secure feel.

For best results, give your mat a salt scrub at least twice during the first month. After that, it’s optional—only if the surface starts to feel too slick or if you notice slipping during poses. It's not a necessity for every mat or every yogi, but for those in humid climates or with particularly slippery mats, it can make a noticeable difference.

Just remember: don’t overdo it. Too much abrasion can wear out your mat faster. And always rinse and dry it thoroughly afterward. While modern mats are designed to be grippy from day one, sometimes a little old-school TLC—plus a pinch of salt—brings that extra connection between you and your mat. It’s not magic, but it might just feel like it the next time you hold a flawless downward dog.