Liforme Mat Care Guide

Your Liforme Original is an investment. With proper care, it will serve you well for 2-4 years of regular practice. The open-cell PU surface that makes it so grippy also requires more maintenance than a standard PVC mat — but it's worth the extra few minutes per session.

Daily Cleaning

After each practice — especially hot yoga — clean your mat with this simple routine. The open-cell PU surface absorbs sweat and bacteria, so regular cleaning is essential for both hygiene and performance:

1. Mix 1-2 drops of mild dish soap or castile soap with 2 cups of water in a spray bottle
2. Lightly mist the surface of the mat (don't soak it — excess moisture can penetrate the natural rubber base)
3. Wipe gently with a soft cloth or sponge in circular motions to lift dirt and bacteria
4. Rinse the cloth with clean water and wipe again to remove soap residue (soap left on the surface can affect grip)
5. Hang over a shower rod or lay flat to air dry away from direct sunlight
6. Roll up only when completely dry — storing a damp mat encourages mold and bacterial growth

What NOT to Use

The Liforme's natural rubber and PU construction is sensitive to certain chemicals and cleaning methods. Avoid these common mistakes:

• ✗ Harsh chemicals — bleach, ammonia, or alcohol-based cleaners will damage the PU surface and cause it to break down prematurely
• ✗ Essential oils — undiluted oils can break down the natural rubber and cause staining or discoloration
• ✗ Machine washing — never put your mat in a washing machine or dishwasher. The agitation and heat will destroy it
• ✗ Soaking — submerging the mat can cause the natural rubber base to absorb excess water, leading to delamination and premature failure

Deep Cleaning

Every 2-4 weeks (depending on usage frequency and how much you sweat), do a deeper clean to remove embedded dirt and bacteria that regular cleaning misses:

1. Mix 1/4 cup white vinegar with 2 cups warm water (vinegar is a natural disinfectant that's safe for PU and rubber)
2. Spray onto the mat and let sit for 2-3 minutes to break down embedded dirt
3. Wipe thoroughly with a damp cloth, applying gentle pressure to lift residue from the open-cell surface
4. Spray again with plain water to rinse away vinegar residue
5. Dry completely before rolling — this may take 2-4 hours depending on humidity

Storage

Proper storage is almost as important as proper cleaning. The natural rubber base is sensitive to environmental conditions:

• ✓ Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight (UV rays accelerate degradation of natural rubber)
• ✓ Roll with the top surface facing outward — this prevents the edges from curling over time
• ✓ Use the included carry bag for transport and storage — it provides UV protection and prevents dust accumulation
• ✓ Avoid storing in hot cars — extreme heat (above 120°F) can warp the natural rubber and cause permanent damage

Extending Mat Life