Thinking about getting a cork yoga mat – or maybe you just bought one? You might be worried about the smell.

If any of the following apply to you… you’re in the right place!

• You’re looking to buy a cork mat – but you’re wondering about the smell
• You just opened the package and the smell is strong
• You’re wondering if (and when) the smell will go away – or if it’s dangerous

While yoga mats are generally made of PVC, some eco-friendly brands opt for cork instead. Cork is a sustainable material that is naturally anti-microbial and resistant to mold and mildew. But what about the smell? Let’s cover that below!

Do cork yoga mats smell?

While some cork yoga mats can smell out of the package… the smell is not permanent and will dissipate in a few days. So if you do notice a smell when first unrolling your mat, don’t worry – it’s temporary and won’t harm you.

Do cork yoga mats have chemicals on them? Are they dangerous?

Nope – the top surface is 100% cork, so there is no need to worry about dangerous chemicals on cork yoga mats.

• The cork is extracted from the bark of the cork oak tree, and no chemicals are used in the process.
• The cork is then ground into a powder and formed into sheets.
• It’s combined with a cushioned backing, which is made of TPE or rubber materials (more on that below).

The bottom line is that there are no harmful chemicals on cork yoga mats. So you can feel good about using one knowing that it is safe for you and good for the environment.

Tips for preventing and removing smell from cork yoga mats

Clean and care for your mat

We a have a thorough and detailed guide right here for cleaning your cork yoga mat – in order to prevent and remove the smell. However, here are a few quick tips:

• A simple mixture of water and vinegar will do the trick. Just be sure to rinse it off.
• Avoid using intense chemicals or cleaning agents, as they can wear down the mat.
• Don’t forget to give it a good wipe down every once in a while.

By keeping these points in mind, your cork yoga mat will look and feel great for years to come – as all yoga equipment and supplies should be.

Roll them up and store them properly

Rolling up and storing properly is a huge factor in preventing damage to your mat – including both smell and durability. Check out these 2 articles for more on this topic:

• How to Roll Up a Cork Yoga Mat
• How To Store A Cork Yoga Mat

Cork yoga mats are hygienic

Traditional yoga mats can be made from materials that are not very eco-friendly or healthy, such as PVC. Cork yoga mats are a great alternative, as they are made from natural cork which is anti-microbial and self-cleaning (due to the all-natural substance called Suberin within cork).

Cork is also a sustainable material that is biodegradable and recyclable. They provide excellent grip and cushioning, making them perfect for any type of yoga practice. So if you’re looking for a eco-friendly and healthy yoga mat, cork is the way to go.

What materials are cork yoga mats made of?

Underneath the top layer of cork, the bottom layer typically includes TPE or rubber. We cover more on these 2 options in our article here, just in case you want to compare them. Scroll to the “materials” section.

What happens if they get wet?

Yes, cork yoga mats can get wet – but don’t submerge underwater for long periods of time. We recommenced checking out that article for more details, as it covers everything you need to know about cork mats getting wet.