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Yoga United specialists in Yoga Props, Yoga Therapy Training & Yoga Holidays in India.
We believe in easy access to all that is good for our mind, body and spirit.
With expert knowledge, personal support and a secure checkout, you’re in good hands.
Ethical Co-creation
Developed by yoga teachers for yoga practitioners, we have been trading since 2002. When you buy from Yoga United (YU), you know you are getting ethically produced, most stylish yoga products available worldwide in a range of vibrant colours. We work in the spirit of yoga, using the yoga principles of yama and niyama.
Wholesale & Studios
To support yoga studios and yoga teachers, we offer wholesale rates on our complete range. Send us your wish list to get started. The Yoga United online shop is a great place to buy all your yoga products, yoga mats, yoga mat bags, yoga books, eye pillows, yoga gifts and much more, all under one virtual roof
Secure checkout
Secure online shopping, friendly customer service, and fast processing included.
With 128-bit SSL security with advanced encryption you are guaranteed that your purchases are safe with options for payment methods.
Our Indian Manufacturing Partners: Yogamalai
Together with Yogamalai, we partner with, train and empower women in south India to craft all of our soft props and mat bags. Our cotton and jute yoga products are stitched by hand with love and care. We collaborate on design and quality control, to make props that combine functionality with the vibrant colours of India and decorative luxury details.
Latest Blog
July 23, 2026“
Your yoga mat collects sweat, skin cells, dust, body oils, and whatever the floor leaves behind. If you have ever unrolled your mat for class and caught a faint smell or noticed it feeling a little slippery, that is your cue to give it some care. If it belongs to the studio, let them know or better still, buy your own yoga mat and mat bag so you know where it’s been. Knowing how to clean yoga mat properly keeps it fresher, more hygienic, and far more pleasant to practise on.
A good mat is not just another fitness accessory. For many practitioners, it is a personal space for breath, movement, rest, and ritual. Cleaning it well is less about harsh sanitising and more about respect as your mat will go on your yoga journey with you and become the place you love to practice. Cleaned properly, it protects the material, preserves grip, and helps your mat last.
How to clean yoga mat without damaging it
The first thing to know is that there is no single method for every mat. Natural rubber, PVC, cork, jute, cotton yoga nidra mats, and TPE all behave differently. Some mats can handle a gentle wash with diluted soap, while others absorb moisture quickly and need a lighter touch. If you still have the maker’s care instructions, always start there.
The biggest mistake people make is using too much product. Strong detergents, bleach, essential oils in high concentration, and aggressive sprays can break down the surface or leave a residue that makes the mat slick. Hot water and direct sunlight can also shorten the life of certain materials. In most cases, a soft cloth, clean water, and a small amount of mild soap are enough.
For regular care after practice, wipe the mat with a damp cloth. Focus on the areas where hands, feet and face land most often. If your practice is not hot and sweaty and you use the mat at home, this may be all you need between deeper cleans. If you teach, attend hot yoga, or use your mat outdoors, you will need to clean it more often.
Daily mat care after practice
If you want the simplest answer to how to clean yoga mat day to day, keep it light and consistent. Mix a small bowl of lukewarm water with a drop or two of mild washing-up liquid or a gentle soap. Dampen a soft cloth, wring it out well, and wipe both sides of the mat if needed. You are cleaning the surface, not soaking the mat.
After wiping, let the mat air dry fully before rolling it up. This step matters more than many people realise. Rolling a mat while it is still damp can encourage odour and, in some materials, premature wear. Lay it flat indoors or hang it over a rail, away from radiators and strong sun. More product does not mean a cleaner mat. In fact, too much can leave build-up that attracts more dirt.
A note on homemade sprays
Homemade cleaners can work well, but they need restraint. A simple mixture of water and a little white vinegar is often suggested, and it can help with odour on some synthetic mats. Still, vinegar is not ideal for every material, especially if used too often or in strong concentration. Essential oils may smell lovely, but they can irritate skin, stain surfaces, or degrade certain finishes if overused.
If you do make your own spray, test it on a small patch first and keep the formula very mild. Gentle care nearly always outperforms enthusiastic chemistry.
How to deep clean a yoga mat
Even with regular wipe-downs, every mat benefits from a deeper clean from time to time. If your mat has started to smell, feels grimy, or has visible marks, it is time.
To deep clean most non-absorbent mats, fill a bath or large basin with lukewarm water and add a very small amount of mild soap. Place the mat in the water briefly and wipe it with a soft cloth or sponge. There is no need to scrub hard. Let the soap lift the dirt, then rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Once rinsed, press out excess water using a towel. Do not twist or wring the mat, as this can break the surface, distort its shape or create weak points. Then leave it to dry completely in a well-ventilated room. or outside. Depending on thickness and material, this may take a full day or longer.
Some mats should not be submerged at all. Natural rubber mats, for example, can become heavy, overly absorbent, or vulnerable to surface damage if soaked too long. Closed-cell mats are generally easier to clean deeply than open-cell mats, which tend to absorb sweat and moisture more readily. If your mat feels soft and porous, use less water and more patience.
Can you put a yoga mat in the washing machine?
Usually, no. A few mats are marketed as machine washable, but many are not. The combination of spinning, heat, and detergent can damage texture, grip, and structure. Unless the manufacturer clearly says machine washing is safe, it is better not to risk it.
A note on yogaunited nidra mats
For yogunited nidra mats and pvc mats, you can machine wash at the lowest temperature, small amount of detergent and no spin. Shake out well and drip dry – make sure they are totally dry before use.
Cleaning different yoga mat materials
Material makes a real difference to how to clean yoga mat safely. PVC mats are often the easiest to maintain because they are less absorbent and can usually handle a mild soap-and-water clean. TPE mats tend to need a softer approach, as rough scrubbing can wear the surface quickly.
Natural rubber mats usually offer wonderful grip, but they need more careful treatment. Avoid harsh cleaners, prolonged soaking, and direct sun. Cork mats have natural antimicrobial qualities, which can make them easier to keep fresh, but the rubber base still needs mindful care. Jute mats can be more textured and absorbent, so it helps to use as little moisture as possible and allow plenty of drying time.
If you are unsure what your mat is made from, begin with the gentlest method. You can always repeat a mild clean. Repairing damage from an overly aggressive one is much harder.
How often should you clean your mat?
That depends on how youhttps://www.yogaunited.com/educationhttps://www.yogaunited.com/education. For a home practitioner doing gentle sessions a few times a week, a wipe after every few uses and a deeper clean once a month may be enough. For daily practice, teaching, shared studio use, or sweaty classes, wipe-downs after each session are the better standard.
If the mat is used by more than one person, hygiene matters even more. Studio owners and teachers should be especially consistent, not only for cleanliness but for student confidence. A fresh, well-kept mat supports the feeling of care that people notice the moment they step into a practice space.
What causes yoga mats to smell?
A lingering smell usually comes down to trapped moisture, bacteria, or product build-up. Sometimes a newer mat also has a manufacturing odour, particularly with synthetic materials. This often fades with time and proper airing.
If your mat still smells after cleaning, the issue may be that it never dried fully between uses. In that case, focus less on stronger cleaners and more on drying habits. Unroll it after practice, let air circulate, and avoid storing it in a closed bag while damp.
It is also worth washing your hands and feet before practice when possible. This small habit reduces oils and dirt transferring onto the mat and helps preserve grip.
Storage matters as much as cleaning – mat bags
A clean mat can become musty quite quickly if it is stored badly. Keep it in a mat bag or kit bag made from natural materials where you keep it bacteria and dust-free and carry it to class easily. Store in a cool, dry place and avoid leaving it in a hot car, near a radiator, or in direct sunlight. If you use a mat bag, make sure the mat is fully dry first.
Rolling your mat with the practice side facing out can also help it lie flatter when unrolled, though this varies by mat style. More importantly, store it somewhere with decent airflow rather than pressing it into a damp corner.
For those who invest in beautiful, ethically made yoga equipment, care is part of the relationship. At Yoga United, that principle sits naturally alongside practice itself – use things well, maintain them thoughtfully, and let them support you for years rather than months.
When it is time to replace your mat
Cleaning helps, but it cannot restore a mat that has reached the end of its life. If the surface is flaking, the grip has gone, the cushioning feels uneven, or the smell remains no matter what you do, replacement may be the kinder choice.
A well-loved mat does not need to look perfect, but it should still feel supportive and safe. Slipping in downward dog or practising on a surface that no longer feels steady can distract from the practice and, in some cases, lead to injury.
Treat mat care as part of yoga rather than a task outside it. A few quiet minutes of cleaning, drying, and storing your mat with attention can turn ordinary maintenance into an act of respect for the space where your practice unfolds.
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July 2, 2026”
A burst of inspiration, a lightning storm of change.
Everything seems to have tipped over the fulcrum of midsummer. – this sudden turning point is creating a powerful shift.
Keep an eye out, because things are about to get interesting, and they’ve already started to happen – pause to notice what’s happening in the world and in your life!
So hold on a midsummer minute!
Are you noticing anything different?
Go with the shift. Let it support the changes you wish to make and the life you wish to cultivate.
In celebration of this turning point, and in support of your journey, we’re offering a selection of summer courses, many at 50% off this week.
CHECK OUT ALL COURSES HERE
May this midsummer bring you renewed energy, fresh perspective, and the courage to follow the light to what is unfolding.
With love, Judy x
CALENDAR
It’s good to be back IN PERSON travelling around the country and meeting people like you.
Lots to choose from – in person, online, recorded in your own time, and more freebies
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Live online
INSOMNIA WORKSHOP: I NEED SLEEP – recording now available
(see below – NEW 4 week sleep course)
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IN PERSON, DURHAM
12 July 2026 – BWY North Yoga Festival, North East – headline teacher Judy Hirsh Sampath
with Yogaunited Education’s graduate yoga therapists, this year the theme is Celebrating Life. You do not need to be a BWY member to join or celebrate life with us! An opporunity to talk to us face to face.
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Starts JULY online or SEPT in person
600 hour Trauma-Informed Yoga Therapy Training
Our ground-breaking professional yoga therapy training is accredited by the British Council for Yoga Therapy and consists of some online weekends and inspirational workshops, with an in person training element and sangha in Islington, North London. This is a practical and soulful course open to yoga teachers and other health professionals. Starts with online foundation course and module 1, with the first in-person offical start date in September 2026.
To set up a discovey call with the course director or request a prospectus, CLICK HERE
Get ready with the RECORDED – 15hr INTRODUCTION TO YOGA THERAPY
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Midsummer offer – GLOBAL YOGA THERAPY DAY WORKSHOP
Live Online Friday 15. August 5-6.30pm
The Embodied Kosha Kaleidoscope
Theory and practice of the koshas – the embodied layers through which we experience the world, Learn how the kosha model is applied in yoga therapy…and bring the learning alive through direct experience. Q&A on yoga therapy training follows.
The recording will be on sale after the event.
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May 28, 2026”
It’s not too late to book – avoid disappointment and make the decision now!
This letter could be coming to you in the coming days…
Dear one,
A warm welcome to South India and the gentle warmth of the winter sun and sea breeze.
You are arriving into a space designed to hold your body, mind and soul so you can soften around the hard edges of life.
This retreat is yours to experience in the way you most need.
There is no right way here – only your way.
You are encouraged to take what nourishes you. Leave what doesn’t.
Move, wander, connect, swim… or simply sit quietly, breathe and rest.
Over the coming days, we’ll explore spaciousness in the body, mind and heart. May you feel supported to unwind, listen inwardly, and make room for whatever wants to be felt or released.
At yogaunited holidays, our hope is that you leave with a full reservoir to meet life on your return home – rested, replenished, clearer, and more connected to yourself.
I’m so glad you’re here and we are here to holiday with you.
With warm wishes,
Judy, Saz, Philippa and the Dream Team
DATES FOR WINTER 2026
Dates
Holidays
Book
Location
Thurs 8 – Fri 16 Jan 2026
BOOKINGS CLOSE 29 DEC 2025
Reconnect to Intuition with Uma Dinsmore-Tuli
BOOK NOW
Kerala, India
Mon19 – Tues 27 Jan 2026
SOLD OUT
Spacious Awareness & Tidal Flows Retreat with Judy Hirsh Sampath
WAITING LIST
Kerala, India
Mon19 – Tues 27 Jan 2026
SOLD OUT
Private Retreat
Tues 27 – Sat 31 Jan 2026
SOLD OUT
A Taste of Tamil Nadu – 4 night Add on
BOOK NOW
Tamil Nadu, India
Mon 2 – Tues 10 Feb 2026
BOOKINGS CLOSE 7 JAN 2025
Find The Balance Retreat
with Bea Durinikova
BOOK NOW
Kerala, India
Mon 2 – Tues 10 Feb 2026
BOOKINGS CLOSE 7 JAN 2025
Joy Through Reiki & Creativity
with Mel Hoffstead
BOOK NOW
Kerala, India
Tues 10 – Sat 14 Feb 2026
CHECK FOR AVAILABILITY
A Taste of Tamil Nadu – 4 night Add on
BOOK WITH BEA or MEL’s RETREAT
Tamil Nadu, India
Add ons & bespoke packages
Golden Triangle – Delhi, Taj Mahal, Rajasthan – Group Add on
CONTACT US
Where your heart takes you
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April 28, 2026“
So, you’ve just bought a new yoga bolster to enhance your yoga sessions. But do you know how to use it so your bolster becomes your best yoga friend? Using a yoga bolster takes away the struggle of more challenging yoga poses and supports your hips in frog pose (mandukasana) for example. Not only for yoga poses or asana, props can be used to let stress drain away from your body, mind and spirit, using support and the breath – yes please!
Whether you’re a beginner wondering ‘Do i need a yoga bolster?’ or ‘What do you use a yoga bolster for?’ and practicing your first balasana (child’s pose), or a yoga veteran looking to enhance your bhujangasana (cobra pose), yoga bolsters maximise your safety and comfort by providing added support to your poses.
In this quick guide, we’ll explore how to use a yoga bolster.
What exactly is a yoga bolster?
Yoga bolsters are essentially pillows/cushions that provide comfort and support for your body during yoga sessions. They look a bit like foam rollers but are much softer and kinder to your body, letting you into it deeper to come home to yourself.
Bolsters are particularly useful in yoga therapy and yoga classes to aid physical, mental and emotional release. They’re also ideal for providing added comfort in pregnancy classes. Beyond this, it’s normal to see forward-thinking yoga facilitators using bolsters in yoga creatively to modify existing poses and create new possibilities for your yoga sequences.
Different types of yoga bolster
Mini bolsters. Medium bolsters. Large bolsters. Round. Rectangular. Softer. Firmer. Yoga bolsters come in several different variations. For different purposes and different bodies, Yoga United stock a range of different yoga bolsters. From mini yoga bolsters for small adults and children right up to larger bolsters and anything in between.
We prefer bolsters filled with rayon fibre – they are solid but not too heavy, and meet UK fire regulations. We recommend you do some research to find the perfect one for you.
How to use a yoga bolster
Yoga bolsters increase your ability to let go of tension in muscles, joints and the mind whilst minimising the risk of injury and strain. Let’s take a look at how they can be used.
1. To aid holding poses– Staying relaxed while holding deep poses is fundamental in yoga. This can be difficult for people with injuries or less flexibility so having a bolster provides the extra support. This is particularly useful for restorative yoga poses and Yin Yoga where long holds are key. For example: supporting the thighs in ‘reclining bound angle pose’ (supta baddha konasana).
2. To aid inverted poses– Yoga bolsters can help with inversion asanas such as ‘Legs-Up-The-Wall’ (viparita karani mudra) and ‘down dog’ (adho mukha svanasana). These yoga poses place your heart above your head, a bolster can be used to provide additional support for the inverted head in ‘downward facing dog’.
3. To find space in the spine– A yoga bolster cushion positioned lengthwise underneath the spine supine lifts the vertebrae up towards the front body to create space, and when prone, offers support into the spine from the front, aiding more space for bones, joints and discs supporting alignment and preventing compression.
4. To elevate the hips during seated poses– Using a yoga bolster pillow during seated poses helps elevate the hips and gives the hips and knees extra space to open. This is ideal for practicing sitting with your legs crossed, preparation for seated pranayama, and meditation practice.
5. For pregnancy and postnatal classes– Yoga can support women through pregnancy and beyond. But it doesn’t need to be difficult. Yoga bolsters can help pregnant women modify existing poses to make them easier on the body, especially the stomach. For example, a side-lying savasana can be performed lying with a yoga bolster for support. By using a bolster, pregnant women can continue to reap the rewards of yoga by making it safe and soft.
6. For restorative poses and yoga nidra– It’s important to prop your body as much as you can and be as relaxed as possible, no strong sensation or stretches here. Making a cozy nest can include yoga blankets, yoga socks, a yoga eye pillow, any yoga accessory that will create ease in staying here for some time. Yoga clothing should be loose and comfortable, especially around the waist.
Final Thought
Yoga bolsters make the ideal yoga companion. Whether you use your bolster to ease a slightly painful hip in ‘Pigeon pose’ (eka pada rajakapotasana) or want to explore new creative possibilities, and let the props support letting go, release of tension, a comforting companion, having a bolster will let you expand your yoga horizons when the body needs some extra help.
Why do yoga when you can do bolster yoga? Take a look at our range of bolsters at Yoga United here. If you need some help in your research, you can call the office to get in touch with our trained restorative yoga teachers and yoga therapists who can help you choose.
Our bolsters are all made in partnership with women in India with love and care. Removable and washable bolster covers mean you can always keep them clean, and if you’re a yoga teacher sharing soft props with students, they stay hygienic and fresh.
**Yoga United stock a wide range of vibrant and stylish yoga accessories and products including yoga clothing, yoga socks, yoga mat bags, and more. Check out our online store to see our full range.
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