First of all, if you want to get rid of a mat, and you live in the Denver metro area, please donate it to me! I've started a yoga program for refugees at the African Community Center where I work. All of our supplies are donated. When someone has been coming consistently I'm giving them a yoga mat to take home so they have some ownership over their own practice. If you don't live in Denver, do a quick Google search to see if there are any programs in your area that could use it.
But if your yoga mat is really trashed and no longer yoga-friendly (I've gotten some in really bad shape, which is why I started looking for other ways to use them!), here's some other ideas:
But if your yoga mat is really trashed and no longer yoga-friendly (I've gotten some in really bad shape, which is why I started looking for other ways to use them!), here's some other ideas:
- outside doormat (at home or camping)
- smother weeds in the garden in early spring
- sleeping pad for camping
- line kitchen cabinets and drawers
- cut into foot pads for furniture feet on wood floors to prevent scrapping and scratching
- sit on it at the park as a barrier from wet grass and mud
- protective cushions to wrap valuables for shipping/moving
- plug up cracks in drafty windows and doorways
- for padding while working in the garage or garden
- cut into pads to put under plant pots to protect floors from water damage
- cut into coasters
- sound proofing: line walls of music rooms or tack to the back of an upright piano
- cut into shoe inserts
- donate to a homeless shelter for use as sleeping pads
- make into beverage sleeves ("cozy", etc)
- line your trunk or truck bed for transporting messy goods
- for any slip-free surface:
- under rugs like slid around
- on work bench to keep things from slipping under power tools
- on the bottom of the bath tub
- cut into grip pads for opening jars
- line steps
- donate to nursing homes to make non-slip pads to put next to people's beds, etc
- For pets:
- roll out over car seats to protect them from scratches and hair when transporting dogs
- pad doggie beds, crates, or pet carriers
- under dog and cat dishes to keep them from sliding around
- outside a liter box to trap liter that gets kicked out
- For kids:
- roll out on the table for craft time (easy clean up and protects surfaces)
- cut into "bases" for an easily transported baseball game
- cut into tree ornaments
- cut into shapes, letters, and numbers for learning
- line baby changing table
- under car seats
- go really crazy and make yourself a new pair of flip-flops!
If your mat is just getting grungy, try a deep clean before abandoning it. Mix vinegar, water, and a couple drops of tea tree oil to cleanse out odors and stains. Soap is not recommended because it's hard to thoroughly rinse out and can leave a slippery film. Make sure you let it air dry thoroughly.
