How to Clean Yoga Blocks, Straps, and Props Safely
By ProsourceFit | The Destination for Health, Fitness & Recovery | Published: 2026-10-13
Category: Tips & Care
A practical, step-by-step routine for cleaning foam yoga blocks, washing straps, and keeping your mat and props fresh without damaging them.
Quick answer
Wipe foam yoga blocks after every class with a damp cloth and mild soap, then air-dry them completely before stacking. Wash yoga straps by hand in cool water with a drop of gentle detergent, rinse thoroughly, and hang to dry away from direct heat. Deep-clean blocks, straps, and your mat once a week, and never soak foam blocks or put them in a washing machine.
Why foam blocks and straps need different care
Foam yoga blocks are porous, so they absorb sweat and oils quickly and can break down if left wet or exposed to heat. Straps are usually woven fabric, which tolerates a gentle hand wash but can stiffen or fray if scrubbed hard or dried on a radiator. Treating them the same way is the fastest route to slippery blocks and scratchy straps.
Set up a simple weekly prop-care routine
Pick one day a week to clean everything at once so it becomes automatic. Fill a basin with cool water and a small amount of mild liquid soap, keep a separate damp cloth for spot-cleaning blocks, and lay a towel on the floor for air-drying. This setup takes two minutes and prevents the common mistake of using hot water or harsh cleaners that dull foam and fade strap colors.
How to dry props so they last
Air-drying is the single most important step. Stand foam blocks on edge with space between them so air reaches every face, and hang straps unfolded over a shower rod or chair back. Avoid direct sun, radiators, and dryers, because heat warps foam and shrinks or stiffens woven straps. If a block still feels cool or damp to the touch, it is not dry yet.
Step-by-step prop cleaning routine
- Wipe foam blocks after every session: Dampen a microfiber cloth with cool water and a drop of mild soap, then wipe all six faces of each foam block. Rinse the cloth and wipe again with plain water to remove soap residue. Checkpoint: if the block feels slick or smells like soap, rinse once more before drying.
- Deep-clean blocks once a week: Fill a basin with cool water and a small amount of gentle detergent. Dip a cloth, wring it out so it is damp rather than dripping, and wipe each block. Never submerge foam blocks or put them in a washing machine. Common mistake: soaking foam blocks causes water to seep inside, where it can sit for days and break down the foam.
- Hand-wash yoga straps in cool water: Add a drop of mild detergent to cool water, agitate the strap gently with your hands for about a minute, then rinse until the water runs clear. Do not scrub with a brush or use bleach. Checkpoint: the rinse water should have no suds left before you hang the strap to dry.
- Wipe your mat in the same session: Mix cool water with a little mild soap, wipe the mat from end to end with a damp cloth, then wipe again with plain water. Hang or drape the mat so both sides get air. Common mistake: rolling a damp mat traps moisture and can leave a musty smell, so wait until it is fully dry.
- Air-dry everything completely: Stand foam blocks on edge with gaps between them, hang straps unfolded, and drape the mat over a chair or rod. Keep all props out of direct sun and away from radiators or dryers. Next step: store blocks and straps loosely in a breathable bag once they are dry to the touch.
Props that fit this care routine
- Set of 2 Foam Yoga Blocks: ProsourceFit Foam Yoga Blocks are lightweight foam bricks that help you extend your reach in challenging poses and are suited to beginners or anyone needing a little assistance. Their foam surface is exactly what the damp-wipe and air-dry routine protects, so you keep the same grip and support class after class.
- Original Yoga Mat 1/4-in: The ProsourceFit Original Yoga Mat is 1/4-inch thick with a non-slip surface designed to prevent slipping during poses. A non-slip mat collects sweat and dust, so wiping it in the same weekly session as your blocks and straps keeps the whole setup consistent.

