Short answer
To clean a prayer mat, shake it out, vacuum it gently, and spot clean any marks with a cloth, cool water and a little mild soap. Then dry it flat, away from direct heat. That is how to clean a prayer mat for everyday use. Padded mats should only be washed if the care label says so, and an interactive mat has electronics inside, so it should never be soaked.
Written by Rin Aziz · Checked by Dr Wendy Booth, a student of Islam · How we write and check our blog
What’s on this page
How often to clean a prayer mat
A mat used five times a day picks up more than you think: dust, hair, crumbs from little ones, and the odd sock fluff.
A simple rhythm works for most homes:
| How often | What to do |
|---|---|
| After every spill | Blot straight away, then spot clean |
| Weekly | Shake outside and vacuum gently |
| Monthly | Spot clean the whole surface and air the mat |
| When it smells musty | Air it outside, then use the deodorising tip below |
Scholars list a clean place of prayer among the conditions of Salah. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said that purity is half of faith (Sahih Muslim 223). A clean mat is a small, practical part of that.
How to clean a prayer mat that is padded or velvet
Padded velvet, cleaned this way
Adult Padded Prayer Mat, Luxury Sage Arch
The Luxury Sage Arch mat is one of the padded velvet mats this section is written for. Shake, vacuum gently, spot clean — never put it through a machine.
£39.99
See the sage arch mat →Our Urban Rugs UK padded mats are made in three layers: a soft top fabric, a foam core, and a cotton or non-slip backing. The top is velvet on many designs and soft woven fabric on others, such as the Luxury Sage Arch padded prayer mat.
Everyday prayer mat care
1. Shake it outside. Hold one short end and give it a few firm shakes.
2. Vacuum on low suction. Use the upholstery brush, not a rotating beater bar, which can pull at velvet pile.
3. Brush the pile back. Run your hand or a soft clothes brush over the velvet in one direction so it lies flat again.
Can you wash a prayer mat?
Can you wash a prayer mat in the machine? Our padded mats can take a delicate machine wash, but we would rather you did not make a habit of it. Foam holds a lot of water, takes days to dry and can lose its shape. Hand-washing, or spot cleaning section by section, is kinder to the mat. Either way, dry it naturally and never tumble dry it.
If you are wondering how to wash a prayer mat without a machine, spot clean the surface section by section instead. It is slower but kinder to the padding.
Interactive prayer mats (electronics)
Mats with electronics inside
Kids Interactive Prayer Mat (Blue)
Our kids interactive mat has sensors and a speaker under the surface, so it needs the gentler routine described here. Never soak it and never put it in a machine.
£49.99
See the kids mat →The surface of our kids interactive prayer mat is made from waterproof, fire-resistant material. There are still sensors, wiring and a speaker inside, so how to clean a prayer mat like this is different: treat it like any electronic toy.
- Switch it off before you clean it.
- Wipe the surface with a soft cloth that is damp, not wet.
- Do not spray cleaner straight onto the mat, especially near the speaker at the top.
- Never put it in the washing machine, bath or shower.
- Dry it with a towel and let it air for a while before switching it back on.
Stains, smells and drying
Food and juice
Blot, do not rub. Rubbing pushes the stain into the pile. Use cool water with a drop of washing-up liquid, then blot with a clean damp cloth to rinse. Hot water can set some food stains.
Test any cleaner on a hidden corner first, especially on darker designs.
Toddler accidents
Blot up as much as you can, rinse the spot with clean water, and blot again. Repeat until the smell is gone.
Many scholars explain that a spot of urine is purified by pouring water over it until no trace remains. The details differ between the schools of thought, so ask your local imam or a scholar you trust if you are unsure.
Musty smells
Hang the mat outside on a dry, breezy day. For a stubborn smell, sprinkle bicarbonate of soda over the dry surface, leave it for a few hours, then vacuum it off.
Drying
Dry mats flat or over a clothes airer, in the shade. Keep them off radiators and out of strong sun, which can fade colours and flatten velvet. Make sure the mat is completely dry before you roll it up, or it may smell damp.
For more ideas on keeping a calm, clean prayer space, see our guide to preparing your home for Salah. If your mat is past saving, our guide on how to choose your prayer mat will help with the next one.
Free download
Salah & Surah recitation guide (PDF)
The Salah recitations and short Surahs to print and keep by your mat.
Get the free PDF →It costs nothing: add it to your basket, check out at £0, and the download is yours.
FAQ
Can you put a prayer mat in the washing machine?
Only if the care label says so. Padded mats hold water in the foam and can lose their shape. Interactive mats must never go in the machine.
How do I get a musty smell out of a prayer mat?
Air it outside, then sprinkle bicarbonate of soda on the dry surface, leave it for a few hours and vacuum it off.
How do I clean the kids interactive prayer mat?
Switch it off and wipe the surface with a damp, not wet, cloth. Do not spray cleaner onto it or soak it.
How long does a padded mat take to dry after spot cleaning?
It depends on how wet it got and the room. Leave it flat until the padding feels fully dry before rolling it up.
Shop this post
- Adult Padded Prayer Mat, Luxury Sage Arch design: soft woven fabric with 1.7cm padding and a white cotton back layer.
- Kids Interactive Prayer Mat (Blue): made from waterproof, fire-resistant material, with touch-sensitive keys that guide children through Salah.
- Urban Rugs UK padded prayer mats: the full range of adult, kids and toddler padded mats.
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