FAQ
Q: How do I take care of my mat?
A: Care instructions for your Bendala Yoga Mat
Bendala mats are made from 100% cotton, and provide a traditional and beautiful surface for your practice. For centuries, yogis have practiced yoga on similar "dhurries", or yoga rugs.
Each Bendala mat is lovingly hand-woven. Your mat will last you throughout many of life's adventures yet you should take care of your mat thoughtfully as well.
Washing: You don't need to wash your mat after each use. Get down and dirty, conserve water and enhance the usability of your mat by hang drying after a yoga session. Eventually, you will want to wash it. Be sure to wash in COLD water with your standard eco-friendly detergent. Yes, you can wash your mat in the washing machine (again, on a cold cycle). Please note that the mat will shrink about an inch. It is cotton, after all. However, we have accounted for the potential shrinkage by oversizing your mat by a few inches. Don't put your mat in the dryer (unless you want to make it in to a soft blanket). Hang dry your mat. Ideally, outside in the sun, wind and elements. Overtime, the more use and wash/dry cycles that occur, the better the mat becomes. The mats are dyed with all-natural color safe dye that will not bleed.
Q: What are Bendala Mats made of?
A: Bendala mats are 100% natural yoga mats, made of cotton.
Q: Where are Bendala Mats made?
A: Bendala mats are hand-woven in Northern India. Weaving is a traditional craft in India and it is important to us that we support the livelihood of artisans.
Q: Why use a Bendala cotton mat vs. other mats?
A: Cotton is a natural material and does not contain any of the harmful chemicals that plastic or rubber mats typically contain.
Q: Are cotton mats more or less slippery than sticky mats?
A: Cotton yoga mats have different qualities than a sticky mat. With a sticky mat - the more you sweat - the more you slip. With cotton mats the more you sweat, the more grip you have.
If you need more resistance as you start your practice you can dampen the mat with water. Additionally, remember that sticky mats were created to hold us up in our yoga poses, cotton mats encourage us to use proper alignment and muscle engagement.
Q: Do you ship internationally?
A: Through our website we only offer shipping in the U.S. If you'd like to place an international order, please email us at bendala@bendalayoga.com. We find that international shipping typically costs between $35 - $50 US.
Q: How do I redeem a coupon/discount code?
A: If you have a discount code, you can enter the code once you've entered your credit card information. This is just the way the site works, you will not be charged for the full amount of the mat, only the amount due less your discount. Feel free to email us if you have any questions about this. bendala@bendalayoga.com