Cleaning & caring for your playmat – how to keep it like new
A good playmat stays with you for years – if you treat it right. Here's how to clean, dry and store your Yu-Gi-Oh! playmat without damaging the surface or the print.
Why bother with care?
Sweat from your hands, dust, crumbs and spilled drinks wear down the playing surface. A clean mat gives you better card handling, keeps its looks and lasts noticeably longer.
Cleaning a rubber playmat – step by step
- Lay the mat flat in the bathtub or on a clean surface, fabric side up.
- Dampen it with lukewarm water and use a drop of mild dish soap or pH-neutral soap.
- Clean gently in circles with a soft sponge or microfibre cloth – don't scrub.
- Rinse thoroughly with clear water until no soap residue is visible.
Cleaning a cloth mat (Yggdrasil)
Cloth mats are more delicate. Individual stains are best dabbed with a damp cloth and a little mild soap only. We advise against the washing machine for printed playmats – it can damage the print and the edges.
Drying properly
Always air-dry flat, never in the dryer and not in direct sunlight (UV fades the colours). Only use or roll it up again once it is completely dry.
Storing & transporting
Roll rubber mats loosely, never fold them – creases in the rubber layer often stay visible. Use a playmat tube or bag for transport. Don't store it tightly rolled for long periods, otherwise it will become wavy. If a mat curls after unrolling, lay it flat for a few hours.
What to avoid
- Harsh cleaners, alcohol or bleach.
- Hot water – it can attack the glue and the print.
- Dryers, radiators or direct sun.
- Scrubbing with rough sponges.
Looking for a new mat? Discover our OCG rubber playmats – many straight from Japan – and the Yggdrasil cloth playmats.
