Some of you probably face the indecision I had to face when ditching the old mat that I couldn’t recycle.

But hold yourself from tossing your worn-out mat!

Before making your way to the bin, try some of these ideas of repurposing an old yoga mat.

1. Mat pieces under flower pots

Cut pieces that fit or are wider from the base of your flower pots and place them under. The pieces will soak in any water that might have leaked and stop bleeding onto the floor until you equip yourself with a cloth. 

2. Kneepads from yoga mat

Many people struggle with knee pain when the surface is hard. The age doesn’t matter here. That is why kneepads are such an amazing thing that we can use during workouts, or while in the garden.

There isn’t a single technique to achieve getting kneepads that will help you in your activities. You can decide the cut round circles, or make wider and longer knee pads, or fold your mat a few times, no cutting needed.

3. Use as a doormat

This can go two ways. You can use the yoga mat outside your front door or inside next to your door for placing (muddy) shoes on top of. Or, you can split your yoga mat into two halves and use them for both outdoors and indoors. They are a convenient alternative to classic doormats and easy to clean, as there won’t be any trouble with wiping them down to get rid of dirt.

4. Sun protector for car interior

When the temperature goes up and stays there, the best option is to park in the shade or garage. By avoiding direct sunlight, you’ll help preserve your dash from drying and cracking. If that is not an option, you could utilize your mat and lay it over your car’s dash to reduce heat on the car’s interior.

5. Pet bowl placemat

Placemats help keep water and pet food off your floors and from spreading around your house. However, you can skip buying pet placemats and feeding mats and dive into a DIY project with your old yoga mat. All you have to do is cut it into desired shapes and place them underneath bowls or feeders.

6. Outdoor activities like picnics and camping

Old yoga mats can be useful on your next outdoor adventure. Bring your yoga mat along to the beach or picnics on the grass, where you can use it as an additional layer placed under a blanket. If you enjoy camping, a yoga or old exercise mat can serve as an underlayer for your sleeping bag or in front of your tent, as a “tentmat.”