Are Wrestling Mats Waterproof | Can Wrestling Mats Get Wet?

Suppose you don’t have space inside your house to store your wrestling mat. This may make you wonder if wrestling mats can get wet? This blog post will talk about how waterproof wrestling mats are and if you can wet wrestling mats.

Generally speaking, wrestling mats can get wet. While there are wrestling mats that are waterproof, that doesn’t mean water can’t stay on the surface. Water on the mat’s surface can cause discoloration and cracks. That’s why it is a good idea to keep wrestling mats dry and clean after use.

This blog post will talk about the porosity and waterproof wrestling mats. I will also discuss what materials used in wrestling mats are waterproof and how to take care of your mats when taken outside.

Can Wrestling Mats Get Wet?

Wrestling mats can get wet. So, they should be stored upright so that excess water and disinfectant can roll off.

Storing the mats uprights will prevent the mats from getting dirty. During the rainy season, it’s recommended that you lay the mats flat for a few days. You can also use a vacuum cleaner to clean your mats. If your mats get wet, you should replace them every three months.

Since wrestling mats can get wet, replacing them every 3 months can prevent infection.

I made a separate blog post indicating signs that your wrestling mat should be replaced. One of which is discoloration which bacteria can cause. You can find more signs here: How long do wrestling mats last?

But please note that a wet wrestling mat can accelerate bacterial growth, which speeds up the degradation of the mat.

After each season, you should roll your mats back up. If the mats get wet, you should roll them up and store them in a dry place.

Make sure that they are wrinkle-free and all folds are accessible. Then, pour some disinfectant on the mat. Next, you should dilute the disinfectant with water, which prevents the solution from dripping onto the wrestlers.

If you want to prolong your mat, it is advisable to use mat disinfectant. Because it’s made for mats, it doesn’t have any chemicals that can harm the integrity of your wrestling mat.

Another caution since the mat can get wet is the cold temperature.

During cold weather, never attempt to unroll the mat. When cleaning your mat, do not unroll it until the temperature is at room temperature, usually at 75°F or 24°C.

Forcing the mat to unroll in a colder climate will damage it because water can harden the material. This can cause cracking even if the mat is new.

When wrestling mats are stored in cold weather, you must ensure that they do not get wet. Remember that cold temperatures can cause it to freeze, which can destroy the mat.

Thus, make sure to remove water when storing mats. Water on mats can cause fungal or bacterial growth even at optimal temperature.

The good news is that wrestling mats are considered waterproof, and we will discuss that in the next section.

Are Wrestling Mats Waterproof?

Some wrestling mats, particularly those made of vinyl, are waterproof. Vinyl is a type of plastic that is waterproof. Wrestling mats that are made with vinyl are soft and easy to clean. However, while they’re waterproof, bacterial or fungal growth is still possible on these mats.

The main question you may have is, “Are wrestling mats waterproof?”. There are a few wrestling mat options available, some of which are waterproof.

The first type is made of vinyl.

Wrestling mats made with vinyl are non-abrasive, soft, and easy to clean. It is also a good choice if you have children or plan to use your wrestling mat for competitions. But there are a few things you should know before making your final purchase.

Another important consideration is the material.

Wrestling is a highly sweaty sport, which means that the mats you use should withstand liquid.

A low-quality mat will absorb a large volume of fluids, allowing fungus and mold to grow. So, the best choice is always the waterproof one.

While most sports quality mats are resistant to water, it is wise to still take care of your mat correctly.

Even if mats are waterproof, water can remain on the mat’s surface, causing bacterial or fungal growth. These growths can harm the mats in the long run.

Lastly, wrestling mats must be waterproof to protect against spills. A matted surface will not allow water to permeate it.

A mat should be waterproof to prevent the development of mildew and mold. That’s why if you plan to use it at home, you might want to consider mats made of non-permeable materials such as vinyl to prevent water absorption and stains.

Are Wrestling Mats Porous?

Generally speaking, wrestling mats are porous, particularly those made with foam. That’s why some wrestling mats can absorb water which can cause it to degrade fast. So, it is good to store mats upright and clean them after each use.

These days, wrestling mats are made of various foam types, each with its unique performance characteristics.

While it’s difficult to say whether a mat is porous, it’s worth keeping in mind the pros and cons of each.

Despite their name, wrestling mats are made of different materials.

Cross-linked polyethylene foam is an excellent example of this. Cross-linked polyethylene foam requires 60 percent more foam to equal the same PVC Rubber Nitrile foam.

This means that two inches of cross-linked polyethylene foam will provide the same level of protection as a one-and-a-half-inch PVC Rubber Nitrile foam.

That makes the choice of foam thickness all the more critical for wrestling programs.

Can You Leave a Wrestling Mat Outside?

You can leave a wrestling mat outside. However, it would be best to keep a few things in mind to prevent damage to the mat. First, you need to open it only at room temperature. Second, always clean your mat before and after use. However, if you don’t want additional maintenance, it is better to keep mats indoors.

The problem with wrestling mats is they tend to absorb odor from their environment. Thus, leaving a wrestling mat outside can cause it to absorb some odor.

Furthermore, wrestling mats tend to be porous and can accumulate water. Water can cause bacteria or mold to grow. This causes discoloration or unpleasant odor on the wrestling mats.

In addition, you should never leave a wrestling pad outside in direct sunlight. Sunlight can crack or harden your mat. So, it is a bad idea to put it into the sunlight.

Lastly, as I discussed earlier, cold temperature can freeze your mats which isn’t ideal if you use them later.

It is best to keep mats rolled up until it reaches room temperature (75°F or 24°C). Leaving the mats out in cold weather will cause them to crack or break.

If the mat is frozen, it will probably crack or break.

However, if you lack space in your home and need to put the mats outside, here are some tips for preserving your mat.

After storing the mat outdoors, it should be aired out and cleaned. Using a hose will help keep your mat free from dirt.

Second, don’t leave your mat unrolled in freezing weather.

You shouldn’t unroll it until the temperature rises to room temperature. Do not force unroll your mats because it may cause permanent damage.

Generally speaking, wrestling mats can get wet. While there are wrestling mats that are waterproof, that doesn’t mean water can’t stay on the surface. Water on the mat’s surface can cause discoloration and cracks. That’s why it is a good idea to keep wrestling mats dry and clean after use.

What’s next? If you’re interested in wrestling mats, you might be interested in wrestling. How about knowing how long it takes and what you need to master to become good at it? You can find more information here: How long to get good at professional wrestling?