Choosing Your Gear, Care & Longevity
Bark in Your Palm: Caring for Your Cork Block
Jul
The quiet helper under your hand
A cork block does its best work in silence—lifting a hip, shortening the reach, steadying a spine.
Left unwashed, its honeycomb cells collect sweat, chalk, and floor dust. A minute of care returns the bark’s natural grip and keeps it smelling like forest, not locker room.
Why clean cork yoga block matters
Cork is bark, not foam. Each cell is a sealed chamber of air that rebounds after every press, but trapped moisture can dull the surface. Regular care keeps the block light, dry, and ready for the next shoulder-stand.
A two-minute wipe-down (after each practice)
- Mist — Fill a spray bottle with plain water. Lightly coat all faces of the block.
- Wipe — Use an unbleached cotton cloth, moving with the grain. No soaking—damp is enough.
- Air — Stand the block on its narrow side. Let it breathe for ten minutes before storing.
This tiny ritual prevents build-up and keeps the sweat-activated grip honest.
Seasonal deep-clean
If you practice daily or teach, give the block a deeper wash every three months:
- Mix — In a bowl, blend one cup lukewarm water with one teaspoon unscented castile soap.
- Scrub — Dip a soft-bristle brush, shake off excess water, and sweep gently over the surface.
- Rinse — Wipe with a cloth damped in clean water to lift any soap film.
- Dry — Set the block in indirect sunlight or a well-ventilated room for 24 hours. Cork hates confinement while wet.
Storage that extends life
- Keep blocks off cold concrete—damp floors slow evaporation.
- Stack them with a sliver of space between; cork likes airflow.
- Avoid sealed plastic bins. A breathable canvas tote or open shelf is plenty.
Small habits form the backbone of cork yoga block maintenance.
What to avoid
- Essential oils — The scent lingers, but oil seals pores and traps sweat underneath.
- Harsh detergents — They strip suberin, the waxy compound that makes cork naturally water-resistant.
- Pressure washers & hot water — Excess force or heat can warp the block’s edges.
When to retire a block
Fine hairline cracks are normal—the bark flexes. Retire when deep splits reach halfway through or the block feels spongy at the center. At that point, cork chips make excellent mulch; they return to soil without complaint.
Soft link, no push
If your block came from us, replacement lives here. Same bark, same grounded design.
Closing the loop
Care is a form of practice. Two minutes with cloth and water remind you that support works both ways: the block steadies you; you keep it clean. Balance, held quietly in cork and breath.
