5 Mistakes to Avoid When Using Recycled Plastic Camping Mats
Recycled plastic camping mats are one of those amazing accessories that can make your camping setup feel much more comfortable and stylish. They’re lightweight, easy to clean, and with the range of colours that are available, can double as a boho rug or decorative outdoor camping mat under your table or tent. But even the toughest recycled plastic camping mats can lose their charm and effectiveness if they’re not looked after properly. Here are five common mistakes — and how to avoid them — so your camping rug stays looking great for years.
1. Leaving It Wet or Dirty After Use
One of the biggest mistakes campers make is rolling up a wet, sandy or muddy camping mat and forgetting about it or putting it away with other gear without a second thought. Even though the mats are made from recycled plastic, moisture and debris can still trap nasty dirt and grime, producing mould, musty smells and even mark the surface.
Always shake off the dirt, sand or grass if it’s dry, but if it’s wet and also dirty it’s best to give it a rinse with a hose and let it dry completely before storing it again. Some time in the sun usually does the trick to dry even inside the weave— but don’t leave it baking all day, as we’ll talk about below.
2. Storing It in Harsh Sunlight
While outdoor mats are built for the elements, constant UV exposure can fade colours and weaken the plastic bonds over time and even make the mat piping brittle. Coastal camping in the sun, wind and dry sand is especially good at damaging most things, and these extremely durable mats are no exception.
Try rolling it up or sliding it under cover or in the shade when you’re not using it. That small habit will keep your bohemian rugs looking vivid and prevent the material from becoming brittle.
3. Placing It on Rough or Sharp Ground
A camping rug can handle a lot of uneven surfaces — but sharp large rocky gravel, hot asphalt, or jagged sticks or roots can severely bend or break the pipe weave of the plastic.
Before laying down your outdoor camping mat, clear the area of anything that you wouldn’t like to put your weight down on. An easy way to tell is if you wouldn’t want to stand on it, it’s probably not going to be the best for the mat either. That will keep the underside from scuffing and extend the life of the camp mat much further, not to mention being far more comfortable for you.
4. Folding Too Tight or in the Same Spot
Most of our mats come rolled and we suggest you keep that roll shape if that’s possible for you. This presents far less damage to the mat and keeps it looking and feeling it’s best. However, the very large sizes are folded to create a smaller footprint when packed.
It is best not to compress the folded mat as it permanently bends the plastic in the folds and the corners will eventually wear through. Repeated tight folds can cause permanent creases or cracks. Instead, wherever you can, roll your camping mat loosely and alternate fold lines every few trips.
Most recycled mats come with straps or Velcro — use those instead of forcing them into a small bag or bending or wedging them wherever they’ll fit in the back of the car.
5. Forgetting Routine Cleaning
This one is often forgotten as these mats do last very well without it, but sand, food, dirt or sunscreen can quickly build up in the weaves and make your boho mat look tired and a little bit gross. Give your outdoor mats a gentle scrub with a soft brush and mild soap and water every once in a while, if not after every decent trip it’s had some punishing on.
Avoid strong detergents that strip colour or dull the finish. Just bath soap and a strong full spray with be great. A quick rinse now saves you from stains later. Please remember to let it dry fully before putting it away again.
Final Thoughts
Taking care of your recycled plastic camping mats doesn’t take much effort — just a few mindful habits. Dry them properly, store them out of harsh sun, and clean them lightly after each trip.
That way, your boho rug or outdoor camping mat stays ready for many more adventures — and you’ll feel good knowing you’re caring for the planet as well as your gear.