How do I stop my yoga mat from being slippery?

New mats often have a factory coating that causes slipperiness. Wipe the surface with a damp cloth and mild soap, then let it air dry completely. For PVC mats, you can sprinkle coarse sea salt on the surface, let it sit for 24 hours, then brush it off this breaks in the top layer. During practice, keep a small towel nearby for sweaty hands. If your mat remains slippery after break in, consider upgrading to a mat with a textured or moisture activated grip surface.