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Can ringworm live on mats?
Absolutely — and for longer than most athletes realize.
Ringworm (tinea corporis) isn’t a worm; it’s a fungus that thrives in warm, sweaty environments. Once it lands on a mat, it can survive for days or even weeks, spreading fast if not cleaned properly.
💡 How Long Can Ringworm Live on Wrestling Mats?
Research shows that dermatophyte fungi can survive on mat surfaces for up to 20 days. Even when mats look clean, spores can hide in sweat film or leftover detergent residue — ready to transfer to the next athlete.
🧽 What Kills Ringworm on Mats?
Most basic cleaners don’t. You need something that:
- Breaks down sweat and oil buildup
- Uses antimicrobial ingredients that destroy fungal spores
- Is safe for skin contact after drying
That’s why the Neutral Zone Clean Mat Cleaner uses HOCl (hypochlorous acid) combined with lemon, orange, and tea tree oils — a system built for wrestlers, BJJ athletes, and coaches who care about skin health.
🧴 Prevention and Treatment: Neutral Zone Clean + MatFunk
🧼 Prevention:
Use Neutral Zone Clean after every practice to stop mat funk before it starts.
👉 NeutralZoneClean.com/hygiene-guide
💻 Treatment:
If ringworm or staph appears, get fast help from certified dermatologists via MatFunk.
👉 MatFunk.com
Together, Neutral Zone Clean and MatFunk protect athletes on both sides — prevention and treatment.
🏁 The Bottom Line
Ringworm can live on mats — but with consistent cleaning and the right products, it doesn’t stand a chance.
Stay clean. Stay healthy.
Protect What Matters.