If you own a Cricut machine, you know how important it is to have a clean and sticky mat. A Cricut mat is a sticky surface that holds your material in place while the machine cuts it. Without a good mat, your material can shift or slide, resulting in inaccurate or incomplete cuts.
But as you use your Cricut mat more and more, it can get dirty and lose its stickiness. Dirt, dust, fibers, glue, and other residues can build up on the mat, making it less effective. A dirty or worn-out mat can also damage your cutting blade or your machine.
That’s why you need to clean your Cricut mat regularly and properly. Cleaning your mat can help restore its stickiness and make precise cuts. It can also extend the life of your mat and save you money in the long run.
But how do you clean your Cricut mat? How often do you need to do it? And what are the best methods and products to use? In this article, we will answer all these questions and more. We will show you four easy ways to clean your Cricut mat and make it sticky again.
We will also cover the different types of Cricut mats and how to clean them differently. And we will give you some tips on how to store and maintain your Cricut mat properly.
So let’s get started!
Method 1: Cleaning with Baby Wipes or Wet Wipes
One of the easiest and quickest ways to clean your Cricut mat is by using baby wipes or wet wipes. These wipes are gentle, lint-free, and alcohol-free, which means they won’t damage or dry out your mat.
To clean your Cricut mat with wipes, follow these simple steps:
- Take a baby wipe or a wet wipe and wipe the entire surface of your mat in circular motions. Make sure to remove any debris or residue that is stuck on the mat.
- Let the mat air dry completely before using it again. You can lay it flat on a table or hang it on a rack. Do not use a towel or a hair dryer to dry the mat, as this can ruin its stickiness.
- Repeat this process as often as needed to keep your mat clean and sticky.
This method is great for light cleaning and regular maintenance of your Cricut mat. It can restore some of the stickiness of your mat and make it last longer.
However, if your mat is very dirty or has lost all its stickiness, you may need to use a stronger method.
Method 2: Cleaning with Dish Soap and Water
Another effective way to clean your Cricut mat is by using dish soap and water. Dish soap is mild, non-abrasive, and grease-cutting, which means it can remove more dirt and grime from your mat without harming it.
To clean your Cricut mat with dish soap and water, follow these simple steps:
- Begin by running lukewarm water over your mat, maintaining a moderate temperature. Avoid hot water, as it possesses the potential to distort or melt your mat, rendering it ineffective.
- Take either a soft-bristled brush or a magical eraser and gently scrub the entire surface of your mat. Employ circular motions during this process. Remember, refrain from using a scrubby sponge or steel wool, as they have the tendency to mar or peel off the adhesive layer of your mat, compromising its functionality.
- Thoroughly rinse the mat with water, ensuring all the soap residue is removed. Once rinsed, delicately pat the mat dry using a paper towel. Avoid vigorous rubbing or wringing, as these actions may inflict damage upon the stickiness of your mat.
- To facilitate complete drying, allow the mat to air dry naturally. Consider laying it flat on a table or suspending it on a rack. It is essential to avoid utilizing a towel or a hair dryer for this purpose, as these alternatives have the potential to undermine the adhesive properties of the mat.
- As a final step, repeat this meticulous process whenever necessary to preserve the cleanliness and adhesive quality of your mat.
This method is great for deep cleaning and removing stubborn stains and residue from your Cricut mat. It can make your mat look like new again.
However, if your mat is very old or has been exposed to harsh chemicals or heat, you may need to use a different method.
Method 3: Cleaning with Degreaser Spray
Another powerful way to clean your Cricut mat is by using degreaser spray. Degreaser spray is a strong cleaner that can cut through any grease, oil, wax, or glue that is on your mat.
However, degreaser spray can also leave behind a residue that can affect your cutting performance. That’s why you need to rinse and wash your mat after using degreaser spray.
To clean your Cricut mat with degreaser spray, follow these simple steps:
- Spray a diluted degreaser spray on your mat and let it sit for a few minutes. Do not use a full-strength degreaser spray, as this can be too harsh or toxic for your mat. We recommend using Awesome spray, which is a non-toxic and biodegradable cleaner that works well on Cricut mats.
- Use a scraper tool or a plastic card to scrape off the excess dirt and material from your mat. Do not use a metal scraper or a knife, as this can damage your mat.
- Wipe off the remaining liquid and debris with a paper towel or a cloth. Do not leave any degreaser spray on your mat, as this can affect its stickiness.
- Rinse the mat with water and let it air dry completely before using it again. You can lay it flat on a table or hang it on a rack. Do not use a towel or a hair dryer to dry the mat, as this can ruin its stickiness.
- Repeat this process as needed to keep your mat clean and sticky.
This method is great for removing tough stains and residue from your Cricut mat. It can make your mat look like new again.
However, if your mat is very old or has been exposed to harsh chemicals or heat, you may need to use a different method.
Method 4: Making a Cricut Mat Sticky Again
Sometimes, cleaning your Cricut mat is not enough to restore its stickiness. If you have used your mat for a long time or have cleaned it too many times, the adhesive layer of your mat may wear off completely.
In that case, you may need to make your Cricut mat sticky again by applying a new layer of adhesive on it.
To make your Cricut mat sticky again, follow these simple steps:
- Protect the edges of your mat with painter’s tape or masking tape. This will prevent the adhesive from getting on the parts of the mat that are not supposed to be sticky.
- Spray a light coat of repositionable adhesive spray on your mat and let it dry for a few minutes. Do not use permanent or strong adhesive spray, as this can damage your material or your machine. We recommend using Krylon Easy-Tack Repositionable Adhesive Spray, which is acid-free, clear, and compatible with Cricut mats.
- Test the stickiness of your mat with a scrap piece of paper or vinyl. If the paper or vinyl sticks well to the mat but can be peeled off easily, then you are good to go. If the paper or vinyl does not stick well or sticks too much, then you may need to adjust the amount of adhesive spray you use.
- Repeat this process as needed to keep your mat sticky and usable.
This method is great for extending the life of your Cricut mat and saving money on buying new mats. It can make your old mat work like new again.
However, if your mat is very damaged or warped, you may need to replace it with a new one.
Conclusion
Cleaning your Cricut mat regularly and properly is essential for getting the best results from your Cricut machine. A clean and sticky mat can help you make precise and accurate cuts on any material.
There are different ways to clean your Cricut mat depending on how dirty or worn-out it is. You can use baby wipes, dish soap, degreaser spray, or adhesive spray to clean and restore your Cricut mat.
You should also pay attention to the different types of Cricut mats and how to clean them differently. For example, you should not use water or soap on fabric mats, as this can damage them.
Here are some tips on how to store and maintain your Cricut mat properly:
- Always cover your Cricut mat with the protective sheet that came with it when not in use. This will prevent dust, dirt, and lint from getting on the mat.
- Store your Cricut mat in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight or heat sources. This will prevent warping or melting of the mat.
- Avoid bending, folding, or rolling your Cricut mat, as this can damage its shape and stickiness.
- Replace your Cricut blade regularly, as a dull blade can cause more pressure and friction on the mat.
- Use the right type and size of Cricut mat for each project, as different materials require different levels of stickiness.
We hope this article has helped you learn how to clean Cricut mat and make it sticky again. If you have any questions or feedback, please leave them in the comments section below.
Happy crafting!
FAQs
Q: Can I use rubbing alcohol to clean my Cricut mat?
A: No, rubbing alcohol can damage the adhesive layer of your Cricut mat and make it less sticky. It can also leave behind a residue that can interfere with your cutting performance.
Q: Can I use a hair dryer or a heat gun to dry my Cricut mat faster?
A: No, exposing your Cricut mat to high heat can warp or melt it. It can also affect the adhesive layer and make it less sticky. Always let your Cricut mat air dry naturally.
Q: Can I use fabric softener sheets to clean my Cricut mat?
A: No, fabric softener sheets can leave behind a waxy coating that can reduce the stickiness of your Cricut mat. They can also clog up your cutting blade and affect your cutting quality.
Q: Can I wash my Cricut fabric mat in the washing machine?
A: No, washing your Cricut fabric mat in the washing machine can damage it. The fabric mat is designed for cutting fabrics only and should not be exposed to water or soap. To clean your fabric mat, use a lint roller or tweezers to remove any lint or threads.
Q: Can I use any adhesive spray to make my Cricut mat sticky again?
A: No, not all adhesive sprays are suitable for Cricut mats. Some sprays may be too permanent, too strong, or too toxic. Always use a repositionable, acid-free, clear adhesive spray that is compatible with Cricut mats. Follow the instructions on the label carefully.
