11 Methods to Clean Cricut Mats: How to Clean a Cricut Mat and Make it Sticky Again!
Are your Cricut mats looking dirty and feeling less sticky? It’s no surprise – if your crafting space is anything like mine, it’s filled with paper, fabric, glitter, and yarn. It’s a dusty, fiber-filled place!
We use our beloved mats over and over again for all sorts of messy crafting projects. Cutting mats are bound to accumulate a layer of dirt, dust, and debris after dutifully holding countless materials as your creative visions take shape.
Don’t worry, though. Cricut mats can be cleaned. With a little patience and elbow grease, you can have your Cricut mats looking like new in no time!
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How to Clean Cricut Mats
11 Excellent Methods to Clean Your Cutting Mats
Remember: Mix and Your Mat Cleaning Methods!
Each of the methods listed here has its own pros and cons, depending on how dirty your mats are, what tools you have on hand, and how much time you want to spend cleaning.
In reality, you’ll probably end up using several different methods. Try a few different cleaning methods and see which ones work best for you!
Warning About Resticking Your Cricut Mats
Cricut does not recommend cleaning or re-sticking your mats. The official recommendation is that you replace them with a new one when they start to lose their stick.
Of course, that could be pretty expensive, not to mention wasteful.
Cleaning your mat will help it become sticky again, but I would recommend adding any sort of adhesive to it if you have a newer machine.
If your after-market adhesive get’s into the machines mechanical parts, it can void the warranty.
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Tips For Keeping Your Cricut Mat Clean & Working It’s Best
Here are some tips to keep your Cricut mats in tip-top shape between uses:
- Use a lint roller or transfer tape to remove any loose particles or debris from the mat after each use.
- When they start to feel less sticky, usually after a few dozen cuts, it’s time to clean. Refresh the mats with one of the “wet” methods below, and be sure to let them air dry completely.
- Store your Cricut mats flat, out of direct sunlight, and away heat from to prevent warping.
- Store the mats in their original packaging or with a sheet of plastic or parchment over the sticky side to protect it from dust.
- Avoid using materials that shed easily, like glitter, flocking, or textured paper. They can stick to the mats and be difficult to remove.
- Regularly check your mats for deep cuts or damaged edges. These can keep your Cricut machine from feeding them through properly, so you’ll need to replace them at this point.
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Clean Your Cricut Mat with a Scraping Tool
Method #1:
Scraper Tool
One of the easiest ways to clean a Cricut mat is with a scraper. Cricut sells tools specifically for this, but they’re quite pricey. If you’re on a budget, an old credit card works reasonably well.
So does a regular plastic spatula from the dollar store (or your kitchen drawer). I personally use an old pastry scraper to clear most of the bits off the mat quickly, and then a smaller scraper to get the remaining bits off.
Best For: Clearing larger bits of paper, card stock, fabric, and other materials quickly
Use When: When your Cricut cuts leave lots of little bits of dry material behind
Scraper Tool Cons
- Doesn’t work well for sticky materials
- Doesn’t get all the tiny fibers and specks
- Not as thorough as wet cleaning
Scraper Tool Cons
- Doesn’t work well for sticky materials
- Doesn’t get all the tiny fibers and specks
- Not as thorough as wet cleaning
How to Use a Scraping Tool to Clean Your Cricut Mats
- Start with a clean surface to work on, like a table or countertop.
- Place your Cricut cutting mat on the clean space and make sure it’s completely flat – you don’t want any bumps or texture under it.
- Remove any big scraps from your cutting mat with your fingers.
- Optional: Dip a soft cloth into lukewarm water. Gently wipe the entire surface of the mat to dampen any particles and dirt stuck in the adhesive.
- Lay the scraper flat onto the mat, holding it about 45-degree angle. Using small strokes, gently scrape away any large debris from the surface of the mat with your scraper tool. Start from one side of the mat and work your way across it.
- You’ll need to use firm pressure, but be careful not to gouge into the mat!
- If you dampened your mat before scraping, be sure to let it air dry completely before you put it away.
Cleaning a Cricut Mat with a Toothbrush
Method #1
Scrub with a
Toothbrush
Cleaning a Cricut mat with a toothbrush allows you to thoroughly remove deep-set debris and grime. The bristles on the toothbrush can reach into the tiny grooves of the mat where paper or vinyl particles often stick, which cannot be removed by wiping alone.
A toothbrush allows for gentle, focused scrubbing that won’t damage the adhesive surface of the mat. This method can greatly extend the usability and life of your Cricut mat.
It’s especially effective in removing deep-seated, stubborn debris and adhesive residue that are not easily removed by just using baby-wipes or similar means. It’s ideal for regular maintenance of your mat if you frequently use materials that tend to leave more debris like glitter cardstock, or if your mat has not been cleaned in a while and has accumulated significant grime.
Best For: A thorough detailed clean – especially for tiny, stuck-on bits of glitter, fibres etc
Use When: Your mat has a build up of stubborn debris
Toothbrush Cons
- A bit time consuming
- Best if it’s wet (so you’ll have to wait for it to dry!)
Toothbrush Cons
- A bit time consuming
- Best if it’s wet (so you’ll have to wait for it to dry!)
How to Use a Toothbrush to Clean a Cricut Cutting Mat
- Start by removing any visible debris from your Cricut mat.
- Wet the bristles of your toothbrush slightly. Make sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid damaging the mat.
- Optional: Dab a small amount of dish soap or cleaner onto the bristles for extra cleaning.
- Gently scrub the mat surface in a circular motion, focusing particularly on areas with visible dirt or adhesive residue.
- Once you have scrubbed the entire surface, rinse the mat under lukewarm water.
- Use your hands to gently wipe down the mat while rinsing, aiding the removal of loosened grime and soap residue.
- After thoroughly rinsing, allow the mat to air dry completely before using again.
Use Craft Tweezers to Clean Your Cricut Mat
Method #3:
Try
Craft Tweezers!
Using tweezers when cleaning a Cricut cutting mat with a scraper tool is helpful because it allows you to easily pick up and remove any tiny scraps of material that the scraper tool may miss.
They’ll also help you avoid getting sharp crafty bits under your fingernails if you try using your fingers like I do – ouch!
Best For: Removing really stuck-on bits
Use When: Whenever You need to get really stuck on bits
Cons of Craft Tweezers
- Quite slow (bits removed one at a time)
- Need to have tweezers on hand
- Can be hard to see if your eyesight is less-than-perfect
Cons of Craft Tweezers
- Quite slow (bits removed one at a time)
- Need to have tweezers on hand
- Can be hard to see if your eyesight is less-than-perfect
How to Clean Your Cricut Mat with Craft Tweezers
- Start by lifting off any big chunks of hardened material from your Cricut cutting mat with your craft tweezers. These would be bits of paper, glitter, glue, etc.
- Optional: Once you’ve removed the bigger pieces, you can loosen the small, really stuck-on bits with warm water. Gently wipe the Cricut mat’s surface with a slightly damp cloth to remove any residual residue.
- Next, using your craft tweezers, carefully pick out any small pieces or bits that have gotten stuck in the mat’s surface adhesive, such as tiny pieces of paper, thread, or glitter.
- If your mat is still damp, let it air dry before putting it away.
Try a Lint Roller for Small Fibres
Method #4:
The
Lint Roller
One super simple method to keep your Cricut mat clean is using a plain old lint roller. It’s quick, easy, and can work wonders in keeping your Cricut mat sticky and ready for your next project.
This method is ideal for regular maintenance, as well as for those times when you need to remove lots of little pieces of debris from the surface of the mat.
Best For: Small fibre like fabric threads
Use When: Between cleans, to remove dust and particles
Lint Roller Cons
- Not super thorough
- Requires a roller
- Won’t get hard or stuck on bits
Lint Roller Cons
- Not super thorough
- Requires a roller
- Won’t get hard or stuck on bits
How to Clean Your Cricut Mat with a Lint Roller
- Remove any very large pieces of material from your mat with your fingers before you start.
- Peel the lint roller sheets off so that the sticky part is exposed.
- Start at one corner of the mat and press the sticky side of the lint roller onto the mat. Roll the lint roller over the mat in a back-and-forth motion. Press down firmly as you roll to pick up any debris or fibers stuck on the mat.
- Move to the next section of the mat and repeat the process until you have cleaned the entire mat.
- Depending on how dirty your mat is, you might need several lint roller sheets. Start with a fresh sheet if the first one becomes too dirty.
- Once you have gone over the entire mat, inspect it to ensure there is no debris left behind. Store the lint roller until the next time you need to clean your Cricut cutting mat.
Lift the Debris with Transfer Tape
Method #5:
Transfer Tape
This method of cleaning a Cricut cutting mat with transfer tape is helpful because it removes debris and lint without damaging the surface of the mat. The transfer tape helps lift off any debris and leaves the mat clean and sticky again.
It’s also a great way to use up leftover transfer tape!
Best For: Getting lots of small bits of paper or thread at once
Use When: As needed to remove debris
Transfer Tape Cons
- Wastes transfer tape if you don’t have leftovers
- Won’t lift really sticky stuff
Transfer Tape Cons
- Wastes transfer tape if you don’t have leftovers
- Won’t lift really sticky stuff
How to Clean Your Cricut Mat with Transfer Tape
- Cut a piece of transfer tape to the same size as your mat.
- Apply the transfer tape to the mat with the sticky side down. Smooth out any bubbles with a scraper tool or plastic card.
- Lift up and remove the transfer tape slowly, pulling it off at a 45-degree angle.
- Repeat the previous step until all of the debris and lint have been removed from the mat.
- Optional: use a cleaning wipe to remove any remaining debris or residue.
Baby Wipes to Clean Your Cricut Mat Quickly
Method #6:
Baby
Wipes
Cleaning your Cricut mat can be a hassle-free process by simply using alcohol-free baby wipes. Plus it makes them smell nice!
This method offers an easy and efficient solution to clean your sticky cutting mat, without the need for water or additional cleaning supplies.
Best For: All over refresh without a full wash
Use When: You need a quick, gentle cleaning method
Baby Wipes Cons
- May not have wipes on hand
- Can make mats gunky if you use the wrong kind of wipes
- Not as good as scraping for stuck-on materials
Baby Wipes Cons
- May not have wipes on hand
- Can make mats gunky if you use the wrong kind of wipes
- Not as good as scraping for stuck-on materials
How to Clean Cricut Mats with Baby Wipes
- Ensure your Cricut cutting mat is flat on a clean surface.
- Take a non-alcohol baby wipe and gently wipe the surface of the mat.
- Start from one end and move the wipe gently in one direction rather than in a circular motion.
- Repeat this process across the entire cutting mat ensuring not to miss any spots.
- Let the mat dry thoroughly before using it again. It can take a few hours to be completely dry and sticky again, so it’s best to do this at the end of your crafting day.
Wipe With Lysol or Clorox Cleaning Wipes
Method #7:
Lysol or
Clorox Wipes
Lysol and Clorox wipes are a super convenient way to clean just about anything around the house, and your Cricut mats are no exception!
This fast and easy method will leave your mats clean and sticky in no time.
Best For: Removing residue from your mats surface and restoring stick
Use When: When you feel buildup on the surface and mat starts to feel less sticky
Cons of Lysol Wipes
- Wipes can be expensive
- Can be harsh on your skin
Cons of Lysol Wipes
- Wipes can be expensive
- Can be harsh on your skin
How to Clean Cricut Mats with Lysol or Clorox Wipes
- Lay the cutting mat out on a flat surface.
- Take a Lysol Wipe or Clorox Wipe and gently wipe down the cutting mat, making sure to cover the entire surface.
- Don’t rub too hard – you don’t want to damage the adhesive you your mat!
- Allow the Lysol to air dry on the mat for a few minutes so it can effectively kill any bacteria or germs.
- Run your fingers over the mat to check for any remaining debris and peel or scrub it off if necessary.
- Once your Cricut mat is sparkling clean, let it air dry fully before storing it away.
Deep Scrub Your Mat with a Magic Eraser
Method #8:
Magic Eraser
Magic Erasers are effective at removing tough dirt and grime, because of their micro-abrasive material. They can easily cut through the debris that can build up on cutting mats over time.
What’s great about using a Magic Eraser is that there’s no need to add chemicals – warm water is enough!
Best For: Scrubbing stubborn, stuck on bits
Use When: When you need to get really stuck on gunk off your mat
Cons of Magic Erasers
- Can be hard your mat
- Have to buy Magic Erasers
- Too harsh to use regularly
Cons of Magic Erasers
- Can be hard your mat
- Have to buy Magic Erasers
- Too harsh to use regularly
How to Clean Your Cricut Mat with a Magic Eraser
- Place your mat on a flat surface.
- Dampen the magic eraser, and gently rub the dirty areas of the mat in a circular motion.
- Rinse the mat with warm water to remove any debris from the cleaning process.
- Blot the mat with a lint-free towel to remove excess water.
- Repeat the cleaning process if needed until the mat looks clean.
Try Windex to Clean Your Cricut Mats
Method #9:
Windex
One popular method to clean and restore the stickiness of a Cricut mat is using Windex. This cleaning solution is known for its capability to cut through grime and dirt effectively.
To clean a Cricut mat with Windex, it’s important to follow a few simple steps to achieve the best results.
Best For: A quick all-over clean
Use When: As needed to remove buildup from adhesive
Windex Cons Waiting time is a little longer than other methods,Can be harsh on sensitive skin
Windex Cons Waiting time is a little longer than other methods,Can be harsh on sensitive skin
How to Clean Your Cricut Mat with Windex
- Begin by removing any excess debris and dust from the mat using a lint roller or scraper tool.
- Spray a generous amount of Windex onto the cutting mat, ensuring that the entire surface is covered.
- Let the mat sit with the windex on it for 5-10 minutes, to really soak into the dirty surface.
- Using a soft-bristled brush or a textured dishcloth, gently scrub the mat in a circular motion to remove any stubborn residue or grime.
- Once you’ve scrubbed the mat, wipe or rinse it thoroughly with warm water to remove any leftover cleaning solution or debris.
- Pat the mat dry with a clean, lint free towel and let it air dry completely before using it again.
Wash Your Mat with Dish Soap & Water
Method #10:
Dawn
Dish Soap
It may seem obvious, but you can wash your Cricut mat with dish soap and warm water, just like a kitchen cutting mat. Dawn seems to be the favourite brand among Cricuters online, but any brand of gentle soap will do the trick.
Best For: Deep cleaning of all over dirt and grime
Use When: When mat starts to lose its stick and “dry” methods don’t work
Pros of Dawn Dish Soap A very thorough clean, No special technique to learn, You probably have dish soap on hand
Pros of Dawn Dish Soap A very thorough clean, No special technique to learn, You probably have dish soap on hand
How to Clean Your Cricut Mat with Baby Wipes
- First, grab some gentle baby wipes. Use unscented, alcohol-free, bleach-free, lotion-free, and cornstarch-free wipes to avoid damaging the adhesive on your mat.
- Using one wipe at a time, gently apply light pressure and scrub the mat using circular motions. This will help you remove all the debris and particles from its surface.
- As you clean your Cricut mat, pay special attention to any areas with glitter, fabric fibers, or any stubborn residue that may be caught in the adhesive. (The baby wipes method is particularly effective in removing gunk, making your mat look new and refreshed.)
- Once you have thoroughly wiped the entire surface of your Cricut mat, let it air dry completely to avoid trapping any moisture on its surface.
Totally Awesome Spray for a Thorough Refresh
Method #11:
Totally Awesome
Cleaning Spray
So, you’ve got a dirty Cricut mat and you’re looking for a quick way to clean it, right? Well, have no fear – Awesome Spray is here!
This little magical potion is perfect for giving that mat of yours a good ol’ cleaning. It’s seriously the best for tackling general, all-over dirt that just won’t go away.
Best For: A full, thorough clean
Use When: Your mats need a deep clean
Totally Awesome Spray Pros Very thorough to remove all residue from mats, Easy to do
Totally Awesome Spray Pros Very thorough to remove all residue from mats, Easy to do
How to Clean Your Cricut Mat with Totally Awesome Spray
- Before you get started, though, make sure to remove any of that big, chunky debris with a scraper or tweezers. Trust me – you don’t want that stuff getting in the way of your pristine, clean mat.
- Once you’ve prepped your mat, all you need to do is spray a little bit of that Awesome Spray onto it. Seriously, a little goes a long way so don’t drench it or anything!
- Take a soft cloth and gently rub the cleaner into the mat. You’ll see all the dirt and grime disappearing before your eyes – it’s like magic!
- After you’re done, wipe away any excess cleaner. And babe, there you have it – a clean, non-sticky mat ready for your next project.
Awesome Spray is the secret weapon you need in your Cricut cleaning arsenal. Give it a try, and you’ll soon see why it’s all the rage among crafters!
More FAQ’s on Cleaning Cricut Mats
In this section, you’ll find more helpful information on how to keep your mats in good condition so they can deliver quality cuts consistently.
If you have a question not answered here, leave it in the comments below and I’ll get back to you shortly!
Is it Difficult to Clean Cricut Mats?
Some of the methods listed below are a bit more work than others, but none of them are particularly difficult.
There’s nothing tricky or hard about cleaning your Cricut cutting mats – just be gentle, avoid heat and be sure to let them dry before putting them away.
Depending on how dirty your mat is, it may take a little elbow grease. But overall, it’s a simple job to do.
How Often Should I Clean My Cricut Mat?
Depending on how often you use them and the materials you cut, you may need to clean them more or less frequently.
As a general rule, it’s recommended to clean your mats after every use or at least every few uses. This will prevent debris, dust, and residue from building up, which can affect your cuts and reduce the adhesion of your materials.
I keep a scraper right beside my cutting machine, so I can give the mat a quick scrape after each use. Cleaning wipes are also great for the “every time” cleans.
You can do an occasional deep clean (maybe every 20-30 cuts) using one of the “wet” methods above, like Dawn dish soap or Windex, to help re-stick your mat’s adhesive back.
Be sure to let the mat dry completely before putting it away again, and store it with the protective sheet on so it doesn’t collect dust!
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Can I Use Alcohol to Clean My Mats?
Tempting as it might be to use rubbing alcohol to refresh your mats, it’s not a good idea. It can damage or strip the adhesive on the mat, making your mat pretty much useless.
Look for gentler cleaners like Dawn or Windex to keep your mat looking and working it’s best.
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How do I Clean the Pink Cricut Fabric Mat (Pink FabricGrip Mat)?
The pink fabric mat is the same as all of the other mats – some sources say the adhesive is entirely different, although others believe it’s the same as the regular light grip mat.
Either way, it’s similar enough that you can clean it the same way as all of the other mats. Just be gentle!
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What do I use to clean Cricut cutting blades?
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Can I Add Adhesive to Make My Cricut Mat Sticky Again?
methods to clean a cricut, cricut mats may void, know that resticking your cricut
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When Do I need to Buy a New Mat?
clean the mat, the edges of your mat are damaged. warping across the mat
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Final Thoughts on How to Clean a Cricut Mat and Make it Sticky Again
If you want to get the most out of your Cricut mat, it’s important to keep it clean and in good shape. Luckily, there are several easy methods you can try, like using a lint roller, baby wipes, cleaning spray, or a scraper tool.
And don’t forget, after each use, give your mat a quick clean and store it flat in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat sources. You can even use the clear covers that come with it to keep it protected from dust and pet hair.
Trust me, a little maintenance goes a long way in saving you money and avoiding any crafting mishaps. So, keep on creating and enjoy your projects without any worries!
