How To Clean The Cricut Mat? [Simple Steps]

Cricut machines are a perfect companion for crafters. You can create limitless creative projects via this machine, from trendy shoes to paper bouquets and attractive keychains. You can make a large number of different projects using it. With so many uses, there is no surprise that the cutting machine starts to wear and begins losing its stickiness.

Fortunately, you can make it work and stick again with a bit of cleaning. This post will help with some valuable tips and tricks on how to clean the Cricut Mat. In addition, this will save you money too.

About Cleaning Cricut Mats Effortlessly

We see four types of Cricut mats available with different levels of adhesive. Each tends to last for 40-45 uses before wearing out. Cricut mats don’t last forever; you can see them wearing out and losing their stickiness over time. However, there are many ways to extend the life of your mat. One of the main ways is cleaning when it is dirty. This will protect the mat between uses.

How Often Cricut Mat Cleaning is Required

Cleaning depends on using the Cricut mat, how often you use and what materials you’re using to cut from it. Most often, cleaning is required once a week if you craft with your Cricut mats daily.

If you use materials such as denim, leather, or glitter vinyl, clean the mats more often. But it is recommended to clean the mat when materials don’t stick the way they used to. Make sure to clean the mats after cutting wood with the knife blade. In the case of smooth materials like vinyl and cardstock, you should proceed just with fewer cleanings.

Supplies and Tools Used for Cleaning:

• Plastic scraper tool (Plastic)

• Lint roller

• Dish brush

• Dawn dish soap

• Alcohol-free baby wipes

Different Cleaning Methods to Clean the Cricut Mat

Cleaning can be an excellent way to extend the life of your Cricut mat. Follow the steps given below to clean your Cricut mats in an effortless manner. Three cleaning methods - light-duty, medium-duty, and heavy-duty cleaning- are used to clean different types of mats.

Light-Duty Cleaning Methods

Use these light-duty cleaning methods to maintain your mat after every project.

Scraper Tool

A plastic Cricut scraper tool can be used to scrape off large pieces of leftover material or debris. Pull the edge of the scraper tool over the cutting mat’s surface. One thing to note is that the tool should dislodge pieces of excess material like stray hair or fuzz.

Lint Roller

The Lint roller removes small pieces of leftover material stuck to the mat. Roll over this tool over the mat’s surface to pick up paper pieces (small), glitter, or fuzzies.

Baby Wipes

These are the most convenient and cheap items to clean Cricut mats. Wipe the mat, using either single or 2,3 mats, in a circular motion. While using gentle pressure, be careful not to scratch the adhesive off. Finally, ensure that the mat is completely dry.

Medium-Duty Cleaning Methods

Go for this one if none of the above methods worked. You can use dish soap to wash the mat.

First, remove excess material from the mat using a scraper tool.

Lay the mat on a flat waterproof surface. Finally, let the mat dry completely before you use them.

Heavy-Duty Cleaning Methods

If your mat is dirty or greasy, use more robust cleaning methods. Find LA’s totally awesome spray and then use it to clean the mat.

• Spray the mat first.

• Now, let the mat sit for something around 5-10 minutes.

• Make use of a scraper tool to scrape the residue off.

• Last, rinse the mat with warm water and let it dry.

Cleaning Methods for Pink Cricut Fabric Mat

This mat includes a special type of adhesive that differs from the adhesive on the other three mats. Since its adhesive is quite delicate, gently use a tweezer tool to remove larger pieces of leftover materials.

Note: Do not use Awesome spray or harsh cleaning sprays on this mat.

Making a Cricut Mat Sticky Again

In most cases, you can make your Cricut mat sticky again just by cleaning it properly. But if the mat is old, you can try other methods.

• Clean your mat first. Use baby wipes, soap, and water to remove dirt.

• Once after cleaning, tape off the edges to prepare the mat for new adhesive.

• Apply new adhesive, then.

• Make sure to let the adhesive dry. Wait for at least 10-15 minutes.

Conclusion

In this post, we have also talked about cleaning the pink Cricut mat. If you find your Cricut mat dirty, follow the steps mentioned above based on your type of Cricut mat. Always start with the gentlest methods and then move down to the complex techniques as per requirement.

Do you have questions in your mind? Have a look at the Frequently Asked questions given below. I hope you find the answer to your queries.