Cricut cutting machines have revolutionized the world of crafting and DIY projects. Their versatility allows crafters to cut various materials precisely for cards, home decor, apparel, and more. The secret behind a Cricut’s cutting accuracy lies in its sticky cutting mat. This mat grips fabric, vinyl, cardstock, and other materials to hold them in place while the blade cuts around them.
Over time and repeated use, the stickiness of a Cricut mat decreases. When this happens, materials start to slip and shift during cutting, leading to inaccurate cuts. Luckily, it’s easy to clean and re-stickify a Cricut cutting mat! With some simple supplies and techniques, you can restore the grip to extend the life of your Cricut mats.
Why Do Cricut Mats Lose Their Stickiness?
Cricut cutting mats are designed for repeated use, but the stickiness does diminish over time. There are a few reasons why this happens:
- Residue Buildup – Materials like vinyl and paper leave behind adhesives and fibers on the mat with each cut. This buildup layers on top of the original sticky surface.
- Dust and Dirt – Lint, dust, and other debris also collect on the mat over many cutting sessions, covering up the tacky layer underneath.
- Wear and Tear – With heavy use over months or years, the adhesive can simply wear out in spots on the mat.
Don’t despair when your Cricut mats lose their grip! A good cleaning can remove buildup and restore stickiness in most cases.
How to Clean a Cricut Mat
Cleaning a Cricut mat is a straightforward process. Here are the basic steps:
Gather Supplies
You’ll need just a few household items:
- Mild soap and warm water – Avoid harsh chemical cleansers.
- Clean cloth or sponge – A microfiber cloth works best.
- Straight pin, seam ripper, or dental pick – To help scrape off sticky residue.
- Paper towels – For drying and buffing.
Optional extras:
- Cornstarch or baby powder – To rejuvenate stickiness.
- Cricut mat cleaner – Specialty spray solutions are available.
Wash the Mat
Wash your mat in warm, soapy water using a clean cloth or sponge. Apply a small amount of mild liquid hand or dish soap and lather up the entire surface.
Let the soapy water soak in for a few minutes to loosen any built-up gunk. Then scrub away any visible residue, fibers, lint, etc.
Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove all soap. Make sure no suds remain on the mat.
Tip: Keep the water warm but not hot, as extreme heat can damage the mat’s adhesive.
Scrape and Blot Dry
Use a straight pin, seam ripper, or dental pick to gently scrape off any remaining sticky spots and residual debris.
Work in small sections across the mat, scraping gently to lift adhesive residue. Take care not to scratch or gouge the mat surface.
Blot dry after scraping by pressing down firmly with clean paper towels. Buffing as you dry helps restore stickiness.
Repeat the scrape-and-blot process until no more residue comes up.
Apply Restorative Powder (Optional)
For an extra sticky boost, apply a light dusting of cornstarch or baby powder across the mat.
Sprinkle pinches over the surface and then rub it in with a paper towel. The powder absorbs moisture and adds grip.
Buff the mat again until the white powder disappears. The mat should now feel tacky to the touch.
Let Air Dry
Allow the mat to fully air dry before using again. Lay it flat and let it dry for at least 8-12 hours.
Drying overnight is best to ensure no moisture remains. The adhesive needs to set completely.
And that’s it! With a good wash and some elbow grease, you’ve cleaned and re-stickified your Cricut mat.
How Often Should You Clean Cricut Mats?
How frequently you should clean your Cricut mats depends on how much use they get:
- For light hobby use, clean every 4-6 months.
- For frequent use, clean every 2-3 months.
- For heavy daily use, clean every month.
Clean immediately if you notice extensive material residue or cuts shifting. Don’t wait for mats to lose all stickiness.
Clean gently to avoid wearing down the adhesive too quickly. Harsh scrubbing can degrade stickiness faster over time.
Signs It’s Time to Replace a Mat
With repeated cleaning, Cricut mats do eventually wear out. Here are signs it’s time to replace a mat:
- Materials won’t stay adhered, even right after cleaning.
- Visible scratches, cuts, or gouges in the surface.
- Bubbles or cracks in the mat material.
- Adhesive seems to be disappearing in areas.
Cricut StandardGrip mats usually last 1-2 years with regular use. More delicate materials may require replacement every 6-12 months.
Tips for Extending Mat Life
Here are some tips to make your Cricut mats last longer:
- Roll up mats for storage rather than folding.
- Allow pressure-sensitive materials to release naturally after cuts rather than forcing them up.
- Clean mats after working with fabrics, which leave more fuzzy residue.
- Avoid cutting delicate paper at high speeds, which can tear and leave paper bits behind.
- Use a brayer before cuts to securely adhere materials to the mat.
- Work in sections, removing cut pieces before completing the entire project.
- Replace blade regularly for clean cuts that won’t prematurely wear down the mat.
What If My Mat Won’t Get Sticky Again?
In rare cases, cleaning alone doesn’t restore stickiness to a Cricut mat. Here are some troubleshooting tips:
- Try a second round of cleaning, really focusing on residue removal.
- Use an old credit card or sticker scraper to lift debris from pores.
- Apply multiple layers of restorative powder to add grip.
- Tape down materials temporarily if gently holding them works.
- Try a new mat cleaner solution like the Cricut-branded Deep Cleaner.
- Heat mat gently with a hairdryer to loosen stuck adhesive (caution – overheating can damage mat).
If none of these tricks work, the mat may have simply reached the end of its usable life. Stickiness deteriorating in some spots is a sign to replace it.
Cricut Mat Alternatives
Standard Cricut mats aren’t your only option! Here are some other material possibilities if you want a change:
Cricut BritePad
Cricut’s translucent BritePads offer a slick, grippy surface perfect for smooth materials like glitter vinyl that standard mats can struggle with.
Cricut FabricGrip Mat
The fabric mat has a nubby texture that keeps fabric from shifting without leaving residue behind.
Third-Party Mats
Companies like Fiskars offer their own versions of cutting mats in various sizes.
Alternative Adhesives
Temporary adhesives like painter’s tape or repositionable spray can hold materials when mats lose stickiness.
DIY Vinyl Mat
Get crafty by using permanent adhesive vinyl to create a fresh gripping surface on an old mat board.
Don’t feel limited to original Cricut mats – explore alternatives to find your perfect match!
Mat Cleaning FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about cleaning Cricut cutting mats:
Should I use soap and water or rubbing alcohol?
Soap and water is recommended for cleaning Cricut mats. Alcohol can degrade and dry out the adhesive over time. Mild dish or hand soap effectively lifts residue.
Can I put Cricut mats in the washing machine?
Handwashing is best. The washing machine’s agitation and high heat can damage the mat over time, wearing down stickiness faster.
How can I dry a mat quickly?
Use a hairdryer on a low setting to speed up drying time. Keep it moving constantly to prevent overheating any spots. Air drying is safest for mat longevity though.
Is WD-40 good for cleaning mats?
WD-40 is not recommended as it can leave an oily residue. It may lift adhesive residue briefly but won’t restore grip. Mild soapy water is the better choice.
Can I use the same mat for different materials?
Yes, with care – clean between material types to avoid buildup affecting adhesion. Blot mats between projects working with the same material too.
How do I clean ink or permanent marker from a mat?
Rubbing alcohol can lift inks safely from mats. Soap and water often spread and set ink stains. Take care not to degrade adhesive with too much alcohol.
Get More Life Out of Your Cricut Mats
Cricut cutting mats are indispensable tools for clean, accurate cuts. Keeping them properly cleaned, stored, and maintained will ensure you get the most life and use out of them.
Restore stickiness periodically with mild soap and some elbow grease. Be gentle in your cleaning to avoid excessive wear. Replace mats once they’ve deteriorated beyond cleaning.
With the right care, your Cricut cutting mats can stick by your side through hundreds of projects and crafts for years of DIY fun!