I got to the point where I had to tape down my vinyl and paper in order to get anything done on my Cricut because I lost all stickiness!
With the lack of desire to go out to #Michaels to get a new mat, I decided it was time to try cleaning my mats.
I read a few different posts on how to do this and essentially came up with the below solution. Afterwards, my mats were sticky again and I was able to use them like new!
Scrape Off Excess Material
I began by grabbing my scraper tool and scraping off anything that may be left on my mat ie. paper, vinyl, fabric, tape. If you don't have the scraper tool, a credit card would also get the job done.
I've also read that some people like to use a lint roller to help get everything off. The scraper worked enough for me so I didn't have the need to try this, but good to know for future cleanings!
Wash Your Mat
Once I felt like my mat was sufficiently cleaned off of excess material you can start to wash your mat.
I used dawn dish soap to clean my board. If your mat is very dirty you might want to start by letting it soak in warm water for 10 minutes to loosen it up.
I then drizzled the dish soap all over my mat. I rinsed the soapy mat with a little luke warm water then set my mat down on a flat surface.
I then grabbed a new #toothbrush to scrub my mat in a circular motion.
Dry Your Mat
once I felt that my mats were cleaned off I let them air dry over night on a flat surface.
Hopefully by this point when your mat dries it will remain sticky. If not I have found another solution for you below.
Re-Stick Your Mat
If you really did a number while scrubbing your mat, it may be helpful to re-stick your mat.
Before re-sticking, make sure the surface is completely clean of any debris. Follow the steps above again if you need to get extra debris removed.
Next tape around the edges of your mat where you DO NOT want the adhesive to be. Any tape works here, my first grab would probably be painters tape.
Next you'll want to cover the mat with some adhesive. You can use spray adhesive or a glue stick. I recommend using 2-3 coats and letting them dry in between.
Let the Adhesive Air Dry
After spraying your mat, allow the mat to air dry. Once completely dry, remove your tape and it should be good as new! You can test a piece of it to be sure.
If it turns out to be too sticky, use a t shirt, or a piece of cloth to dull the adhesive.
Otherwise your new mats should work like new again!
If you tried this out and liked it, please let me know! Or if you have any tricks of the trade you've learned over the years I'd love to hear that as well.
Thanks for reading!
Jen
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