How to clean cricut mat and get the stickiness back

​Help! I cleaned my Cricut mat and now it’s not sticky anymore!

How can I save it?

Don’t worry, your mat is not ruined.

There is a way to save it and restore the stickiness to it. 

How To Clean a Cricut Mat

There are lots of methods to clean and get the stickiness back to Cricut mats.

Some methods involve rubbing alcohol, scrapers and spatulas or baby wipes. Some methods are easier than others and every crafter has their own strategy.

I’ll give you my suggestions below but you are free to use the method that works best for you.

I get commissions for purchases made through some of the links in this post. There is no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure here.

Can You Wash a Cricut Mat?

You should make it a regular habit to clean and maintain your mats in order to get the best results from them.

It’s simple to clean and wash your Cricut mat. It’ll only take you about 5 minutes. Here is what you need.

• Cricut mat
• sink or basin
• scrub brush
• paper towel
• scraper

To clean your mat, start by putting it in a sink or basin filled with warm water.

Next, gently scrub the mat with the bristle scrub brush.

Then, remove it from the sink and pat it dry with a paper towel.

Lastly, let it air dry before using it again.

Some people like to use the plastic scraper as part of the cleaning process.

That’s fine if you clean your mat regularly.

But if you go for long periods between cleanings, it’s not recommended to use the scraper for cleaning the Cricut mat.

If you use the scraper to get the gunk off the mat, it will probably just push it even further into the mat and you don’t want that headache.

How Do You Make Your Cricut Mat Sticky Again

Like I mentioned above, there are several ways to restick your Cricut mat.

The method that seems to be the easiest and the quickest with no scrubbing necessary uses only one product.

Before you run out and buy all new Cricut mats, try this tip to restore the stickiness to your old mat.

You’ll need:

• Awesome
• Sponge

Instructions:

• Spray the mat with Awesome, let it sit for a few seconds (do not let it dry on the mat)
• Use the soft side of your sponge to wipe it clean, then
• Rinse the mat with water and leave it to air dry overnight (or 6-7 hours minimum).

Once it’s dry, your mat should have regained its stickiness and you’re ready to get back to crafting!

How Often Should You Clean Your Cricut Mat?

Did you know that the frequency of cleaning your Cricut mat can extend the life of your mat? It’s a good idea to clean your mat after every few projects, especially if you’re cutting materials that leave a lot of debris.

Different Methods for Cleaning Your Cricut Mat

Cleaning with Baby Wipes

Yes, it’s possible! You can use alcohol-free baby wipes to gently clean the entire surface of the mat. This method is quick and effective for removing small debris.

Play

Cleaning with Dawn Dish Soap

Dawn dish soap is another great way to clean your Cricut mat. Mix a few drops of Dawn with lukewarm water and use a hard-bristled brush in a circular motion to clean the mat. Rinse it off and let the mat air dry.

Cleaning with Awesome Spray

Awesome cleaner is, well, awesome for cleaning Cricut mats. Spray the cleaner on the mat and use a paper towel to wipe it clean. This method is particularly effective for sticky mats.

Cleaning with Magic Eraser

Magic Eraser can be a lifesaver for those stubborn spots. Just dampen the eraser and gently scrub the surface of your cutting mat.

How to Clean Pink FabricGrip Mat

The pink fabric mat requires special care. Use a plastic scraper to remove large pieces of debris. For smaller particles, a pair of tweezers works wonders.

Resticking Your Cricut Mats

After a while, you might find that your mat has lost its stickiness. No worries! You can use a spray adhesive or liquid sticky mat adhesive to bring back the adhesive coating.

Just make sure to cover the edges of your mat with painter’s tape to protect them from the adhesive spray.

Play

Cleaning Method	Materials Needed	Time Required	Effectiveness
Cleaning with Baby Wipes	Alcohol-free baby wipes	5 minutes	Moderate
Cleaning with Dawn	Dawn dish soap, lukewarm water, hard-bristled brush	10 minutes	High
Cleaning with Awesome Spray	Awesome cleaner, paper towel	5 minutes	High
Cleaning with Magic Eraser	Magic Eraser, water	10 minutes	High

When to Buy a New Mat

If you’ve tried all these different cleaning methods and your mat is still not sticky, it might be time for a new Cricut mat.

Protecting Your Mats for Future Projects

Store with the Clear Protective Sheet

Always store your mat with the clear protective sheet to keep it free from dust and debris.

Don’t Touch the Sticky Surface

Avoid touching the sticky surface of your mat as oils from your hands can make the adhesive less sticky.

Use the Right Mat for the Right Material

Different Cricut machine mats have been optimized for a variety of popular crafting materials.

For example, use strong grip mats for heavyweight materials like leather and the green mat for medium-weight materials like cardstock.

Final Thoughts

Cleaning and maintaining your Cricut mat isn’t just a chore; it’s an investment in your crafting future.

So the next time you finish a project, take a few extra minutes to clean your mat. Your future projects will thank you!

What methods have you tried to clean your cutting mats? Do you also need quick tips to remove heat transfer vinyl from clothing?

Check out a few of my other tips for crafting too.

If you like this tip and want to remember it, save it to your Cricut board on Pinterest. Just click the Pin button below.

Frequently Asked Questions