How do you clean your cutting mats?
 

I have green Olfa cutting mats and I just cleaned them but don't feel like I got them really clean. I wiped them off with a rag, then used a lint roller (got tons of thread, fabric, dust bunnies) and then a clean wet rag. I feel as though there is a better way and was hoping someone could tell me what I could do differently. I am cutting Kona solid white fabric and am so afraid of it getting dirty. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance! :o

Wow - I don't think I have ever cleaned my mat! I usually just wipe the excess fabric/lint off. Sounds like you should be good to go with what you did. I will be watching this to see if anyone comes up with something.

I have used one of those "scrunchy" things that can be used when showering. I dampen it and it seems to help keeping it clean.

I've used a Windex-type cleaner on mine before. Also use a scrunchy scrubber to get lint out of the cuts from cutting batting.

A self healing mat needs to be rehydrated about once a year to stay self healing. I soak mine in the bathtub over night and then let air dry flat. I use mild soap wash it before soaking. Soap or other cleaning products will dry the mat out if any residue is left on the mat.

Oops, I guess I'm in trouble... I've never cleaned my mats and I had no idea that they should be soaked in the tub.

Me either. Learn something new every day. But then again, I'm not one to read instructions either. LOL

I can tell you a great way to clean yours! I dropped a glass of wine on mine on the way thru the room! It worked great.....clean as a whistle!

What a great tip Casi. The other ideas are good also, but yours is much more relaxing.:p

Great ideas ....thank you!!

Just went by the Olfa booth at the Mid-Atlantic quilt show a couple weeks ago. They put mat cleaning instructions in each bag of purchases. Wash with dish liquid and tepid water, that's all.....from the 'horse's mouth'!

Jan in VA

Good because that is all I have even done. Thanks jan.

I take the edge of a ruler I don't care for and scrape everything off everytime I finish up a project. Never occurred to me to "wash" it.