I'm really new at quilting so this may be something everyone knew but me.
I was getting a lot of strings and fuzz on the cutting mat when squaring up the pieces so I got out a clothing brush. I'm using one of the plush ones that collects lint in one direction and you clean it in the other direction. It worked so well I started using it along the cut edge of the block before I moved the ruler. It really helped me get the area ready to sew.
I am having so much fun!