I use a nylon scrubber, rubbing hard all over the surface then use a chalkboard eraser over it to pick up all the link the nylon scrubber got up. I also soak my matts in the tub with lukewarm water over nite and lay flat to dry after drying it with a towel. I am still using the same 2 matts I bought when I started out a year+ ago. But I do dream of a bigger matt all the time...yes I am a skinflint with my money...rather buy fabric