That's right SB, I just hose mine down. If you change your blades often when needed, the mat will last longer and it's less stress on your wrist. Another tip, I don't know if I can explain this well. Don't hold your wrist and hand up when cutting. Hold you arm, like at you side, your elbow should be a 90degee angle, slide the blade forward, do not lift up you hand, like to get on top. It will cut so much better.