patski

fons & porter say to soak the mat in white vinegar and warm water (NOT HOT) for about an hour, keep it flat, when you take it brush with a soft brush (like a mushroom brush), then dry and it will be like new again

piepatch

I have read that an eraser will take away those lines. I am guess a gummy eraser would be the best to use.

postal packin' mama

Actually, Fiskars makes 18" X 24" reversible cutting mats.
I have two of them -- one is pale green on one side and pale yellow on the reverse side.
The other mat is pale blue on one side and pale lavender on the reverse side.

Tartan

I have the green Omnigrid Matt that is beginning to show some marks that no longer heal. It is about 20 years old so I just flipped it over to use the back and it is still going strong. Different matts have different recovery rates. For getting the fuzzy fabric bits I have heard of the Mr. Clean magic erasers and someone on QB recommended the large 4 inch pink erasers from the Dollar store. You know the joke ones that say "big erasers for big mistakes"?

nanna-up-north

Thanks, you all.... I washed it with water and vinegar and it helped. I do think that it just got too dried out. There aren't any cuts so I think I did it in time.

Toni C

Yeah I was going to suggest the water and vinegar soak. Mine love a bath LOL

cherrio

thanks for this subject! I am going to try this before mine gets past his prime. and who doesn't love a good soak!?

Jean45

Be careful where you store your mats. DH was moving stuff in the room and put mine behind a dresser but he got it between the wall and the baseboard heater. It was a little warped but usable. Then he wanted to use a heat gun to straighten it out. I said no, you've done enough damage, that it was just fine and it might finally straighten itself. Didn't use it for a few weeks and when I got it out it was straight. I knew it would flatten again but my quilt pieces didn't exactly match and I was having lots of trouble with them. I struggled for days and then DH asked how it was working. He had used the heat gun to straighten it out unbeknownst to me. It shrunk the mat that it wasn't noticable but really was ruined for depending on the measurements, etc on it.

rj.neihart

You just reminded me it's time to clean my self-healing mat.

MartiMorga

This is a very interesing and informative thread! I have used a sweeper dust cloth on my old one and it takes the threads out really well. Unfortunately it has a lot of cuts in it and I never tried to soak it. Bought new ones - 2 of the Omigrid that "hook" together and are the green self healing. They are new so still work and look great. Still think I will soak my old one for the heck of it. Thanks again for all of your ideas.