This was discussed recently. Here's the link to the whole thread. It was new to me also. Very interesting....

http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...t-t224131.html

I've had my current mat for at least 5 years, its 24x36. Its the green Olfa one.

Wow, I have learned so much. I live in a very dry climate so today I am soaking mine in a play pool . I store my mat when I am not using it on top of the refrigerator, so that probably dries it too. Thanks for the comments and links.

Replaced my Olfa 24x36 about 2 years ago -- the surface was still pretty good, but the lines were gone! and moved from line to line regularly to keep from getting "un-healed" groves. Had this old mat cut in half, use top or back now for strip cutting with a slotted ruler, and for cutting circles for coasters, and cutting batting, etc. Mats here are extremely expensive -- 24x36 -- $60+. So use smaller mat whenever possible, saving this big one. Store my mats standing on end, between the wall and the china cabinet -- they are snug but not too tight, have for 7 years, without any warfs; live in moist climate, no cracks.

I was told years ago to never get your mats wet- if you need to wash it- dry it completely right after--- so the fact some of you soak your mats in a bathtub is pretty surprising....what is the purpose of doing this? seems like it would cause it to dry out become brittle... I've never heard of any one doing that before- I have mats that are 15+ years old- which are still just fine- and my big mat that gets used constantly I have replaced once just because the lines were pretty worn away & I wanted a new one- the old one I cut up into different sizes & still use them- I've never saturated a mat- I have used a soft damp cloth a couple times...i'm just wondering- what does it do for the mat to soak it in a tub? and how long does it take to dry it out, make it useable again afterward?

IQ2, thanks for the link. It would never have occurred to me to soak my mat in water. Why don't the manufacturers tell us these things? I wonder if climate/humidity has anything to do with them drying out...

Guess I should have read all the posts in that thread. They actually do discuss humidity. I live in a pretty humid climate here in the Deep South.

Soak it? In plain water? I never knew that.

My big mats last about 4-5 years, but I use them pretty heavily. My small mats don't even last that long, since I use them whenever possible to save wear on the larger (expensive) mats.

I flip them over and use the back side when the front side starts showing wear.

I've never soaked them, but the humidity where I live is incredibly high (98% most summer days) so perhaps that makes a difference.

It is good to see the discussions of mats on here. I am shopping for a new one. I would really like a large one, 36x48 to cover my cutting table. I have one of the ones from JoAnns and feel like it hasn't lasted as long as it should have for the price. I will try soaking it today and see how it comes out. I'm not sure I can afford the mat I want. Mine lasted about 3 years. I have an Olfa mat that is at least 20 years old. I dont use it any more sine I got a sewing room with a large cutting table.