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-   -   Instructions I received on cleaning my OLFA self healing mat from a distributor (https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/instructions-i-received-cleaning-my-olfa-self-healing-mat-distributor-t169322.html)

QuilterGary 11-21-2011 03:34 PM

I have another brand that is warped any way to make it lie flat again?

pippi65 11-21-2011 03:54 PM

Thanks so much. It makes sense about the room temp water. I water my plants with that...so I can water the plants and clean my mat!

babyboomerquilter 11-21-2011 03:57 PM

Thanks so much for the tip. I have been picking out little threads with a tweezer.

bikermom 11-21-2011 07:05 PM


Originally Posted by QuilterGary (Post 4707125)
I have another brand that is warped any way to make it lie flat again?

I've never had a warping problem, but I did find this technique today that you may want to try. Their mat (brand unknown) had gotten warped in the heat, so they decided to try and use heat to reverse it. Good luck QuilterGary!

Here is how they did it:


Take a heavy piece of 1/2" to 3/4" plywood. (Make sure it is not warped and has at least one VERY CLEAN, SMOOTH side.) Lay the plywood on concrete pavement (not grass or asphalt, it's too soft), smooth side up in an area that gets sun ALL DAY. Lay the mat on the smooth side of the plywood. Place a large piece of PLATE GLASS on top of the mat (i.e. coffee table top, shelf glass or top of dresser). Our glass plate from the dresser did not quite make it, so I used a couple of a glass shelves in addition. Make sure the whole mat is covered with the glass, nor just the affected area. Leave this "contraption" in the sun all day, do not move or touch it. Early the next morning (preferably) we removed the glass and my mat was fixed!

patski 11-21-2011 07:20 PM

you can also put a really old mat in a tub of warm NOT HOT water with white vinegar, soak for an hour, brush with soft brush (like a mushroom brush) and it will be like new

bikermom 11-21-2011 07:37 PM

Great tip, Patski !!!

Susanna10 11-21-2011 07:38 PM

thanks for info. I was just going to lay mine out in the sun and that is a no no

deemail 11-22-2011 12:37 AM

Great info! I just "inherited" two Olfa cutting mats from a dear, departed friend and one of them is in very bad shape - so will try that before tossing it in the trash.

Originally Posted by sewmuchmore (Post 4707050)
YOu can use the back side of the cutting mat!!! It will be like new. You will not have the lines, but you will be giving it a new life!!!

and if you can't reclaim the mat, cut it (carpet knife and quilt ruler works well) into strips so that you have a 7 x 24 for your class kit...and a smaller one for the end of your ironing board... and a little one to put in your sewing kit.... my first (so old it was Unlined) mat is still around in lots of little different shapes, still serving well.

Crlyn 11-22-2011 01:55 AM

Thank you, good tip!

unclefreckles 11-22-2011 06:45 AM


Originally Posted by NikkiLu (Post 4706982)
Great info! I just "inherited" two Olfa cutting mats from a dear, departed friend and one of them is in very bad shape - so will try that before tossing it in the trash.

You might want to read the posting about re-using mats that are not suitable to use for cutting. Some really neat ideas.


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