Soaking these mats is ridiculous. The material they are made of is waterproof, not absorbant. No amount of soaking is going to do a thing for a mat.

They all cut well until they get too many little grooves in them from the rotary cutters-- then they don't cut as well. When yours gets that way, flip it over and use the other side until it's worn out too, then buy a new mat. Don't waste your time soaking.

I have heard of this but have never actually done it. I probably should - I've had my cutting mat forever.

I tried it, doesn't do a thing...complete waste of time and water.

I have been using the same couple of mats for eons and they are still doing their jobs without any soaking........

This is info I received from a vendor several years ago and it's worked for me:

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The purpose is not to soak to rejuevenate the mat, but to clean it after you have cut fleece, Minkee, batting, etc. so that you can get the fibers out of your mat. I have never soaked one of mine. I wet a sponge with warm water and a little Dawn and wash the mat, then use a Mr. Clean eraser and rub gently. Let the mat dry thoroughly laying flat before using it again.

I don't either. I just use a magic eraser and wipe it down good. Then I use a micro fiber cloth to dry it off. I've been using my kitchen table more often since easier on my back. It's more solid and flat than the folding table I was using. It has since really flattened in the areas where there was minimal warp. I cut every piece of fabric I have on my mat. So far so good.

Just used the magic eraser on my mat. Did a wonderful job of cleaning of those fibers.
Thanks for the tip. :thumbup:

I thank you and all the ladies at my quilt retreat thank you for your comments and wisdom. Some of us were clueless and just reading the responses have given many of us the knowledge we needed to understand the issue.

I've been Quilting for 12 years and have never heard of soaking mats.