I am also going to try this with the oldest mat I have, I am going to try a pants hanger to hang it up to dry in the shower, it is way to cold to try to dry it outside, this is worth a try.

Thank you for doing this post. Wonderful information, tips and tricks for taking care of our cutting mats. Much appreciated.

hey try the bathtub?! This is a new one for me and the tub is where mine is going!!!

Can't wait to try this... I never knew that mats were supposed to be refreshed and soaked.

The following was circulated at our quilt group:
Cleaning a rotary cutting mat:
Excerpt from Q/A on http://www.generations-quilt-pattern...ing-forum.html
QUESTION:
How can I heal my OLFA Mat? I understand there is a way by soaking it in a bathtub. What is the solution you need to add to the water?
REPLY:
I went to the expert, Charlie Haney of OLFA Deals for this answer.

For soaking, he recommends putting the mat(s) into a bathtub or large container (would have to be large so it can lay flat) and soaking the mat for 15-20 in a solution of 1/4 cup white vinegar to every gallon of cool water. Charley was VERY specific about it being cool water. He said the mats love the moisture and that it'd be a good idea to do this every so often to help extend their useful life.

Then use a squirt of mild dishwashing soap (Ivory) and clean the mat with a mushroom brush (again, soft is the key word here). The purpose of this gentle scouring is to remove the fibers that get trapped in the cuts marks preventing the cuts from "healing".

Keep 'em clean, keep 'em moist, keep 'em flat and NO heat. That is what he recommends.

For more tips on self healing rotary cutting mats see our OLFA Cutting Mat page.

I hope this information helps.

Piecefully,

Julie Baird
Editor

maybe your bathtub?

A bathtub?

Thanks for posting this question. I have learned a lot by the answers!

Yup, using an old credit card was the trick they demonstrated at our local quilt, sewing and craft expo. worked great!

I've always wondered how to clean the mat. A couple yrs ago when getting ready to move, I cut blocks from my scraps and almost cut the 6 1/2, and 9 1/2 sizes almost clear through. Would soaking bring back those measure lines?