These are the care instructions I've found on the olfa website:

OLFA ROTARY MAT CARE INSTRUCTIONS
• Use only Rotary Cutters and Blades. Knives with a fixed blade may damage this mat.
• Keep mat flat, never rolled.
• Do not expose to extreme condition. Keep out of direct sunlight. Both cold and heat
could cause the mat to crack or become brittle.
• Do not iron.
• Avoid cutting repeatedly in the same spot to avoid excessive wear. For double-sided
mats, rotate and flip mat periodically.
• To clean, use lukewarm water with a mild detergent. Avoid harsh chemicals.

Bath rub?

As I understand it, there's no need to soak it, just lay it in a bath of warm water with some mild detergent or liquid soap and scrub it gently with a soft brush. Rinse with fresh tepid water and dry flat on a towel NOT in sunlight or near a direct heat source. Mine are 24" x 36" as well and I just let them roll gently up the sides of the bath while I clean them then push them gently too and fro in the water. When they're not left there for any length of time, it does them no harm. I have two different brands, treat them both like this and they're like new. :-D

When bits of thread, batting, etc. get embedded in my cutting mat, I just rub over the threads with a large pencil eraser. It works great to get those little threads and bits of fluff out of the grooves made by the rotary cutter.

I take aball of foil and rub it over the mat and that removes all the fuzz

I didn't know you should soak your mat either. Do you put the whole pat a tub of water and just wet it down good and let it dry?

Have to try that. Thanks for the tip.

LOL. I've NEVER "reconditioned" my cutting mat. Poor things is many, many years old and still going strong, but I guess I am an "abusive mother" since it hasn't gotten it's bath. Do you just wipe it down with water and let it dry???

Thanks I never knew this !

How do you know if your mat is self healing one? Is there a particular brand?