you could soak your matt in the bathtub,

Thanks everyone for all the info. My one and only mat will soon get a renewing wash and scrub!

A long time ago I picked up this square rubber hard eraser that was in the scrapbooking sention at JoAnn's. 68 cents. I use that and it picks up everything. It even cleans up the cut marks and you can't see them. They are gone!

I also have used a good pencil eraser and it cleans the mat right up.

Mine is soaking in the bath right now :) This mat soaking would have to be the hint of the year a gold medal to you Bellaboo :)

I didn't know that. Will have to do that.

thanks for sharing, I have always just wiped it off.

oh dear, I did not know this. How long does it take to dry and do you put it back on the table to dry? Do you put anything in the water?

I will have to soak my mat too, did not know about soaking.

I save my used dryer sheets to clean all those fuzzies & threads off mine. Plus it all sticks to the sheets & doesn't fly around.

Let it soak in water and dry naturally.

Where do you get a self healing mat??

Glad this question was ask. I did not know to soak my mat or to use a scrubby to clean it. This has been added to my 2 do list.

I scrape mine with an old credit card.

bathtub

I use a kitchen scrubbie, ones you can pick up at a craft show made out of tulle. Especially when you cut up fleece and batting on your mat. I have never heard of the soaking in water, I will give that one a try. I have several mats that need a soakin'!!!

Here is Olfa's response to cleaning mats. I have used it often. And remember about distortion through heat!!!!

"Fleece fibers are naturally attracted to your self-healing rotary mat. To clean your OLFA mat, use a generous amount of room temperature water and a few drops of mild detergent. Use a soft, mild bristle brush such as a toothbrush or mushroom brush to create a lather and gently clean your mat. Rinse with room temperature water and wipe dry with a cotton towel. Please note that warm or hot water and direct sunlight may damage the mat.

I did not know this! I learn something new every day on this board....thanks so much BellaBoo.

Very interesting. I would think that the water might warp it , I'll have to try that. Thanks for the info. I usually just use a wad of painters tape.

Learn something new every once in awhile.
I have two mats. One is a bit warped. Can this be fixed?
thanks

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?

A bathtub will work. If too wide slide up and down the sides of tub. BUT lay flat to dry.

I have never heard that before. I think I will ty it thanks

If you fill your bath with cold water until just over the mat when you have it resting onto pots,or plastic containers to keep it flat. Put a few heavy items on top so it will not float away. Leave the mat for about 2 hours and then wipe the mat and lay it on the floor, table where ever until it is dry. Make sure the mat is flat. It works great.

Thank you all for some very interesting answers to my dilemma. I'm going to try the credit card and then will soak the mat if that doesn't work. (I'm lazy, what can I tell ya?)
I know I can always count on you wonderful ladies to give me great info and direction.

I just cleaned my mat (58 x 32") with one of those miracle cloths that is supposed to clean anything without chemicals. I can't soak this one, but after a cutting spree on a bunch of fleece, I wet the cloth with warm water and went for it. Worked great.

I also use these cloths to clean the carpet after fur-ball attacks. Cold water works and doesn't set any stains. (No, I don't sell the crazy things. :) -- just use them.

This is why I just love this board. This place is just jammed packed with information! Thanks for sharing!

I did not know that! I guess I will be "soaking" mats today.

I sure learn alot on this site......I didn't know to soak your mat and let dry......Thanks for the advice........... :) :) :thumbup:

Do you soak the mat in a tub/shower stall or just mist it?

I was told this by the Olfa rep at the IQF in Houston, Texas a year or so ago...he said to get warm water and dish soap, soak couple of hours and rinse....I asked why there wasn't instructions about this when you buy the mat and his comment was, "I guess so you will buy another one"....