Originally Posted by jenna p in ga
I also change mine when it just seems like I am having a lot of trouble. However, I have the hard June Taylor mat and have used it for several years and I actually think it is my biggest problem. It has a very rough surface now and the fabric is getting into the grooves and not cutting. I switched to a softer mat and things seem to be going better. I think mats need to be replaced even if they are slf healing or what ever.
Mats should also be washed every now and then with a mild soap and warm (NOT hot) water solution, scrubbed gently with a soft brush to get the fibres out of the cuts. Especially if you're naughty like me and rotary cut wadding. :D Dry flat out of the sun - laid on a towel on the bathroom floor after I've cleaned them it in the bath works for me. Mine are 36" x 24". Smaller ones you could do in the kitchen sink. :-D