After messing up more Cricut mats then I dare to admit, I’ve spent a whole afternoon trying and testing different cleaning options.
I have found the very best options to have a good-as-new Cricut Mat.
This means that you don’t have to spend money on new Cricut mats just yet.
By reading this article to the end you will find out how you can quickly and easily clean your cricut mat and even restick it.
If you need guidance on how to use your Cricut machine check out my post here.
Why Do I Need To Clean My Cricut Mat?
It is important to clean your mat regularly for two reasons.
First, if there are any build-ups of materials on the surface of the mat, it can affect the quality of your cuts (I’ve even had to clean dog hair off of mats.)
Second, over time the surface of the mat will lose its stickiness if it is not cleaned, which means that your material will not be held in place as well and could move around while the machine is cutting.
If you clean your mat and your materials are still not getting cut right, it might be time to replace your Cricut blade.
If your mat is in very poor shape, it may also need to be replaced.
Professional Cleaning Job for Cricut Mats
Here’s method one: I call this the professional job.
You need to get LA’s Totally Awesome Spray (it’s a magic eraser). This can be found in any dollar store. And use a silicone squeegee.
- First, you spray a generous amount of liquid on the mat. Then you let it sit for 10 minutes.
- After that, you take your squeegee and start pushing the gunk off the mat. You don’t have to press hard, medium pressure will do, and a lot of fibers and stuff will come off.
- Once you’re done with the squeegee, use some cold or warm water and clean off the cutting mat.
Leave it for an hour to air dry. Once it’s dried, it’s ready for use. It’s sticky, and it’s good as new.
DIY Cleaning Job for Cricut Mats
Here’s method two: I call this the DIY job
- To clean the mat, you can use some dish soap. Add the dish soap, and then you can use a silicone squeegee or go all-in with a sponge or a brush.
- Also, baby wipes are good for this job. Depending on how dirty the mat is you may need to use multiple baby wipes.
Remember not to press too hard because you can remove the sticky layer and not just the gunk layer.
As you clean you will see the part of the surface that has been cleaned and what remains to be dealt with.
Once you’re done, use cold water to wash and leave it to dry. I don’t see any difference between the methods – both work fine and make the Cricut mat sticky again.
Read our related article on How to Clean Cricut Machine for a guide to cleaning your Cricut inside and out!
How to Restick Your Cricut Mat
But what happens if the cleaning doesn’t bring back the stickiness? Well, you can restick it of course. It’s a good idea to do it after 4-5 washings anyway.
- Before you get started, use sticky tape and cover the exterior parts, because if you get the parts sticky that shouldn’t be, you can mess up your machine and destroy your work.
- Where the rollers touch the cutting mat, there shouldn’t be any stickiness.
- Make sure the mat is clean so you don’t add the adhesive spray over the gunk.
- After the mat has dried, use masking tape to cover the nonstick surface.
- Apply the adhesive spray and wait for it to air dry.
Once it’s dried, remove the tapes, and the cutting mat is ready to be used.
As you can see, it’s a simple procedure and you only have to use a few items, and most of them are available at home, or can be bought in a dollar store.
The resticking might take some skill, but it’s not rocket science. Don’t forget the first time you do something would be the worst and the more you do it, the better you get at it.
I’m a great fan of the Cricut brand and Cricut Maker. This is why I’ve created this How to Clean Cricut Mat guide.
I’ve used most of their machines, and I know for a fact that their accessories are excellent quality and they are the lowest priced on the market.
I feel for you if you have a Brother Scan and Cut machine. The accessories are priced sky high, and the mats lose stickiness fast.
You will be bleeding money if you have chosen that machine. Even though the Cricut is well priced, these items cost money.
So if you can save a bit here and a bit there, you will have more money in your pocket by the end of the month.
Read our related article on How to Restick a Cricut Mat With Tacky Glue. We go into depth on how to restick your Cricut mat so that it works like new!
Final Thoughts on how to clean your circut mat
If something is not clear for you, there’s always YouTube. I used to joke with my friends that today you can be a handyman extremely easy.
There are many great tutorials on YouTube that can help you get started cleaning the mat and how to make it sticky as well. Make sure you clean your cricut mat regularly.
This concludes my How to Clean Cricut Mat guide. If you need other tips and tricks, don’t hesitate to write. I usually research tips and tricks because people request it.
If you had enough of cleaning mats and you don’t want to avoid them at all costs you can check out a machine that works without them.
One of the best professional grade vinyl cutters is reviewed in this post.
Happy Crafting!
Frequent questions from our readers (FAQ):
How do you clean and reuse a Cricut cutting mat?
The short version to clean the cricut cutting mat is to use LA Totaly Awesome spray.
After that use a squeegee and remove the gunk. If you want more tips and tricks read my full post.
Can you make a Cricut mat sticky again?
Yes you can make your cricut mat sticky again. First obviously you will need to clean it. After that you tape down the places where it shouldn’t be sticky.
The last step is to use an adhesive spray so the mat regains it’s stickiness.
Can I wash my Cricut cutting mats?
Yes you can wash your cricut cutting mat. Cold water works the best, but lukewarm water is fine as well.
It is advised to clean your mat frequently if you want to use it for a long time.
Why is my Cricut mat so sticky?
The Cricut mat is sticky because it has to hold vinyl and other materials in position.
Now if you feel that it’s just too sticky all you have to do is put a towel on it once or twice.
Can I use spray adhesive on my Cricut mat?
After 4 or 5 cleaning procedures it is advised to use an adhesive spray so your Cricut mat regains it’s stickiness.
This will help you use it over and over again.
How durable are cricut cutting mats?
The fact is that cricut cutting mats are one of the most durable ones. However you will still need to clean your mat from time to time. Also
What else can you use to cricut mats?
You can use baby wipes (baby wipe), lint roller, goo gone and rubbing alcohol.
To make sure that you don’t mess up your mats you need to tape with painter’s tape. Using painter’s tape will avoid the mat from sliding left and right.
You’ll also need a paper towel and lukewarm water or cool water. If you clean your cricut mat regularly, you will be able to use it for a long time.
The lint roller is another great way to keep cricut cutting mats clean. The technique is simple, you just roll the lint roller over the cutting mats until it’s clean.
If you’re using baby wipes on cutting mats, make sure they don’t contain adhesive remover.
What should you do first when you’re about to clean your cricut cutting mat?
To clean your cricut mat first you need to use your plastic scraper to remove debris from the surface of the mat.
Don’t forget about the edges of the mat. The plastic scraper can do a great job even at the edges of the mat.
How do you restick cricut mats and cutting mats?
Cricut mats and cutting mats can be easily resticked. First you will need adhesive remover. The adhesive remover this will remove any sticky part, preferably alcohol free.
After that you can use the repositionable adhesive to add the new layer on. After you’re done use baby wipes to clean the area.
It’s the best way to take care of your cutting machine.
Can you use the cutting machine without the cricut mats?
Yes, you can use the cutting machine without the Cricut mats. This trick mostly works with vinyl.
If you don’t use a mat then you don’t have to restick your mat for your cutting machine. The goo gone is my favorite adhesive remover.
Keep baby wipes handy because they can clean stuff fast. Another quick tool would be the magic eraser.
To restick your mat it takes time so get soap and water and baby wipes and start it.
