When you own a Silhouette Cameo machine, it’s essential to clean it regularly in order to keep it functioning correctly.
If you don’t clean your machine, the build-up of dust and debris can cause errors and malfunctions.
This article will discuss how to clean Silhouette Cameo machine. We’ll also provide some tips on how to prevent gunk from building up in the first place!
How to Clean Silhouette Cameo Machine
Use a lint-free cloth to dust the exterior and interior of the machine. Use canned air to blow lint and dust away from the rollers and blade housing.
Use rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab to safely remove any sticky residue on the blade, blade housing, rollers, and cutting mat.
The cutting mat can be cleaned with soap and water. Use a lint-free towel to dry it off. Consider using a lint roller to ensure there is no lint left on the clean cutting mat.
Cleaning Your Silhouette Cameo Machine Step-by-Step
Step 1: Unplug Your Machine From the Power Source
Before you start cleaning your machine, it is essential to unplug it from the power source. This will prevent any accidents or injuries from occurring while you are cleaning.
Step 2: Use a Soft, Dry Cloth To Wipe Down the Outside of Your Machine
To clean the outside of your machine, it is recommended that you use a soft, dry cloth.
Avoid using harsh chemicals or cleaners on the surface of your device and be sure to keep the surface clean at all times.
Step 3: Clean the Cutting Mat With a Lint-Free Cloth and Mild Soap and Water
The cutting mat should be cleaned with a lint-free cloth and mild soap and water. You can also purchase a unique cleaning solution specifically for cutting mats.
If your mat is filthy, you may need to soak it in the cleaning solution for a few minutes before wiping it down.
Read More: How to Clean a Cricut Mat. We cover everything you need to know to effectively clean your Cricut mat in this guide!
Step 4: Clean the Blade Holder With a Cotton Swab and Rubbing Alcohol
The blade holder can be cleaned with a cotton swab and rubbing alcohol. Be sure to avoid getting any moisture on the electrical components of your machine.
Use rubbing alcohol and not water because the alcohol is an excellent solvent and will evaporate almost immediately without leaving any residue.
Step 5: Wipe Down the Interior of Your Machine With a Lint-Free Cloth
You can use a lint-free cloth to wipe down the interior of your machine.
If there is any build-up on the rollers or other parts of your device, you can use a soft brush to remove it.
Consider using a tack cloth to help get dust and debris out of corners without using any liquid. A tack cloth is a lint-free cloth with a little tack to it that is used for dusting.
Never use any liquids inside your cutting machine. A simple dusting should do. Anything sticky can be removed with a cotton swab dipped in a little rubbing alcohol.
Step 6: Clean the Rollers
The rollers are bound to be some of the dirtiest parts of your machine, and parts that I clean more frequently than just about anything else.
- Wipe them down with a dry cloth or tack cloth after every use to help keep lint from building up in the rollers and preventing them from rolling smoothly.
- Keep a can of compressed air handy to blow the gathering lint and paper slivers away from the rollers.
- Sticky residue can get on the rollers as well as the blade and blade housing. Use rubbing alcohol to keep them clean. If your stuff gets sticky you can’t expect to get clean lines and precise cuts.
- Use rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab to take sticky stuff off of the rollers and other components before it has the chance to get built up with lint and dust.
If you keep these components clean and do general dusting frequently your machine will work for you so much longer than if you let it get dirty.
Step 7: Prevent Build-Up
To prevent build-up, it is essential to clean your machine regularly.
Not all materials you cut will create dust, necessarily, but finger oils, dust, and sticky vinyl residues will inevitably build up on your machine.
If you use linty or dusty materials, be sure to clean your machine immediately afterward.
This makes it easier to get lint and dust off of the machine before it has a chance to become sticky or hardened.
Want to see all the details for maintaining your Silhouette Cameo properly? Check out this official video to get the 411 on machine maintenance.
Tips For Cleaning Silhouette Cameo Machine
Here are a few tips that will help you safely clean your Silhouette Cameo.
- Always unplug first. This eliminates the risk of causing a static shock to your machine, and it also enables you to clean around buttons without worrying about turning it on.
- Never use water around your Cameo. Use a dry lint-free cloth or tack cloth to clean. If you need a solvent, use rubbing alcohol.
- For any part (besides the cutting mat) that needs cleaning with a solvent, use rubbing alcohol. It is excellent at removing dirt and glue and will evaporate quickly without leaving any residue.
Maintaining your Cameo should be a quick and easy task. If you use the machine daily you should consider doing a weekly thorough cleaning to keep it like new.
Wrapping Up
Cleaning your Silhouette Cameo machine is essential for keeping it in good working order.
With just a few simple steps, you can keep your machine running smoothly for years to come.
