How to clean and make Cricut/ Silhouette mat sticky again

Our machines are amazing, from cutting fabric, vinyl to making treats and cutting frosting but when was the last time you cleaned your mat? Does your vinyl even stick anymore lol? If you are wondering how the hell do I make it sticky again? Don’t worry I’m not judging you but I want to show you how to clean your mat without ruining them. 

How to clean your mat

There are many ways to clean your mat. A clean mat means you saved money and we are crafting on a budget in 2020. Cricut and Silhouette mats could be cleaned using the same methods. I understand its levels when it comes to cleaning our mats. 

Different methods of cleaning your mat 

Every Day Cleaning Methods

Cricut’s Offical Method

The most cost-effective method is Cricut’s method. If you are good at keeping your mat clean and just need a light touch up then Cricut suggests:

• Using tweezers for large debris
• Avoid scraping the mat. Scraping will push material debris deeper into the adhesive.
• just plain water and light scrubbing.
• Pat dry with a paper towel.
• Let mat air dry completely for the stickiness to return. 

You can read more on Cricut’s website.

Baby Wipes and Lint Roller

The lint roller method is perfect for everyday use. When you are done with each project. First, Place your Cricut / Silhouette mat on a flat surface. Second, Take a lint roller and roll up any debris that can easily come up. The last step is using all-natural wipes. All-natural wipes are a great way to clean your mat. I use Huggies brand baby wipes to lightly scrub my mats after each project. Lightly scrubbing with a baby wipe will remove the remaining debris.

Medium Mess Clean up

This method is perfect for the crafter who uses their machine daily and forgets to clean their mat. I personally use Dawn Dish soap but honestly, any dish soap will due.

Step one, in a sink, run lukewarm water on your mat. Next, squirt some dish soap on your mat and scrub lightly with an all-natural wipe or plastic sponge.

When I wash my mat with Dawn dish soap use a plastic sponge. This method allows you to scrub your mat without damaging it.

Scrub lightly, Your mat will bruise easily.

Next, rinse your mat with lukewarm water and pat dry with a towel. the last step is letting your mat air dry. If your mat doesn’t get sticky, click here to skip to How to restick your mat.

Dirty To Bring it back from the grave

This is for the crafters who mat doesn’t stick at all. If all you see is a crust of old projects. When dish soap and baby wipes do nothing but push debris from one side to the other. No judgment!! but this will break out the heavy-duty stuff.

Goo Gone.

The first step is laying your mat in the sink and squirting some goo gone on your mat. Using your hands or paper towel, spread the product on your mat evenly and let it sit for about 20 minutes. Lightly scrub with a plastic sponge.

Next rinse with lukewarm water. Next, I wash the remainder goo gone off with dish soap. Rinse again with lukewarm water and pat dry with a towel. The final step is letting your Cricut/ Silhouette mat air dry.

Homemade Goo Gone:

What you will need: Vegetable/ olive oil and Baking soda

In a small bowl mix together two tablespoons of Vegetable/ Olive oil and three tablespoons baking soda. With a fork whisk your mixture into a paste. Using your fingers or small brush apply the mixture to your mat. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes. With a plastic sponge, gently scrub and rinse with lukewarm water.

Awesome Cleaning Spray

You can find Awesome cleaning spray at any dollar store. This method always works but sometimes, it cleans all the adhesive off the mat completely. In an empty plastic spray bottle, pour in 60% Awesome spray and 40% water. Next, spray your mat completely with the product and wait 20 minutes before patting your mat dry with a clean towel.

It’s important to note to dilute this product before using it.

How to restick your mat

After your mat has been cleaned. Spray your choice of adhesive directly on to the mat and allow it to dry completely before using it.

Tack it: Using a small brush, brush Tack-it directly on to your mat.

Will this void my machine’s warranty 

No not as long as it doesn’t get suck in the machine. If your mat becomes too sticky then use your hands or a t-shirt to make it less sticky. 

After all that information, If you are looking for where to buy cheap vinyl click here.

Crafting at the dollar tree is not only fun but saves so much money. If you are interested in my Dollar Tree Finds click here.