If you’re wondering how to clean your Cricut mats so they last longer and grip like new, you’re in the right place. Prior to learning how to clean cricut mats I would toss them when they lost their stick – and even though often I’d replace them with generic mats, the cost still adds up – I’d rather be spending my craft money on new supplies. Dirty mats can make your cuts inaccurate and ruin your materials, but the good news? You don’t need to toss them. With the right cleaning method, you can restore your Cricut mat’s stickiness and extend its life.
Here’s exactly how to clean your Cricut mats, step by step.
Why You Should Clean Your Cricut Mats
Every time you cut paper, vinyl, felt, or fabric, debris builds up on your mat. Over time, this reduces the tackiness, causes uneven cuts, and can even jam your machine. Cleaning your Cricut mats regularly keeps your projects precise and your wallet happy.
What You’ll Need to Clean Your Mats
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Before we start, gather these tools and supplies:
- Mild dish soap (like Dawn)
- Warm water
- A spray bottle
- Scraper tool or old gift card
- Alcohol-free baby wipes (for light cleaning)
- Lint roller (optional but helpful)
- Flat surface to air-dry your mat
How to Clean Your Cricut Mats: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Light Cleaning (Great for Mild Use)
If your Cricut mat just has light debris or dust:
- Use a scraper to gently remove paper scraps.
- Wipe the mat with alcohol-free baby wipes. These are safe and won’t damage the adhesive.
- Let it air dry completely. It may feel stickier already!
Step 2: Deep Cleaning (For Heavily Used Mats or as needed)
If your mat has lost its stick or looks grimy, do this:
- Fill a spray bottle with warm water
- Add a couple drops of dish soap
- Spray the mats thoroughly and let set for a few minutes
- Use your scraper or a credit card to scrape all of the gunk away – use long sweeping motions
- Wipe with an alcohol free baby wipe
- Lay the mat flat and air dry completely. As it dries, you’ll notice the stickiness returning.
Step 3 (Optional): Restore Stickiness with Spray Adhesive
This is not Cricut-official and may void warranties, but many crafters swear by it for older mats.
If your mat is clean but still not sticky enough, try this:
- Use painter’s tape to mask off the non-sticky border of your mat.
- Lightly mist the mat with repositionable adhesive spray (like Aleene’s Tack-It Over & Over or Krylon Easy-Tack).
- Alt – you can also run a Zig 2 way glue pen over it
- Let it dry fully before use.
How Often Should You Clean Your Cricut Mats?
How often you clean depends on how you use them:
- Light use: every 8–10 projects
- Frequent use: every 3–5 projects
- Messy materials like felt or glitter paper: clean immediately after use
Pro Tips to Keep Your Cricut Mats Sticky Longer
- Use a lint roller between cuts to lift debris.
- Always replace the clear plastic sheet after use to protect the adhesive.
- Pro tip: Add a vinyl design to your clear plastic sheet so you can easily find it!
- Rotate between multiple mats to avoid overusing just one.
Final Thoughts on Caring for your Mats
Learning how to clean your Cricut mats is one of the best ways to save money, reduce waste, and keep your crafting stress-free. Whether you’re a paper crafter, vinyl wizard, or just getting started, this simple cleaning process helps your mats last longer and perform like new.
