The first step in cleaning your cutting mat is to remove any lint. You can use baby wipes or painter’s transfer tape to do this. You can also use Goo Gone or LA’s Awesome Spray. These solutions will help you clean your cutting mat without causing any damage.
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Using painter’s transfer tape
You can use a few techniques to clean your Cricut mat. For example, you can use painter’s tape to protect the mat edges, and you can also use a solvent such as Goo Gone to remove all types of adhesives, paint, and gum from the surface. Regardless of your method, keeping the mat clean and dry is best.
Using painter’s transfer tape is one of the most common ways to clean a Cricut mat. To use the tape, line the edges of the mat up with the white printed grid. This will prevent any adhesive from landing on the mat border, which can negatively affect its movement in the machine and the cutting of your design. Alternatively, you can also use a spray adhesive. Easy Tack or Quilt Basting Spray are two good options for replacing protective plastic sheets.
Using baby wipes
Using baby wipes to clean your Cricut mat is a simple way to maintain the cleanliness of your cutting mat. Depending on your cutting materials, your mat may become a bit dirty. You can clean it using baby wipes, but it is essential to use them without alcohol, as alcohol can damage the adhesive of your cutting mat. Use a circular motion to clean the mat, and allow it to air dry before reusing it.
Baby wipes are great for cleaning a Cricut mat because they are made of thin, pliable fabric that is highly absorbent. This means that baby wipes will help you remove any water-based or oily messes from the mat, and they won’t scratch it. However, you should still dry your mat after using a baby wipe, as this will prevent the moisture from being absorbed into your Cricut project.
Using Goo Gone
The adhesive layer on your Cricut mat can be removed using rubbing alcohol or Goo Gone. Make sure the edges of your mat are non-sticky before you use these products. Masking or blue painter’s tape will help protect the edges from the new adhesive.
To remove adhesive from your mat, apply Goo Gone onto the sticky areas and allow it to dry for 10 to 20 minutes. After this time, wipe off the residue with a scraper. You’ll have to restick your mat if the adhesive isn’t obliterated. Fortunately, adhesive removers like Goo Gone are easy to use. They’re also drip-free, making them ideal for cleaning all surfaces.
To remove the glue, you can also apply scrapers or stiff plastic to the sticky areas on the Cricut mat. Alternatively, you can clean the mat with warm water and soap. Once you’ve cleaned it, you’ll need to let it air dry before applying another layer of adhesive.
Using LA’s Awesome Spray
While cleaning your Cricut mat can seem daunting at first, it’s easy to do and can save you a lot of time. It can remove gunk and other debris without leaving any streaks or stains. Just spray the mat on it and allow it to do its magic. Once the spray is dry, wipe it with an alcohol-free baby wipe.
If you don’t have access to the LA Awesome spray, there are many other solutions to clean your mat. A mild soap like liquid dish soap should work well. Avoid hand soaps with oils and lotions, as these can ruin your mat. A lint roller can also help remove larger debris from your mat.
Spot cleaning a Cricut mat
When cleaning your mat, it is essential to use an alcohol-free, unscented, and bleach-free wipe. Choosing a wipe without cornstarch or other ingredients is also essential so it won’t damage the mat’s adhesive or stickiness. It would help if you also used wipes with a gentle circular motion not to tear the mat’s surface. After cleaning, dry the mat on a dry rack or hang it to dry. If moisture remains on the mat, it will diminish the stickiness and damage the machine. You can also use a soap and water dishcloth to wipe off the mat. Once it is dry, the mat is ready to be used again.
If the adhesive is stuck on the mat, use an adhesive remover to remove it. Never use too much pressure, or you might damage the adhesive. For more minor spots, you can use a magic eraser. It’s gentle and will remove most of the adhesive without damaging the mat. For more prominent spots, you can use a scraper.
