Cutting machine mats are the quiet workhorses of every craft room. Your mat is the foundation that keeps materials steady and cuts precise. But over time, dust, fibers, glitter, and oils from your hands build up — and suddenly your mat isn’t sticky, your materials slide, and your cuts get messy.
The good news: with the right cleaning method, you can revive your mats and extend their life far beyond what most crafters think is possible.
This guide walks you through what to use, what to avoid, and how to clean each type of mat safely.
Why Cleaning Your Mat Matters
A clean mat means:
- smoother, more accurate cuts
- fewer material tears
- less blade drag
- longer mat lifespan
- fewer crafting headaches
Think of it like maintaining your favorite tool — a little care goes a long way.
What You’ll Need
You don’t need anything fancy. Most of this is already in your home:
- Plastic scraper (Loklik scraper or an old gift card)
- Lint roller
- Warm water
- Mild dish soap (like Dawn)
- Soft cloth or non‑abrasive sponge
- Baby wipes (alcohol‑free)
- Optional: LA’s Totally Awesome spray (for deep cleaning)
Cleaning by Mat Type
Different mats = different stickiness levels = different cleaning rules. Here’s how to treat each one.
LightGrip (Blue) Mats
Perfect for: copy paper, vinyl, HTV, thin cardstock
How to clean:
- Use a scraper to remove leftover paper bits.
- Roll a lint roller across the surface to lift dust and fibers.
- If it still feels dirty, wash with warm water and a drop of dish soap.
- Gently rub in circular motions with your fingers or a soft sponge.
- Rinse and air‑dry completely.
Avoid: harsh scrubbing — it removes the adhesive.
StandardGrip (Green) Mats
Perfect for: cardstock, vinyl, iron‑on, patterned paper
How to clean:
- Scrape off debris.
- Use a lint roller to lift fuzz.
- Wash with warm water + mild soap if needed.
- Let it air‑dry flat.
Pro tip: If your mat feels too sticky after cleaning, press a clean T‑shirt onto it once or twice to soften the grip.
StrongGrip (Purple) Mats
Perfect for: chipboard, basswood, balsa, leather
These mats get dirty fast because heavy materials shed a lot.
How to clean:
- Scrape gently — don’t gouge the adhesive.
- Use a lint roller to remove fibers.
- Spot‑clean with baby wipes (alcohol‑free).
- Only wash with water if absolutely necessary — StrongGrip adhesive breaks down faster.
Important: Never soak a StrongGrip mat. It weakens the glue.
🩷 FabricGrip (Pink) Mats
Perfect for: fabric, felt, interfacing
FabricGrip mats are the most delicate.
How to clean:
- Use ONLY a lint roller.
- No water.
- No soap.
- No baby wipes.
- No scraping.
Water removes the adhesive instantly — and these mats aren’t cheap.
Deep Cleaning (When Your Mat Is Really Struggling)
If your mat is covered in stubborn residue:
- Spray lightly with LA’s Totally Awesome (from Dollar Tree).
- Let it sit for 5–10 minutes.
- Gently scrub with your fingers.
- Rinse with warm water.
- Air‑dry completely.
This method can revive mats that look “dead,” but use it sparingly.
How to Dry Your Mat
Drying is just as important as cleaning.
- Lay the mat flat.
- Let it air‑dry naturally.
- Don’t use a towel — fibers will stick.
- Don’t use heat — it warps the mat.
Once it’s fully dry, the adhesive will feel tacky again.
How to Keep Your Mats Cleaner Longer
A few simple habits make a huge difference:
- Always replace the protective film after use.
- Keep food, glitter, and pets away from your mat area.
- Handle materials by the edges to avoid transferring oils.
- Use a brayer to press materials down instead of your hands.
- Dedicate mats to specific materials (paper vs vinyl vs wood).
Your mats will last so much longer with these small tweaks.
Reapplying Adhesive to Restore an Old Mat
If your mat has completely lost its tack even after cleaning, you can revive it with a light coat of repositionable spray adhesive. This isn’t something manufacturers officially recommend, but many seasoned crafters use it to squeeze extra life out of well‑loved mats. To do it safely, tape off the edges of your mat with painter’s tape (you don’t want adhesive on the border), place it on a protected surface, and mist a very light, even coat of spray adhesive across the cutting area. Let it dry until it feels tacky, then remove the tape. Your mat won’t feel exactly like factory adhesive, but it will hold materials securely and buy you more crafting time before you need a replacement.
Final Thoughts
A clean mat is the secret to frustration‑free crafting. With regular maintenance and the right cleaning method for each mat type, you’ll get smoother cuts, fewer wasted materials, and a much happier crafting experience.
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to Alcohol! 
The LA’s Totally Awesome Spray is the only cleaning product I recommend using. It works wonderfully. I’m not sure if they have it outside of the US, though, so those in other countries may not be able to find it. The fact you can get it at the Dollar Tree, here, for $1.25 is another major plus! 
