Over the past few weeks, we’ve seen several members share detailed posts about maintaining their tools. It really highlighted how much small, everyday maintenance can help when it comes to smooth, consistent use.
I have simplified my mat cleaning over time I tried using sprays but if need to clean to much if brakes it down soaps can take the sticky away. Quick clean I have done a wet wipe full clean water and a little had scribing to not damage the mat or take sticky off. Very little cleaning products let dry. Blades I use foil to help with cleaning and simple shaping to give it a little more life.
I have a small tip if you are making lots of cake toppers you better have an old mat that is not so sticky and keep it for cardstock uses and tape the cardstock with painters tape or any other. Because a brand new sticky mat cake ruin the cardstock and specially the small letters and details.
When your tools get “gooped up” with adhesive there are nice non messy adhesive remover wipes out there. If you ever find yourself in the hospital they have these wipes that are safe for the skin that takes care of that mess too!
We don’t talk about it often. However, the weeding tools need an occasional cleaning. I use my weeding tool for more than weeding. Because of that, the tip tends to get an adhesive residue on it. It will cause the tip to stick to items when it shouldn’t. To fix this, I simply take an alcohol swab and wipe the tips off. This cleans the tip and the weeding tool is back in business.
Some very good tips have been shared here. I like to take a rag soaked with plain warm water and clean the rollers of my cutting machine. Avoid using alcohol as it can dry out the rubber rollers and cause them to crack. In order to get the underside of the rollers, I will hold the rag on the rollers & push the load button a few times.
Cleaning your cutting machine’s rollers is essential to prevent, or fix, poor material tracking, misaligned cuts, and skipping. Over time, rollers accumulate adhesive residue from mats, paper dust, and glitter, causing reduced traction. Regular cleaning ensures accurate, high-quality, and smooth cutting performance.
One tool that really helps me get cleaner, crisper cuts with my iEngrave machine is the honeycomb tray. I make sure to clean it regularly. The buildup of sticky residue from frequent cutting—and the tiny pieces that fall into the honeycomb—can affect results over time. Using masking tape to lift those little bits off the surface has become one of my favorite maintenance tricks. It’s simple, effective, and based on my own experience, it makes a noticeable difference in the quality of my projects.
This is exactly what I’ve been looking for—how to clean the rubber rollers of my Loklik machine. I noticed that the last time I used HTV stickers, yellow marks appeared on the backing sheet (which is easy to notice since the backing is white). My question is: how should I clean it properly?
I’m hesitant to clean the rubber directly because I’m worried it might affect the accuracy of future cuts. What I did was use alcohol and soft cotton, and I also rotated the roller to clean the underside. My main concern, though, is how to maintain the smooth movement of the rollers. Do they need to be oiled? If so, what type of oil should be used?
Hello, @Rose_Ann_Dauden. I suggest not using alcohol as that can cause the rubber to dry out and crack. Plain warm water is fine, however, if they’re extra sticky from adhesive, a little mild dish detergent is ok to use. Just be sure to rinse the soap off with a rag soaked in plain warm water. Avoid oil, as well, as that can cause them to be too slippery and won’t allow them to grip the mat. I explained, above, the best way to clean the rollers. I hope it helps you and anyone else who is curious as to how to clean the rollers.
So many great tips. Aside from cleaning my machines and accessories using a clean slightly damp cloth, I follow it up with drying either with a blow drier or paper towels. Also, keeping your area clean helps in minimizing the dirt gathered by your materials, especially the grip mats which likes to catch ally falling hair
So sorry, I didn’t get to read this. Good thing I’ve only used alcohol to clean the rollers once.
But overall, I really love cleaning my machine—even if I don’t use it often, it still collects dust even when it’s covered, especially along the cutting path. Thank you, @Samantha_Bryant for the tips! 🫶🏼
No worries, my friend. You’re very welcome. I cleaned mine with alcohol a couple times, myself, but I learned that’s not good for the rubber. There are many out there who say to clean them with alcohol, but I don’t think they know the damage that can cause. And I totally agree. I like cleaning my machines, too.
Cleaning my cutting mats with baby wipes;
Cleaning my scissors with baby wipes aaaaaand after that I put 1 drop of mineral oil on the joint, once in a month I cut some aluminum foil to sharpen it;
When I’m going to use my hot glue gun, I put a little vaseline on the nozzle; this prevents glue from accumulating there.
I agree with everyone’s comments and keep up with maintenance, as needed. However, I find the best maintenance I do is putting my tools back where they belong after use. A place for everything and everything in its place. Not only does it keep my workspace organized but I can always find everything when I need them.
There are many out there who say to clean them with alcohol, but I don’t think they know the damage that can cause. And I totally agree. I like cleaning my machines, too. 
