How to Clean Cricut Mat Without Damaging It (6 Steps)

You probably love your Cricut machine just like I do, but cleaning the sticky mat can be a real pain, right? I remember the first time my mat lost its stick — I thought it was ruined! But don’t worry. You can bring your Cricut mat back to life without spending money on new ones. In this article, I will show you how to clean Cricut mat the easy way. You'll learn everything you need to know to keep your mat sticky and working like new again.

Wash the Cricut Mat Gently With Warm Soapy Water

Cleaning your Cricut mat doesn’t mean scrubbing it hard. It means being gentle. Your mat is sticky for a reason. The sticky surface holds your materials in place while cutting. If you scrub too hard, you can remove the stickiness, and then your mat won’t work the same.

Start by filling a sink or basin with warm water. Add just a few drops of mild dish soap. Don't use any strong cleaning sprays or alcohol-based cleaners. These can damage the adhesive on the mat. Use something soft like a sponge or a soft brush. I like to use an old soft toothbrush because it's easy to move around and doesn't hurt the mat.

Now dip the mat in the soapy water or splash some over the surface if your sink is small. Let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes. This helps loosen up the dust, bits of paper, fabric lint, or vinyl scraps stuck on it. Don't rush this part. Letting the mat soak a bit does most of the work for you.

After soaking, take your soft brush and gently move it in circles. Start from the top left corner and move across the mat. Go slowly. You might need to rinse your brush and mat in clean water as you go. Keep brushing until you don't see any more dirt or bits stuck on the surface.

When you’re done brushing, rinse the mat under cool water. Be careful not to bend or fold the mat. Hold it flat and let the water run over it until no more soap is left. Then place it on a clean towel or dish rack to dry. Let it air dry naturally. Don't use a hair dryer or place it under the sun. Just be patient.

You'll see that once it's dry, your mat feels cleaner and a little stickier. If it's not as sticky as it once was, don't worry. I'll talk more about that in the next sections.

• Fill sink with warm water and a few drops of dish soap
• Soak mat for 5-10 minutes
• Use soft brush to gently scrub the mat
• Rinse under cool water
• Lay flat and air dry

Use Baby Wipes for Quick and Easy Cleanups

Sometimes, you don’t need to wash the whole mat. If your mat is only lightly dirty, baby wipes can do the job. But you need to use alcohol-free and unscented baby wipes. These are gentle and won't ruin the sticky layer.

Baby wipes work great when you just finished a small craft project. They help remove little bits of glitter, paper, or vinyl pieces that are stuck. Just take one wipe and gently rub it across the dirty spots on the mat. Do not press too hard. Just move the wipe slowly in circles or up and down lines.

Start from one end and move to the other. Make sure you clean the corners too. You might need more than one wipe if your mat is extra dirty. When the wipe gets full of stuff, throw it away and use a new one.

The great thing about using baby wipes is that you don’t need to rinse or dry the mat. Just let it sit for a few minutes and it will dry on its own. And guess what? The stickiness comes back a bit. It's not as strong as brand new, but enough to keep working on more crafts.

Don't use baby wipes too often though. If you keep wiping your mat again and again, it might lose stick faster. I use this method only for light cleaning or quick fixes.

This method works best for:

• Cleaning after cutting paper
• Light dust and debris
• Everyday cleaning between deep washes
• Use only alcohol-free and unscented baby wipes
• Gently wipe surface in circles
• Clean from corner to corner
• Let the mat air dry
• Great for small cleanups

Use a Lint Roller to Remove Tiny Bits and Dust

Another very easy way to clean your Cricut mat is with a lint roller. Yes, the same one you use on clothes. It's perfect for removing dust, fabric lint, and small paper pieces that stick to the mat after your craft project.

Hold your lint roller and start rolling it over the mat. Move in long lines from top to bottom or side to side. Press just enough to touch the mat. Do not press too hard because you don't want to pull off the sticky part.

If the roller gets full, just tear off the dirty sheet and use a clean one. Keep going until you don't see any more small pieces on the mat. You'll be surprised how much dust it picks up.

Lint rollers are best used before or after a project. I often use it before starting a new project to make sure no old pieces ruin my new design. It also helps your mat last longer because you're not washing it too often.

This method is dry, quick, and safe. It doesn't mess with the glue and doesn't take time to dry.

You can keep a lint roller near your craft space so it's easy to grab when needed. This method is perfect for fabric projects or glitter materials too.

• Gently roll across mat
• Do not press hard
• Replace sheet when full
• Great before or after crafting
• No water or soap needed

Clean With Sticky Tape for Super Sticky Pickups

Sticky tape works like magic for cleaning your Cricut mat. If your mat has lots of small stuff stuck like paper bits, fuzz, or glitter, sticky tape can lift it off easily.

Use clear packaging tape or painter's tape. Do not use duct tape because it's too strong and might remove the sticky surface of the mat. Cut a strip of tape and press it gently on a small area of the mat. Then pull it off slowly. You'll see the dirt and tiny bits come off with the tape.

Keep doing this over the whole mat. Work in small sections so you don't miss a spot. You may need a few strips of tape depending on how dirty the mat is.

This is a good method when the mat has lots of sticky mess but you don't want to use water or baby wipes. It's also safe for your mat's sticky surface. It doesn't harm the glue but helps clean off the junk that gets in the way.

Make sure your hands are clean and dry while doing this. If you touch the sticky side of the tape too much, it won’t work as well.

Sticky tape works best when:

• Your mat has glitter or paper bits stuck
• You want to clean without water
• You're in a hurry and want to reuse the mat right away
• Use clear tape (not duct tape)
• Press gently on small sections
• Lift tape slowly
• Repeat until surface is clean
• Quick method without drying time

Bring Back the Stickiness With Spray or Glue

If your Cricut mat is clean but still not sticky, it's time to bring the sticky back. You can do this by using a light adhesive spray. This should be your last step, only when cleaning doesn't help.

Use a spray glue that is repositionable. That means you can stick and unstick things many times. One good option is Krylon Easy-Tack or something similar. Do not use permanent glue sprays. Those are too strong and can ruin your projects or mat.

First, clean the mat completely using any of the earlier methods. Let it dry fully. Then place it on newspaper or cardboard to protect your table. Shake the spray can well and spray a thin layer over the surface. Keep the can about 8–10 inches away.

Let it dry for about 10–15 minutes. When it's dry, the stick should come back. You can now test it by placing a small piece of paper on it.

Some people also use a glue pen and spread the glue with a sponge brush. This also works, but you need to make sure you use the right type of glue — always a repositionable one.

This method saves money. Instead of buying a new mat, you can make the old one work again many times.

• Use only repositionable adhesive spray
• Clean and dry the mat before spraying
• Spray in a well-ventilated area
• Let it dry 10–15 minutes
• Test with a small piece of paper

Store Your Cricut Mat the Right Way

Keeping your mat clean is good, but how you store it also matters. If you just throw it in a drawer or leave it open, dust and dirt will stick to it again.

Always store your Cricut mat flat. Do not roll it or fold it. That can damage the surface and make it harder to use. After each use, cover the sticky side with the clear plastic film that came with it. If you lost the cover, use a clean plastic sheet.

Store your mat in a cool, dry place away from heat and sunlight. Heat can melt the sticky layer and make it useless. Also, don't place heavy things on it.

If you have many mats, you can hang them using hooks or clips. Just make sure the sticky sides are not touching each other. Hanging keeps them flat and clean.

Try to rotate your mats. Don't use the same mat every day. Give each one a break so it lasts longer.

I also clean my mat a little before storing it. Just a quick swipe with a baby wipe or lint roller helps keep it ready for next time.

• Store flat, never folded
• Cover sticky side with plastic film
• Keep in cool and dry area
• Hang with hooks or clips
• Rotate mats for longer life

Final Thoughts

Caring for your Cricut mat is easy when you know the right ways. You don’t have to buy a new mat every time it gets dirty or loses stick. With warm soapy water, baby wipes, lint rollers, and even a little sticky spray, you can keep your mat in great shape. Storing it the right way also makes a big difference. Your mat will stay sticky, clean, and ready for your next project. Save time and money just by giving your mat a little care after each use. Happy crafting!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it safe to wash my Cricut mat with soap and water?

Yes, it is safe as long as you use mild dish soap and warm water. Avoid using strong cleaners, bleach, or alcohol-based products. Always use a soft brush like an old toothbrush or sponge. Let the mat soak first to loosen the dirt. Be gentle when scrubbing and always let it air dry flat. Never fold or twist the mat while cleaning. This method can help remove tough debris without harming the sticky layer if done properly.

Can baby wipes damage my Cricut mat?

Baby wipes are safe if they are alcohol-free and unscented. They are gentle on the sticky surface and help clean small messes easily. But using them too often may slowly reduce the stickiness. You should not scrub the mat hard when using wipes. Wipe gently in soft circles and let it dry naturally. They are best used between projects when you need a quick clean without washing the whole mat.

Do I need to dry the mat completely before using it again?

Yes, it is very important to let your mat dry completely before using it again. If you use it while it's still wet, the materials might not stick properly or may get damaged. Water can also mix with glue and ruin the mat's surface. Always air dry your mat flat in a clean area. This could take a few hours, so it's good to clean your mat when you don't need it right away.

Is it okay to use a hair dryer to speed up drying?

No, using a hair dryer or any heat tool can damage your Cricut mat. Heat can affect the sticky surface and make it less sticky or even melt the glue. Always let your mat dry naturally in a well-ventilated room. It may take more time, but it is the safest method. You can place it on a towel or clean rack to dry flat and faster.

Can I use any spray glue to make my mat sticky again?

No, you should only use repositionable adhesive spray. Other glues, especially permanent ones, can ruin your mat and your projects. Repositionable glue lets you stick and unstick materials many times. Always spray in a well-ventilated area and let the glue dry completely before using the mat. Brands like Krylon Easy-Tack are popular. Follow the instructions and apply a thin coat only.

Do I need to cover my mat after every use?

Yes, you should always cover the sticky part of your mat after use. The plastic film that comes with it is made to protect the stickiness. If you lose it, use clean plastic wrap or sheet protectors. This keeps dust, lint, and dirt from getting stuck. It also helps your mat last longer and stay sticky for more projects. Storing it without a cover shortens its life.

Is it normal for the stickiness to go away over time?

Yes, it is normal. Over time, the sticky part of the mat will slowly wear out, especially with heavy use. Cleaning helps keep it longer, but eventually, you may need to refresh the sticky surface with a safe adhesive spray or buy a new mat. How long your mat lasts depends on how often you use it and how well you clean and store it.

Can I hang my mats for storage?

Yes, hanging your mats is a great way to store them. It keeps them flat and clean. Use clips or hooks, but make sure the sticky side doesn't touch anything. You can use command hooks or a hanging file system to keep them in shape. Just remember to cover the sticky side before hanging to protect it from dust and sunlight.