My two large mats are getting pretty worn and have quite a bit of fabric lint in them. Does anyone have any tips for cleaning these? I read somewhere that you can use a very fine sandpaper, or an art eraser to clean them off. I also notice one has a large 'grease' mark not sure where it came from, but any ideas to get it off??
Asking a quilter to mend something is like asking Picasso to paint your garage.
Laura,
I found lots of sites, like the one below, with tips on cleaning the mat: http://www.olfa.com/CustomerserviceFAQ.aspx#m1
Other sites, like this one with a scan of a page from a quilting book do mention using very fine sandpaper or an emery board to smooth out cuts: http://books.google.com/books?id=MQneD8cQ5KAC&pg=PA84&lpg=PA84&dq=rotary+cutting+mat+sandpaper&source=bl&ots=1rCrUotOBH&sig=kOQh6pqOKpwaCdVa88BN3XUeNe8&hl=en&ei=vNa4TdTDCYrDgQeUrvxQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=2&ved=0CDkQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=rotary%20cutting%20mat%20sandpaper&f=false
Hope this helps!
I just use a wad of scraps and rub all over mats, cleans up perfect with not residues. I love the self healing mats, they clean upso easy!
I use a "used" dryer sheet. It is abrasive enough to "grab" the lint, but won't harm the mat. I also use dryer sheets to clean the faceplate of the iron if I get something on it.
Hope that helps!
Jaci – Streator, Illinois
Hi Laura,
2 words, Magic Eraser 1 LOL!
Judylee
I met a shop owner in New York State who used an old mat to sharpen his rotary cutter. He turned the mat over and claim if he rolled the rotary cutter over the back side of the cutting board, it worked like a sharper. I've not tried it, but he almost swear by it.
http://www.olfa.com/QuiltersTips.aspx
I decided that since the two mats are pretty old, I'd go with a light sandpapering, using a 220 grit. Then I had to wipe them down and they are better than before. Course the grease spots haven't come out and I hesitate to use a stronger cleaner in case it takes off the lines. It definitely has made them a lighter green, though it didn't take off much of the yellow lines. But I do find it better for cutting. So, would I recommend it, only if it's an old mat and you aren't quite ready to buy a new one (waiting for my Joann's coupon!)
Don't know what to do about the grease spots, but when I want to clean lint off my mat I use some scraps of tulle. I just scrunch them up in a ball and use it like one of those net-type kitchen scrubbies. I haven't tried an actual kitchen scrubby on my mat, but I guess that might work too.
Hi Laura:
I use a nylon scrubbie (made from net) that you buy at the craft shows which use in the kitchen. I loan a mat to a scout she was making fleece blankets that you tie. It came back with fleece down in the mat. It clean us real could I still take it to classes when I go.
hi judy, welcome to the group gini
gini in north idaho
Hi,
I use a rubber hand scrubbing brush every time I need to clean my mats. It works great. I don't know about the grease mark as I have not had that kind of problem.
D