Making Cricut Mats Sticky Again!

I first tried this method over a year ago and then shared it with a video tutorial a few months after that.  I have had so much positive response and questions that I thought I would reshare it with a few more tips that were not included or made clear in the video.  Plus, I had to do my mats today!  I have 5 mats (I think I threw one away before I discovered this method!) and when I am down to only one sticky mat left then I do the other four. 


I first clean my mats using warm water, foaming soap, and a kitchen scrub brush.  Sometimes this is all that the mat needs, just to get the debre off of it, to be sticky and usable again.  If after cleaning it is not sticky enough then I use the method shown in the video.  I do not use any type of sticky remover on the mat to get it completely clean.  I do, however, if I think the mat is needing to have the glue mixture applied to it, scrub it harder getting a little more off than just the top layer but if it is still a little sticky that is fine.  I just apply the mixture on top of it!


I then let mine lay out, they are on my bed now, until they are completely dry.  It doesn't take that long but I leave mine alone all day.  I am usually to busy to worry about them anyway.  Then tonight before going to bed I will walk my hands up and down the mats to condition them.  This keeps the paper or cardstock from sticking TOO well!  LOL!!  After this I reapply the top film protector that comes with the mats and they are ready to use when I need them.  If you have any questions please feel free to post them here or contact me at hidinginmycraftroom at hotmail dot com. 


I know there are many other methods out there and I have tried several others, this one just works best for me.  I have one mat that I might have to get rid of because even though I was careful, making a cardboard frame, I still got some spray adhesive on the edge where the rollers go.  I think it also messed my wheels up on my Cricut or at least I need to figure out how to clean them off.  So be sure whatever method you try DO NOT get sticky over the 12 X 12 area on your mat. 

I hope it helps someone!

Thanks for watching!


 

Have a great crafting day!