How to Clean Your Cutting Mat: A Simple Guide for Crafters

Cutting mats pick up all kinds of marks—fabric lint, knife cuts, pencil graphite, paint, ink. The right cleaning method depends on what you’re using it for and what the mat is made from, typically PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or PP (polypropylene). We’ll give you a quick guide to giving your cutting mat a good clean, but first, you should know what your mat is made from…

PVC mats (common standard mats)

• Softer surface, more “self-healing”
• Can tolerate slightly deeper cleaning
• More sensitive to heat and chemicals
  

PP mats (like eco-friendly mats)

• Harder, more durable surface
• Less absorbent, easier to wipe clean
• Surface can become shiny if over-scrubbed
  

Often your mat will have a symbol on it that says PVC or PP. However, if you cannot find that, PVC mats have a more rubbery, tacky surface (especially if it's a few years old); while PP mats are firmer and a bit more of a matte finish. The cleaning process doesn’t differ much for these, but the PP mats benefit from a gentler approach to avoid surface polishing, while the PVC mats can take a bit more elbow grease.

The Quickest, Easiest Way to Clean Your Cutting Mat

Regardless of your creative medium, good old fashioned water along with a soft cloth or sponge will work. Wipe down with a damp cloth. Then, and this is the important part, let it air dry, and it must be flat. We don’t want it to curve in its drying position, and we don’t want to leave it in the sun. I suggest over a clothes horse/rack.

To Review the Steps:

1. Use water with a soft cloth or sponge to gently wipe the surface clean
2. Wipe down the mat with a damp cloth to remove any remaining residue
3. Let the mat air dry, make sure it is flat and supported
4. Avoid drying in direct sunlight or in a position where the mat may bend or curve
   

For a Proper Clean with More Stain Build-Up

You can add a bit of dish soap to lukewarm water and gently clean with a soft cloth or sponge. For stubborn spots (ink, paint, graphite), lightly rub—but avoid pressure because too much pressure may fade the grid inks on your mat. You can use a bit of vinegar in your water if you have greasy stains, but go easy. A soft toothbrush can be used for textured areas. Rinse it thoroughly and let it air dry (again, flat or supported upright).

To Review the Steps:

1. Add a small amount of dish soap to lukewarm water and clean gently with a soft cloth or sponge.
2. For stubborn spots (ink, paint, graphite), rub lightly—avoid pressure to protect the grid lines.
3. For greasy stains, a little vinegar can be added to the water.
4. Use a soft toothbrush for textured areas if needed.
5. Rinse thoroughly and let the mat air dry flat
   

Other Ideas (depending on your medium)

• A cat hair roller (for lint and fabric)
• An eraser for graphite marks (go easy)
• For a spill, act quickly. Blot with kitchen towel to collect runoff. Then warm water and soap, gentle blotting and wiping.
  

What not to do:

• No harsh scrubbing (scouring pads, aggressive erasing) - it can cause the mat to develop smooth spots and the grid lines to fade
• No strong chemicals (acetone, bleach, solvents) - these can break down PVC or alter PP surface structure
• No hot water - Heat can warp mats, especially PVC. Use room temp or lukewarm.
• Do not use a hair dryer
• No bending or drying upright while wet - in this important phase the mat is prone to warping. Keep it flat while drying. No sagging over the dishrack.
  

Conclusion

In general, PP mats tend to clean more easily and resist chemical absorption, while PVC mats may recover surface cuts more visibly. Each has its strengths, but gentle, consistent care will extend the life of both.

A cutting mat doesn’t need to look perfect to perform well. Some marks, especially from blades or graphite, are part of normal use. And ink and paint can cause permanent stains. But hey, it gives your mat some artistic identity, like your favourite tea cup.

ecopeco® cutting mats are made of PP. To find out more about the health benefits of a PP cutting mat compared to a PVC cutting mat then read this.