How to Clean Your Cricut Mat, Machine, and Accessories

A Cricut machine is every crafter’s secret weapon for bringing beautiful designs to life on materials like paper, vinyl, and fabric. Perfect for creating custom cards, wall decals, T-shirts, and so much more, this smart cutting machine makes crafting fun, fast, and flawless. But to keep those cuts clean and your projects looking sharp, the machine needs a bit of regular care.

Every time you cut, tiny scraps, fibers, and dust particles can sneak into the machine, stick to the mats, and cling to your tools. Over time, this buildup can affect how smoothly everything runs and wear out your equipment.

If you want to keep your Cricut machine performing at its best, it’s important to know how to clean the machine, the mats, and all those essential accessories. Let’s walk through what you need to do to keep things tidy and running like new.

How to Keep Your Cricut Mat Clean

Your Cricut mat plays a crucial role in crafting by holding your materials firmly in place while your machine works its magic. Because the mats have a sticky surface, they attract dust, fibers, and scraps from your projects, which over time can reduce their grip. While mats do eventually wear out, with proper cleaning and care, you can extend their lifespan and keep your projects cutting smoothly and precisely.

It’s a good practice to clean your Cricut mat after every two to four projects, especially when working with materials that shed a lot of debris like denim, glitter vinyl, or felt. Materials like regular paper or standard vinyl create less mess and may require less frequent cleaning.

1. Determine Your Mat Type

Cricut mats are color-coded and designed for specific materials, so it’s important to know which mat you’re cleaning:

• Light Grip (Blue Mat): For light materials such as standard paper, thin cardstock, and vinyl.

• Standard Grip (Green Mat): Designed for medium-weight materials like glitter cardstock and iron-ons.

• Strong Grip (Purple Mat): Suitable for heavy-duty materials including leather, chipboard, and balsa wood.

• Fabric Grip (Pink Mat): Specifically made for fabric and requires extra gentle care. Avoid water and scrapers on this mat type.

Knowing your mat type will help you choose the safest cleaning method.

2. Gently Remove Large Debris

Large scraps stuck on your mat can interfere with your next project. Tweezers are the safest tool to carefully pull off these pieces without damaging the sticky surface. Avoid scraping your mat aggressively, as it can push debris deeper into the adhesive or cause damage, especially if you use the Cricut Knife Blade which produces more dust.

3. Use Transfer Tape for Fabric Grip Mats

The pink Fabric Grip mat is delicate and can’t be cleaned with water or baby wipes. Instead, use clear transfer tape to lift away fabric fibers: cut a piece of tape to size, press it firmly onto the mat, smooth it down, and then peel it off gently. This lifts off stuck fibers without harming the adhesive and can even restore some stickiness. This method is also safe to use on other mat types if you want a gentle clean.

4. Clean with Baby Wipes

For blue, green, and purple mats, use non-alcohol, non-bleach baby wipes to wipe away dust and fine debris. Wipe slowly and evenly over the entire mat surface. Avoid baby wipes on fabric mats to prevent damage.

5. Wash Your Mat with Soap and Water

For a deeper clean, rinse your mat under lukewarm water while gently scrubbing with a soft-bristled brush and mild soap. Soaking the mat in a pan of soapy water for 5–10 minutes can help loosen stubborn debris. Never soak or wash the pink Fabric Grip mat with water.

6. Let Your Mat Air Dry

After cleaning, hang your mat or lay it flat to air dry completely. Do not use towels or cloths to dry the mat, as fibers can stick to the adhesive surface and reduce its effectiveness.

7. Keep Your Mat Covered and Use the Right Mat for Each Project

Always replace the clear protective film on your mat when not in use to keep dust off. Using the correct mat type for your materials prevents excess wear and tear and makes removing your projects easier.

With regular cleaning and care, your Cricut mats will stay sticky and ready for your next masterpiece — helping your creativity flow without interruption.

How to Clean Your Cricut Mat to Restore Its Stickiness

So, your Cricut mat isn’t as sticky as it used to be? Don’t worry, it happens to all of us! Most of the time, a simple clean-up can bring that grip right back. Dust, little paper scraps, and fabric fibers often build up on the surface and mess with the adhesive. Give it a proper clean and see the difference.

Now, if you’ve cleaned it and it still won’t hold materials like before, it might just be time for a replacement. Cricut officially recommends replacing the mat once the stickiness is gone for good.

That said, many crafty users have tried DIY hacks to restick their mats using spray adhesives. Just a heads-up though, Cricut doesn’t suggest doing this. Using glue can gunk up your machine, especially if it spreads to the edges. If you’re going to try it anyway, be super careful and know that it could void your warranty.

Quick Way to Restore Stickiness with Spray Adhesive

Here’s a handy little method to bring some life back to your mat in a pinch:

1. First things first, read all the instructions on your spray adhesive. Every brand is different, so you’ll want to know exactly how far to spray from and how long to let it dry.

2. Tape off the edges of your mat with painter’s tape. This helps protect the border, which needs to stay clean for the mat to work properly inside your machine.

3. Clean off any leftover adhesive using rubbing alcohol or a glue remover. A scraper works well to lift any sticky residue.

4. Spray a light, even coat of adhesive over the mat. If your spray tells you to brush it on, go ahead and do that too.

5. Let the adhesive set. Usually, waiting about 15 to 20 minutes does the trick, but follow your product’s instructions.

6. Once it’s dry, carefully remove the painter’s tape and double-check the edges. You don’t want any glue getting near the rollers of your Cricut machine.

That’s it! It’s a bit of a crafty fix, but it might buy you some extra time before needing to invest in a brand-new mat. Just remember, cleaning is always the safest bet before going for any DIY methods.

How to Clean a Cricut Machine

If you’ve been crafting up a storm with your Cricut, chances are it’s collecting a little bit of everything — paper scraps, fabric lint, and mystery glitter. Over time, all that debris can sneak its way into the machine’s insides. So, to keep your Cricut running smoothly and lasting longer, it’s a good idea to give it a gentle clean every now and then.

Before you grab the nearest cleaner, here are a few must-know tips:

• Always go with gentle cleaners. Alcohol-free baby wipes are your best friend here. Skip anything harsh like acetone.

• Don’t wipe off the grease on the metal rods inside your Cricut. That lubrication helps everything move the way it should.

• Keep your fingers away from the gear chain behind the blade housing. It’s a delicate area you don’t want to mess with.

• Turn your machine off before you start cleaning. Safety first, always.

You can clean a Cricut Explore, Cricut Maker, or any other model with mostly the same steps. Just keep in mind that the Cricut Maker’s adaptive tool system has more gears, so you’ll want to be extra gentle around that part.

What You’ll Need to Clean Your Cricut Machine

Let’s keep it simple. Here’s what you’ll want on hand:

• Alcohol-free baby wipes

• Canned air (great for blowing out dust in tight spots)

• A soft microfiber cloth

• A small, soft-bristled brush or paintbrush

• A mild, non-abrasive cleaner

• Paper towels or soft tissues

You can buy these items separately or grab a pre-made Cricut cleaning kit online. Either way works.

Cleaning Steps

1. Turn off your machine and unplug it. This keeps you safe and avoids any accidental cuts or damage.

2. Use canned air to blow out dust and debris from tight corners, rollers, and the cutting area. Hold the can upright and use short bursts.

3. Wipe the outer surface and cutting area using a baby wipe or damp microfiber cloth. Focus on removing buildup without pressing too hard.

4. Gently brush out any fine debris near the tool holder or blade housing using your small brush. Be careful not to touch the gear chain.

5. Use a dry paper towel or cloth to finish things off and make sure the machine is totally dry before turning it back on.

That’s it. A quick clean every few weeks keeps your Cricut in tip-top shape and ready to go for your next big idea.

How to Clean the Inside of Your Cricut Machine

• Before you begin, turn off and unplug your Cricut machine for safety
• Open the machine and slide the blade housing all the way to the left on its metal rod. Remove the blade and its attachment from the clamp
• Use a can of pressurized air to blow out dust from under the trays, side caddies, clamps, and the gear teeth at the back of the machine
• Use alcohol-free and bleach-free baby wipes to gently clean any visibly dirty areas inside
• Move all the star rollers on the metal rods to one side. Use a small soft-bristled brush to clean underneath and between the rods. Slide the tool housing slightly to the right to reach hidden areas. Push slowly to avoid jerking it or damaging internal parts. Do not touch the chain that moves the tool housing. Once clean, slide the blade attachment back into its clamp
• Wipe the metal rods again with baby wipes to remove dust while preserving the grease on them. Gently use a soft flathead bristle brush to push excess grease along the rods. If any lubricant ends up on the machine surface, wipe it off carefully. Do not add grease to the rods. If lubrication seems low, contact Cricut support
• Use a soft round-bristled brush to clean around the tool housing clamps. For Cricut Maker machines, do not use cloths or brushes on the adaptive tool system. Only use canned air in that area
• Allow all cleaned areas to dry completely after using baby wipes. Then use a microfiber cloth to buff off remaining dust or residue
• Finish by giving the entire interior a final spray with canned air. Move the star rollers so they are evenly spaced on the rod. Plug in and switch on the machine to allow the tool housing to reset itself

How to Clean the Outside of Your Cricut Machine

The exterior of your Cricut machine often collects dust and debris. Give it a good clean regularly to keep it looking great and working smoothly.

• Use a gentle cleaner on the machine’s exterior. Avoid applying too much cleaner near buttons to prevent liquid damage. Spray the cleaner onto a paper towel, then gently rub away any scuff marks.

• Wipe over the entire machine with alcohol‑free baby wipes. Keep away from the cartridge slot and any openings.

• Use a paper towel to soak up any leftover moisture from cleaning.

• Wipe the machine again with a microfiber cloth to pick up any remaining dust or residue.

• Use a can of compressed air to clean exposed crevices, bottom gaps, and connection ports. Focus on spots where dust tends to build up.

• Open the machine and use a round‑headed brush to gently clean the gap at the back bottom inside. Then hold the air duster at the front and blow air toward the back to push dust out.

Routine cleaning helps prevent dust buildup and keeps your Cricut ready for your next project.

How to Maintain Your Cricut Accessories

Blades and the heat press need special care to stay in top shape.

• Remove the blade from its housing for cleaning. Press the tip into a ball of aluminum foil to dislodge any stuck material.

• Use a small, soft brush and canned air to clean dust from the blade housing before putting the blade back.

• Wipe the heat press plate with a store‑bought iron cleaner while it is warm to remove iron‑on residue. Use a thick rag to avoid burns.

• For stubborn residue, heat the plate to around 350 degrees, apply cleaner with a thick cloth, and rub in circular motions. Let the plate cool before wiping it clean.

• After cleaning, run a test press on a plain white cloth to ensure no residue remains.

• Store blades in their covers or original housing, and keep the heat press clean and dust‑free to prevent unwanted marks on future projects.

How to Clean Your Cricut Heat Press

Your Cricut blades go through a lot, especially when you’re working on detailed or layered designs. Over time, small bits of paper, vinyl, or fabric can stick to the blade, making it seem dull or less precise. Instead of rushing to replace it, sometimes all your blade needs is a little cleaning to get back to top performance. A simple trick that many Cricut users swear by is using a ball of aluminum foil to clean off buildup and freshen up the blade.

To do this, first turn off your Cricut and carefully remove the blade housing. Press the plunger to reveal the blade, then gently poke it into a tightly rolled foil ball several times. This helps dislodge debris and may slightly sharpen the edge. After that, remove the blade tip from the housing. Use a hard-bristled brush to clean out the inside cavity, getting into the spot where the blade sits. You can also spray a quick burst of canned air to clear out any dust. Finish by wiping the blade housing and blade tip with a dry paper towel.

Once everything is clean, reinsert the blade tip and place the blade housing back into your Cricut. Doing this simple routine every now and then—especially after heavy or intricate projects—can make a noticeable difference in cutting quality. It may even extend the life of your blades by several months, saving you from frequent replacements and keeping your machine working smoothly.

Keep Your Cricut Fresh and Your Projects Even Fresher

Taking care of your Cricut machine and accessories might feel like a small step, but it goes a long way. A clean surface, sharp blade, and dust-free machine help keep your creativity flowing and your cuts looking flawless every time.

When it’s time to bring your next idea to life, SVG Bees has just what you need. From cute characters and seasonal themes to inspiring quotes and stylish illustrations, our digital design files are ready to add that special touch to your projects. You’ll get instant access in SVG, PNG, DXF, EPS, and JPG formats to match whatever project you’re planning.

Keep your Cricut in top shape, then head over to SVG Bees and buy your favorite designs today to start crafting something amazing.