Cricut mats are made to last, but you need to store them properly to keep them in perfect condition. No one likes to pull out a relatively new mat and find it bent, cracked, or dented from being stored with other tools.
That’s why I’ve put together this article with the best tips on storing and caring for your Cricut mats. Take a look and learn how to keep your Cricut mats looking great for years to come!
Best Cricut mat storage solution:
I always store Cricut mats clean and hanging on these hooks (and I always keep their protective cover on).
Why it’s important to store Cricut mats properly
Cricut mats are designed to be durable and long-lasting.
They can be reused for up to 40–50 times.
However, they still require proper care and maintenance to remain in top shape.
Warping
Warping is the most common problem you can encounter if you store your Cricut mats improperly.
This happens when the mat is kept in a way that puts pressure on one side, or when it’s exposed to heat or humidity.
This makes it difficult to cut your materials, and your project could end up misaligned or incomplete.
Plus, it can even damage the blade or get stuck in your Cricut machine.
For this reason, the best way to store your Cricut mats is either flat or hanging.
Cracks and damage
Warping isn’t the only thing you have to worry about when storing your mat.
Cracks, tears, rips, and other surface damage can occur when your mat isn’t stored properly.
Keep it away from dust, dirt, sharp objects, and direct sunlight, and make sure it’s not exposed to high temperatures.
These things can all affect the quality of the cuts and possibly ruin your project.
Proper maintenance of your Cricut mat can help prevent these negative effects, and ensure that your mat lasts longer.
Here are the best techniques and tools for storing your Cricut mats and keeping them in great shape:
Clean a Cricut mat before storing
To keep your Cricut mat in top condition, make sure you give it a good clean before putting it away.
This will help to prevent dirt and debris from accumulating on the adhesive surface and let it stay sticky longer.
Here’s how to clean your mat:
1. Use a lint roller
The first step in cleaning your Cricut mat is to remove any old dust or debris using a lint roller.
Roll the lint roller over the entire surface of the mat, making sure to cover every inch of the adhesive surface.
This will help pick up any dirt, glitter, pulp, or lint that may have stuck to the mat from previous cuts.
2. Use a baby wipe
After you’ve picked all bits and pieces with a lint roller, it’s time to use a baby wipe to clean the mat’s surface thoroughly.
Get a wipe that doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals that could damage the adhesive.
Gently wipe the mat’s surface in one direction and try to cover the entire surface area.
Don’t scrub the mat or use any abrasive cleaners.
3. Let the mat air dry
After you’ve cleaned the mat with a baby wipe, always let it air dry completely before storing it.
Don’t use a hairdryer or any other heat source to speed up the drying process, as this could cause the mat to warp or become damaged.
How to store Cricut mats flat
Keeping your mats flat is key to maintaining their shape.
Here are some great ideas for storing your mats flat:
On a shelf, in a bin, or a drawer
You can store your Cricut mats on a shelf, or in a bin, or in a drawer.
Place the mats flat there. And avoid stacking too many of them on top of each other, as this could cause them to bend or warp.
In a keyboard pull-out tray
Another option is to store your Cricut mat in the keyboard pull-out tray of your desk (without the keyboard, of course).
This is a great option if you have limited space. It allows you to keep your mat within easy reach when you’re working on a project.
No matter which storage option you choose, it’s important to avoid placing heavy or sharp objects on top of your Cricut mat while it’s stored flat.
This could deform the mat or ruin its surface, which would make it less effective in holding your materials in place.
Using special storage totes to store Cricut mats
If you prefer to store your Cricut mats in a more protective environment, you can invest in a special Cricut machine storage tote, which is available on Amazon.
These totes have pockets specifically designed to hold Cricut mats, and they come with handles, making them easy to transport.
Simply slide your mat into the pocket, and zip up the tote.
However, avoid placing anything else in the pockets or overstuffing them because this can bend or damage the mats.
How to store Cricut mats hanging
If you’re short on space, or if you simply prefer to hang your Cricut mats for storage, there are a few options available to you.
Using hooks
You can buy special hooks on Amazon for hanging your Cricut mat on the wall.
All genuine Cricut mats and many off-brand mats have a hole for a hook, making this an easy and convenient storage option.
Simply insert the hook into the hole, and hang the mat on a wall or on a pegboard.
This is a great option if you want to keep your mats out of the way and within your reach. Plus, it saves a lot of space.
Using hangers
You can also buy mat hangers on Amazon that look like skirt hangers.
These hangers even allow you to store multiple mats together in a compact space.
Simply clip your mat to the hanger, and hang it on a hook or a closet rod.
Hanging is the preferred method of mat storage for most crafters.
This can help save you space and keep the mats from warping.
When mats are stored flat, they can sometimes get damaged if they get stacked.
To keep your mats in the best shape possible, storing them by hanging them will help them stay as flat as possible, keeping them in top shape.
Proper environment for storing Cricut mats
Pay attention to the environment you store your Cricut mats in.
To help keep your mats’ adhesive and quality at its best, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Store your Cricut mats away from heat sources, including direct sunlight.
Heat or direct sunlight can cause the mat to crack or adhesive to become soft and potentially melt, which can lead to the mat warping or losing its stickiness.
- Humidity is another factor to consider.
It’s best to store your Cricut mats in a dry environment to avoid moisture getting into the adhesive and causing it to lose its stickiness.
If the mat becomes too moist, it may also lead to mold or mildew growth, which can make the mat unusable.
That’s why you need to store your mats in a cool, dry place, away from any heat sources or direct sunlight.
A closet, craft cabinet, or a drawer are great options, as they are usually cool, dry and no light gets in.
If you live in a humid area, add a dehumidifier or a pack of silica gel to your storage area. This will help to keep the moisture levels under control.
- It’s important to keep your mat in a dust-free environment.
Dust can stick to the adhesive and impact its quality, making it less sticky and harder to work with.
To avoid dust, it’s best to store your mats in a protective case or cover them with the plastic sheet they came with or wax paper.
Use a plastic protector sheet to store Cricut mats covered
When you purchase a new Cricut mat, it usually comes with a protective plastic sheet that you should keep to use for storage.
Don’t throw it away!
This sheet is important to keep. It protects the adhesive surface of the mat from dust, debris, and any potential damage that can occur during storage.
To use the plastic sheet, simply place it over the sticky side of the mat after you’ve finished using it.
The sheet will stick to the adhesive, keeping it clean and protected from any dirt or lint that may come into contact with it during storage.
If the plastic sheet gets dirty, you can clean it easily with a baby wipe or a damp cloth.
Simply wipe down the surface of the sheet, making sure to remove anything stuck to it.
And let the sheet air dry completely before using it again.
Alternatives to plastic protector sheets
If you don’t have the original plastic sheet that came with your Cricut mat, don’t worry.
There are still alternative options available to keep your mat clean and protected.
One simple and effective method is to use a piece of parchment or wax paper as a cover.
Just cut a sheet of parchment or wax paper to fit the size of your mat and place it on top of the adhesive before storing it.
This will help keep the adhesive surface clean and protected.
However, not all types of paper are suitable for use as a mat cover.
Parchment and wax paper are both suitable because they are non-stick and won’t leave residue on your mat.
However, avoid using regular printer paper or other thin paper products, as they can easily stick to the adhesive and leave fibers or debris behind.
You can make sure your Cricut mats last for years to come by following the tips outlined in this article! Storing, cleaning, and maintaining your mats is key to keeping them in great condition. Investing some time in taking care of your mats will be well worth it, and you’ll get the most out of your crafting projects.
