I have a fancy square block that looks like an artist eraser. It cost me $10.00 3 years ago & it works really well, it is smaller now but I can't remember what the actual name of it is? I got it @ a sewing show with Jonny Sew. Good Luck!

I use spray & wipe with a microfibre cloth .. um I have no idea if there's a "proper" way to clean my mat tho. hrm xXx

After too many of my kids school projects with different glues I broke down and put it in the dishwasher. It was so bad I figured out there wasn't anything to loose. Came out really clean and now I maintain it using a magic sponge. Dish washing compound is caustic so I did use a very small amount and removed it before the dry cycle.

For me, the secret is not to let the map become to ingrained with fibres before cleaning it off. ie after every project to clear off all "stuck" fibres. Ifirst use a piece of batting and rub off as much as it will pick up, then I use a Scotchbrite sponge with scrubby side, rub this to get rid of all fibres and "polish" with the batting again. I haven't done much patchwork lately but all my stoles are cut on my mat with a rotay cutter. *4U Elizabeth

Scroll down the page for suggestions on cleaning your mat. I've never had to clean mine in that manner, but I do clean it with a wet sponge and dishwashing liquid after every big job.

I have used the big pink pencil erasers that school children use.

here is the link for the Jonnysew cleaning block.

WOW, I never knew that you must soak the mat, problem is mine is too big for the bathtub and the swimmingpool water is salty. LOL. Maybe I can just hose it down?

I recently was given two that someone was going to toss out. They need a cleaning. Thanks for asking, now I know how to clean them. :)

this is a great ???, i have different sizes of mats and we use them for everything..maybe some of them can be rescued!

Does sound like the blade may have been a little blunt. The sharper the better, if you want to 'look after' your mat.

Those self healing mats can warp in very hot water. They also warp if left in the sun. You can put them back in the sun till they are very warm then put heavy books on them. This will flatten them out again. You can always put a warm wet towel on it to remove glue, etc.
To remove embedded fibers you can take a very fine steel wool and rub in small circles. Then use the scrubby portion of the cleaning sponges. Use in a circular motion. Last try the gum erases or an old shoe that has the rubber spongy type of sole. (like from the 80's). Some quilting stores sell the sponge to scrape. If all else fails you can turn it over and use the backside. All those lines are really unnecessary anyway. If it is a big mat it can be cut up into smaller mats where the areas are good. When it is cleaned up cover it with wax paper or tin foil when working with glue. Make sure you have a new sharp blade for cutting. I have three very large mats and numerous small ones. Most stay in good shape until I teach a class at my home. I never cut quilt batting or, fleece with a rotary cutter because, it always leaves fibers. Use the scissor. By the way those embedded fibers help to dull your blade too.

I use a sticky lint roller on mine all the time and it works great... it even pulls out the embedded threads. If I get glue on it, I wait until the glue dries and then scrape it off with my finger nail. If you've got a mixture of different types of stuff on it, get a spray bottle from the dollar store and fill with warm water... add about a half teaspoon of baking soda, and a couple drops of dishwashing liquid. Spray the mat and then wipe off with a dish cloth.