Turns out that my cutting mats were so worn that I'd created grooves in certain places and when the rotary cutter hit those, it didn't cut like it should. My mats are reversible, so I flipped them over. A few months ago I taped the underside of my two mats together to make one big cutting mat for cutting long lengths of fabric. I used duct tape. That's sticky stuff and when I flipped them I took off the tape and of course left a line of sticky goo. What to do?
Well, I googled for a solution and found this site. I looked over the list and when I came to the 3rd item I knew that a tube of toothpaste was just steps away. So, Crest to the rescue.
One little line of toothpaste, a bit of rubbing, and a quick wipe with a damp paper towel and I was back in business.
The magic of toothpaste...and my mats are minty fresh too.
33 comments:
Who knew? LOL!
What a handy piece of info - I never would have guessed toothpaste would do that!
Wow! That's one to tuck away for future use!!
The magic of toothpaste goes even further. I use it when the bottom of my iron has become sticky!
good to know - it also polishes silver jewelry in a pinch.
Minty fresh mats! Very cool!
I use the toothpaste for polishing my silver jewelery too! Works like magic!
Whoot for minty fresh.
What a cool idea, thanks for sharing.
I love tipnut.com--she has the best stuff!
Too bad we can't use toothpaste for that sticky goo in the Gulf!
I am having a similar problem, my rotary cutter seemed dull and is leaving threads, so I changed my blade and it still is not cutting well. I never thought it would be the mat, so after reading your post I ran my hand over the mat and I can feel grooves in it. Problem solved (well once I get a new mat)! Thanks.
I think I will have to flip my mat too...I hadn't thought of that but the same thing is happening to me!
That's great advice. I have to try that with my mat too. My cutting has become a little messy recently and I thought it was the blade. I will try the toothpaste method to make sure it's not the blade.
Toothpaste also takes writing from small children off of walls :)
Wow - great tip! Duct tape goo is really hard to remove.
Thanks for the tip! I'm going to keep that list handy!!
Toothpaste, who would've thought? Thanks for sharing!
My DH swears by toothpaste for burns. I suppose it makes some sort of sense as there must be antibiotic properties to it - only try it if nothing else to hand!
LOL!! that story makes me think of the Dad in "My Big Fat Greek Wedding"...he thought windex could fix everything, and it actually does do alot more than clean windows. I use crest to clean all my jewelry, makes a dull diamond sparkle like it was new!
I have a use for toothpaste that I got from my sister even before I started having kids 45 years ago. When your kid gets a booboo, put plain, old toothpaste, not gel, on it and it won't swell as much, and won't bruise as badly. I don't know how it works, but I have 7 kids from 45 to 26, and it always worked like a charm for me! 8-)
That's too funny. Glad you were able to find such an easy fix and one that smells good to.
cool! I was having trouble with my rotary cutter recently... always leaving a small line of fabric... took off the blade and lo and behold... there was 2!!!
Never tried toothpaste. But I always have alcohol pads around and they work well for sticky. So does windex!!
Toothpaste - who knew?
Great tip, though
What can't toothpaste do!
My husband currently has some on his face... on a zit that has emerged lol I don't know if it works but he swears it does. Weirdo.
Well I never! Nice tip - but you do wonder who first thought to try it out...
You are a hoot! Thanks for the tip. :-D
Hey, this is a fantastic tip, thanks for sharing!
Now, to add some minty freshness to some sticky spots...
{Oh my, that didn't sound altogether too good?}
Just had to let you know that I have been using toothpaste all weekend! I have been working on some fusible applique and the needle I use to bury the threads in the back always gets so gummy. This time I put a smidge of toothpaste on a kleenex and cleaned it off a few times and it was good as new! Thanks!
I use lighter fluid to remove goo. It sounds dangerous, but it's really not. ;) it cleans soooo well, I'm amazed every time. Hurray for simple remedies!
lol You're not only genius...but cute and funny, too!
I was interested in you tutorial re straight line quilting. I use a 'hera' marker to establish the first line, then quilt on this line using the walking foot. After that, I use the guide on my walking foot for all other lines. Works for me! The marker leaves no ink at all only a crease which disappears after a while.
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