5 Sustainable Ways To Clean Your Silicone Colouring Mat

As mums, we’re all too familiar with the delightful messes that come with nurturing a young artist. Curious little hands find their way onto every available surface, leaving behind a trail of creativity and colour. That's where Little Change Creators' Re-FUN-able™ Colouring Sets come to the rescue. These reusable silicone colouring mats not only provide a canvas for your child's imagination but also contribute to a sustainable future.

In this blog, we're exploring various methods to keep these mats clean, vibrant and inviting, while also embracing eco-friendly practices.

The Re-FUN-able™ Advantage

Before we delve into cleaning techniques, let's take a moment to examine the design of Little Change Creators' Re-FUN-able™ Colouring Sets. These sets are thoughtfully crafted to minimise waste and promote sustainable living. Each set comes with everything you need, including 12 non-toxic markers and a machine-washable cloth eraser that effectively removes ink without any need for disposable wet wipes. This not only keeps your child's artistic journey waste-free but also teaches them the importance of environmental responsibility from a young age.

Cleaning Made Easy

When using Little Change Creators’ Magic Markers on your silicone colouring mat, the ink will dry instantly and erase effortlessly with your dry Magic Clean Cloth.  At this stage, you could even use your finger to wipe away mistakes!  However, as time goes on and the ink begins to set, you might find the following five tips helpful:

1.  The Sustainable Swipe Method

Begin by dampening your cloth eraser to gently wipe away the ink from your silicone colouring mat. The soft texture of the cloth effectively lifts the markings without causing any damage to the mat's surface. This method is perfect for quick cleanups after each colouring session.  We recommend washing your cloth before its first use and occasionally between uses to remove any starch or ink residue, making the cleaning process more effective.

2.  Warm Water and Soap

For grime and general cleaning, a mild solution of warm water and gentle dish soap can work wonders.  Dampen your Magic Clean Cloth with the soapy water and gently rub the relevant area.  Rinse the cloth and wipe down the mat to remove any soap residue. Remember to dry the mat thoroughly before the next coloring adventure.

3.  Alcohol and Hand-Sanitiser

To easily remove stubborn stains or residual colour, Isopropyl Alcohol (also known as rubbing alcohol) works well with your cloth eraser.  You can buy this solution from supermarkets and pharmacies.  Alternatively, products containing alcohol, such as hand-sanitiser or alcohol swabs used for First Aid, are also highly-effective options.  The alcohol's solvent properties helps to dissolve the ink, leaving your mat clean and ready for more creative adventures.  For safety, please refrain from leaving solutions containing alcohol around unsupervised children.

4.  Vinegar Solution

If your colouring mat is showing signs of discolouration or build-up, a vinegar solution can come to the rescue. Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto the stained areas and let it sit for a few minutes. Wipe the mat clean with a damp cloth and then dry it thoroughly.

5.  Baking Soda Paste

For tough stains, you can create a gentle paste using baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the stained areas and gently rub with your Magic Clean Cloth. The baking soda's mild abrasive nature helps lift stubborn marks without scratching the mat.

Additional Tips for Keeping Your Colouring Mats In Shape

Dishwasher-Safe and Machine-Washable Silicone Mats

The silicone mats used in Re-FUN-able™ Colouring Sets are designed to make your life easier. They're dishwasher-safe and machine-washable! Simply place the mat in the dishwasher (top drawer) or washing machine (on a gentle cycle), and let modern technology do the cleaning for you.  We recommend using one of the above cleaning methods to remove ink from the silicone mat first, before placing it in a dishwasher or washing machine.

Storage

When not in use, keep your silicone mat in a cool and dry place.  The mat can be folded and stored in the included fabric pouch or, if you prefer, you can roll it and keep it contained in an empty toilet roll or used paper towel roll.  All of these methods are practical, sustainable and convenient.  Any creases in your mat can be removed by placing it in a dishwasher or washing machine, as per the above instructions.

Care

Avoid direct sunlight, as prolonged exposure can affect the mat's colour.

Refrain from using sharp objects on your silicone mat as this can permanently damage its surface and the functionality of your mat.

Conclusion

Little Change Creators' Re-FUN-able™ Colouring Sets not only ignite your child's creativity but also encourage eco-conscious habits. Cleaning these silicone colouring mats is a breeze with the provided cloth eraser, rubbing alcohol, hand sanitiser, and a few household items. From the sustainable swipe method to using natural vinegar, you have a range of options to maintain the mats' vibrancy and integrity. By embracing these cleaning techniques and eco-friendly practices, you're not only nurturing your child's artistic journey but also contributing to a cleaner, greener planet for their future.