Your mat makes the perfect underlay for Montessori sorting and matching activities, replacing paper as a smooth, waterproof surface, that's impossible to tear or break. It's no slip side makes it the perfect surface to draw on either on the floor or on the table.
If you set up an activity on the floor with paint sticks, you can make a temporary seal with hairspray, and the paint will still be removable afterwards. This makes it easier to limit the transfer of paint to your toddler's clothes.
We have tried and tested a number of washable and non-washable pens, markers and paints. If you're not using the brands suggested, you can of course use alternatives. Be sure to do a quick test on the back of the mat to be sure.
In general, the pigment is more stubborn once it dries, but most stains will fade over time. The stain doesn't lodge into the textile but rather gets embedded in the texture.
As far as cooking oils, bike grease, coffee and wine stains go....your mat has got you covered. Simply wipe clean with water, and if the stain is more stubborn, in the case of bike grease for example, add a bit of soap and that should do the trick.
However, when drawing and painting on your mat the pigments, and the resulting stains are a lot more concentrated and intense, so you may need to use other means to get at a more stubborn stain.
So to be more precise, here's the longer answer.
Your Huske mat is made to be sturdy and long-lasting, and with the right cleaning and maintenance, you can make sure that it stays that way.
1. For general cleaning, start with soap and water.
2. For tougher stains, add rubbing alcohol, acetone-based nail paint, or blue coloured window cleaner. 30 minutes of soaking the treatment is recommended before using light pressure to release the pigment.
3. Do not scratch or scrub vigorously as this will break the smooth surface and allow pigment and stains to be absorbed underneath.
For a full overview of what's been tried and tested see the video below:
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