3 tips for stubborn stains on your Huske mat
TL;DR
All of this is possible because of what the mat is made from. About the material →
Soap and water for everyday mess. Rubbing alcohol or nail varnish remover for stubborn pigment. Never scrub hard. Most stains fade over time because pigment sits in the texture, not in the material.
3 min read
Your Huske mat is made to handle mess. Coffee, wine, bike grease, cooking oil: wipe clean with water and you are done. But drawing and painting pigments are more concentrated, so they sometimes need a bit more attention. Here is what works.
Drawing and painting on your mat
Your mat makes a great underlay for Montessori sorting and matching activities, or as a smooth, waterproof surface to draw on (the anti-slip side works well on both floors and tables).
If you set up an activity with paint sticks, you can make a temporary seal with hairspray and the paint will still be removable afterwards. This limits transfer to your toddler's clothes.
We have tried and tested a number of washable and non-washable pens, markers, and paints. If you are using different brands from the ones we suggest, do a quick test on the back of the mat first.
In general, pigment is more stubborn once it dries, but most stains will fade over time. The stain does not lodge into the textile itself. It gets embedded in the surface texture, which is why it gradually releases.
The 3 steps
- Start with soap and water. For everyday spills and food mess, this is all you need.
- For tougher pigment stains, use rubbing alcohol, acetone-based nail varnish remover, or blue window cleaner. Soak the stain for about 30 minutes, then use light pressure to release the pigment.
- Do not scrub vigorously. Scratching or scrubbing hard will break the smooth surface and allow pigment to be absorbed underneath. Gentle pressure, patience, and soaking time do the work.
Full cleaning walkthrough
For a complete overview of what we have tried and tested, including specific products and techniques:
The mats are waterproof on both sides, so you can also submerge them fully in a sink of soapy water and rub fabric on fabric to tackle anything stubborn. They are designed to be used hard and cleaned easily. That is the point.
Kate
Keep reading
What they are for: 10 Ways We Actually Use Ours
Sensory play: Sensory Play at Home
Find the right mat: Playmat Size Guide
About Studio Huske
Shop silicone leather mats
Every Huske mat is waterproof, stain-resistant, and wipes clean in seconds. Choose your size:
Wriggle (S) · Roam Round (M) · Roam Square (M) · Explore (L) · Gallivant (XL)
Studio Huske designs durable, wipeable essentials for family life. Each mat is made in small batches in Korea using silicone leather certified to OEKO-TEX Standard 100/1 (Class I). Learn more about us.