Clean Cricut Maker 5, care for mats and tools, and store the machine safely.
Regular light cleaning helps Cricut Maker 5 load materials accurately, keeps debris away from moving parts, and extends the life of the machine and accessories. Always unplug the machine from power before cleaning it.
Clean the machine exterior
- Disconnect the power cord and USB cable, and remove the mat, material, pen, and tool.
- Spray a small amount of water or glass cleaner onto a soft, lint-free cloth. Do not spray cleaner directly on the machine, because liquid could enter the machine and reach internal components.
- Wipe the exterior gently, avoiding openings, rollers, sensors, and electrical connections.
- Use a clean, dry cloth to remove remaining moisture.
- Allow the machine to dry completely before reconnecting to power.
Important: Do not use acetone, abrasive cleaners, bleach, solvents, aerosol sprays, or dripping-wet cloths. Do not immerse any part of the machine in water.
Remove scraps and debris
- With the machine disconnected from power, open it and inspect the visible material path.
- Use a soft, dry brush, like a soft artist’s brush, or lint-free cloth to lift loose paper, fabric fibers, and scraps.
- Check the material guides and the areas around the rollers for pieces that could interfere with loading.
- Do not push debris farther into the machine or use compressed air. Using compressed air may push debris deeper into the machine.
Important: Machine must be disconnected from power. Do not reach under internal covers, or insert tools into the machine. If debris cannot be safely reached, contact Cricut Member Care.
Clean sensors and guides
- Gently wipe exposed guides with a dry, lint-free cloth, such as a microfiber cloth. Avoid lint-shedding cloths, such as paper towels, which can leave debris or cause scratches).
- Keep the Print Then Cut scanning area on the underside of the tool carriage free of paper dust, glitter, and adhesive residue.
- Do not touch, scrape, or apply liquid directly to sensor windows.
- For Print Then Cut scanning issues: If Print Then Cut scanning continues to fail after visible debris is removed, complete Print Then Cut calibration. If the issue persists, click here for additional troubleshooting.
Care for machine mats
- Use the grip strength recommended for the material.
- Avoid touching the adhesive area with your fingers.
- Use a plastic scraper to remove scraps without gouging the adhesive.
- Remove projects by turning the mat over and bending the mat away from the material.
- Do not sharply crease or roll a mat, and do not rinse it under running water.
- Replace the clear cover after use; this helps prevent dust and lint from getting on your mat and reducing its stickiness.
- Store the mat flat to avoid any bending or warping.
- To help your mat wear evenly, alternate between loading the top end and bottom end into the machine first.
Care for blades and tools
- Remove the tool from the machine before inspecting it.
- Inspect the tool under bright lighting before replacing it.
- Keep blades and tips dry and free of adhesive, fibers, and fragments.
- Use the protective cap or container when provided with the tool.
- Do not scrape a blade edge or sharpen it with foil or another material. This can damage the blade instead of sharpening it.
- Replace a blade when correct settings, and a clean mat no longer produce consistent results.
- Cap pens promptly and store them according to the package directions.
Grease and moving parts
A small amount of visible lubricant on the carriage rod is normal and does not indicate a problem. If excess grease is visible in an accessible area, gently blot it with a soft, lint-free cloth. Do not add lubricant or disassemble the machine.
Store or transport the machine
- Disconnect power and remove all cords/cables, tools, pens, mats, materials, and accessories.
- Close the machine and support it from the base when lifting.
- Remove all materials from the mat before storing.
- Store machine indoors in a clean, dry location away from extreme temperature, direct sunlight, and moisture.
- Protect the machine from impacts and keep the material path and tool area free of stored objects.
- Do not carry the machine by its door, carriage, or roller bar.
When to replace mats and blades
- Replace a mat when it has deep cuts or creases or no longer holds material securely during a project.
- Replace a blade when it is clean, installed correctly, but still does not cleanly with the correct material setting.
- Signs of a worn blade may include material tearing or dragging, rough cuts, or visible chips or dents on the blade.