Care Instructions

Our plavalmat® place value counters are easy to keep clean and hygienic between uses.  As they are made from durable plastic rather than foam or cardboard, they can be sink washed or put in a dishwasher inside a suitable bag.

The long-lasting, embossed design allows the counters to be re-used and washed repeatedly without the worry of the print fading or wearing off.

Like our place value counters, our plavalmat® Base Ten sets are made of a durable plastic so they are easy to clean.

They can be sink washed or put in a dishwasher inside a suitable bag.

Our DOTS+TODS™ sets are also made of a durable plastic so they are easy to clean.

They can be sink washed or put in a dishwasher inside a suitable bag.

Our plavalmat® place value mats have a durable, flexible and hard wearing surface.  They can be kept hygienic by wiping with a damp, non-abrasive cloth with mild detergent and then dried immediately.

Do not submerge them in water!  

They are not suitable for washing in sinks, dishwashers or washing machines. 

To avoid creasing, we recommend that our plavalmat® place value mats are not folded, but either kept flat or rolled with the print side facing outwards.  In order to keep the printed surface looking its best for longer, store in a cool, dark place.  

Many of our customers keep their plavalmat® inside of the rigid cardboard tube that it comes in.

They are not intended to be written on or used with dry wipe markers.  They cannot be ripped or torn, but they can be cut.  Do not put sharp or heavy objects on top.

If you wish your plavalmat® to be truly multi-functional, it is possible to place an acetate sheet on top in order to write on it with dry wipe marker. 

For a limited time we offer a free sheet of acetate that has been cut to the same size as each mat. 

You may wish to buy a roll of acetate available from other companies such as a roll a 10m roll of 25cm/10 inch high thickened acetate which is available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3RCB5SI (*AD) 

We also can recommend the following dry wipe pens also available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3JIssE2 (*AD).

It is possible to add additional information to your plavalmat® (for example algebra symbols) this can be done using permanent markers.  Please note that it will not be possible to return the plavalmat® once you have made these customised changes. 

In our tutorial videos we use this acrylic white permanent marker which we purchased on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3XZvDvm (*AD)

It is possible to cut your plavalmat® into two shorter sections. This may be done to separate the whole number columns from the decimals when they are not in use. This can be done using a very sharp utility/craft knife and metal ruler. Whilst this should not compromise the integrity of the mat, this is done at your own risk and it will not be possible to return the mat for a refund or exchange.

PLEASE NOTE: IT WILL NOT BE POSSIBLE TO RETURN YOUR PLAVALMAT IF YOU HAVE MADE CUSTOMISATIONS SUCH AS USING PERMANENT MARKERS OR CUTTING DOWN TO SIZE.