Pretty easy to determine when to clean. Just run your finger tips over it if you feel any roughness or drag, it's time. After some cutting I noticed some of the adhesive from the tape smeared on the table. I keep a piece of steel wool just for quick cleanup, took the sticky stuff right off. Be sure to seal it against rust. I won't get into that because I'm a maverick and don't follow the rules. LOL
Gabby