How to clean car mats
Auto repair

How to clean car mats

No matter how carefully you keep your car interior clean, dirt accumulates and spills occur. Having a set of tissues or wet wipes on hand can help clean up the mess as it arises, but it takes a little more effort to bring back that new car feel. Easily decorate your car interior by thoroughly cleaning your floor mats.

The floor of your cars gets more mud that sticks to the soles of your shoes than any other floor. It is also prone to spilled food and drink, as well as loose debris from pockets, bags, boxes, and anything else that gets in and out of the car. Both rubber and fabric floor mats gradually retain residue. After you've cleared your car of any floor litter, give your car a mini makeover by cleaning the floor mats.

Cleaning rubber car mats:

Cars with rubber floor mats are more common in cold climates where it rains and snows frequently. They prevent moisture damage to car interior parts and dry quickly. However, over time, they still collect dust and dirt. To clean rubber car mats in six easy steps:

1. Remove from the car. You will wet and use cleaners on your mats and don't want them to get into your car.

2. Strike to remove debris. Hit the mat on the outside ground or other hard surface. If any materials stick to the surface, you can use a scraper to remove them.

3. Rinse out of the hose. Use a pressurized water hose to remove loose dirt or crumbs. Wash only the dirty side of the floor mats, not the side that touches the floor of the car.

4. Wash with soap. Using a rag or spray bottle, add soap to the mat. Dirt should be easy to remove with soap and water, but wipes, hand sanitizer, and baking soda with a soapy mixture will work too.

5. Rinse off the soap. Use the hose again to completely rinse off the soap.

6. Dry the mats. Let the floor mats dry completely before putting them back in the car. Find a way to hang them on a railing, wire, hanger, or other object to allow them to air dry.

Cloth for cleaning car mats:

Cloth car floor mats require a bit more cleaning than rubber floor mats, especially if they are already wet. If they've been damp for a while and you haven't had a chance to dry them, you might even smell them. Fabric rugs can even have stains that are difficult to remove. To completely clean carpeted floor mats:

1. Remove from the car. Like rubber floor mats, you don't want water and cleaning products to get inside your car. Also, it can be difficult to maneuver the vacuum cleaner inside the car around the seats.

2. Vacuum both sides. Vacuum the mat from both sides to remove all dirt and dust.

3. Add baking soda. Rub baking soda on upholstery to remove stains and odors. You can also mix baking soda with water and scrub the mat with a stiff brush to scrape off dirt and grime.

4. Use a soapy substance. There are several different ways to get cleaning products on carpets and wash them thoroughly:

  • Add soapy water and rub. Mix two tablespoons of laundry detergent with the same amount of regular shampoo. Use a stiff-bristled brush to work the mixture into the mat and scrub thoroughly. Rinse off with clean water afterwards.
  • Apply aerosol cleaners. Spray carpet cleaner on rugs and leave for 30 minutes. After the mats have absorbed it, use a hand brush to spread the material over them. You can also use a cleaner designed for car floor mats (available at many auto shops) or create your own.
  • Wash with a steam cleaner, power washer or washing machine. A steam cleaner or washer (often in car washes) is running or putting the mats in the washer with a regular detergent and stain remover.

5. Vacuum the mats again. The vacuum cleaner will suck up some of the water and remaining dirt particles. A vacuum cleaner designed to suck up moisture works best, but using a conventional vacuum cleaner's hose attachment also helps.

6. Dry the mats thoroughly. Hang rugs to dry or place them in the dryer. Don't put them back in the car until they're completely dry, otherwise you'll smell damp.

Car carpet cleaners

You have many options for the soap you use to wash your car carpets. Your everyday laundry detergent, dish soap or even shampoo can help. Also available are carpet cleaners designed for cars, as well as formulations for self-preparation. Some recommendations include:

Automotive Carpet Cleaners: They are available at most automotive stores and usually come in a spray can.

  1. Blue Coral DC22 Dri-Clean Plus Upholstery Cleaner: Captures stubborn debris and dirt particles. It also includes odor elimination technology and has a built-in brush head.
  2. Car Guys Premium Super Cleaner: A water-based formula that removes debris without leaving a residue or odor.
  3. Turtle Wax T-246Ra Power Out! Upholstery cleaner: Built-in dirt-repellent and odor-reducing technology, and a removable brush for cleaning.

DIY Carpet Cleaner: This recipe should be mixed in a bowl until the soap is completely dissolved and the mixture is frothy. Dip a stiff brush in and scrub the car carpet with it.

  1. 3 tablespoons grated soap
  2. 2 tablespoons of borax
  3. 2 cups boiling water
  4. 10 drops of lavender essential oil for a pleasant scent (optional)

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