The bottom of your car can be a magnet for dirt, dust, muck, and anything else you might track under your shoes. There are also food and drink stains to worry about if you enjoy eating and drinking behind the wheel. You don't want to scare passengers with excess dirt and bacteria.
That's why you should take the time to thoroughly clean your floor mats over time, especially if you enjoy off-road driving and exploring the great outdoors. Regular cleaning of your floor matss will help you and your guests feel more comfortable on and off the road. It is best to clean the interior of your car well once a month. This may seem a bit common to some drivers, but regular cleaning extends the life of your vehicle.
There's nothing quite like stepping into a beautiful, immaculate interior every time you get behind the wheel. Show your car the love it deserves and clean your floor mats properly with this in-depth guide.
Cleaning rubber car mats:
Cars with rubber mats are more common in colder climates where it rains and snows frequently. Prevents moisture from damaging parts of the car's interior and dries quickly. However, they will still accumulate dust and dirt over time. How to clean rubber car floor mats in six easy steps:
- Get it out of the car. They will wet the mats and use the detergent and don't want it to get into your car.
- Press to remove dirt. Tap the rug on the floor or other hard surface outside. If any material sticks to the surface, you can use a scraper to remove it.
- Wash with a hose. Use a pressure water hose to remove loose dirt or crumbs. Wash only the dirty side of the mats, not the side that touches the car floor.
- Wash with soap. Apply the soap to the floor rug with a rag or spray. Dirt should come off easily with soap and water, but fabrics, hand sanitizer, and a mixture of baking soda and soap will also work.
- With a soapy hose. Use the hose again to rinse the soap out completely.
- Dry the mats. Allow the mats to dry completely before returning them to the vehicle. Find a way to hang it on a railing, wire, hanger, or something else to air dry.
Cleaning weathertech mats and the other types
Canvas car floor mats take more work to clean than rubber car floor mats, especially when they are already wet. If it has been wet for some time and you have never had a chance to dry it, you may even notice an odor. Cloth mats can have hard-to-remove stains. For a complete weathertech mats cleaning (Also the other car carpet types), Follow this steps:
- Get it out of the car. As with rubber mats, you don't want water and cleaning products to come into contact with the interior of your vehicle. Also, maneuvering the vacuum cleaner around the seats in the car can be difficult.
- Vacuum both sides. Vacuum the rug on both sides to suck out all the dirt and grime.
- Add baking powder. Rub baking soda into the upholstery to remove stains and odors. You can also mix baking soda with water and scrub the carpet with a stiff brush to scrape away dirt and grime.
- Use a soapy substance. There are several ways to get the detergent into the carpet and wash it thoroughly:
- Add soapy water and scrub. Mix two tablespoons of washing powder with the same amount of regular shampoo. Use a bristle brush to rub the mixture into the mat and scrub vigorously. Then rinse the soap off with clean water.
- Apply a spray cleaner. Spray carpet cleaner on the mat and let it sit for 30 minutes. After the mats pick them up, use a hand brush to pass the material through. You can also use a car carpet cleaner (available at many auto repair shops) or make your own.
- Wash it with a steam cleaner, pressure washer, or washing machine. A steam vacuum cleaner or pressure washer (common in car washes), or putting the mats in the washer with regular detergent and stain remover will work. - Vacuum the mats again. The vacuum cleaner absorbs some of the water and any remaining dirt particles. A vacuum designed to absorb moisture works best, but the use of hose attachments in your regular vacuum cleaner will also help.
- Dry the mats well. Hang the mats to dry or put them in the dryer. Do not put it in your car again until it is completely dry, otherwise it will cause a damp smell.
What are the best car mat cleaner products
You have several options for the soap that you use for washing car carpets. Daily laundry detergent, dish soap, or even shampoo can do the trick. Automotive carpet cleaners are available, as well as your preparations. Sold in most auto stores and usually comes in a spray bottle. Some recommendations include:
1. Blue Coral DC22 Dri-Clean Plus Upholstery Cleaner.
Attacks sediment and dirt particles. It also includes odor eliminating technology and has a built in brush cover.
2. Car Guys Premium Super Cleaner.
Water-based formula that removes dirt without leaving residue or odor.
3. Turtle Wax T-246Ra Power Out! Upholstery Cleaner.
Built-in dirt and odor repellent technology, plus detachable cleaning brush.
Can you made a floor mat cleaner at home?
Yes you can, Just mix this recipe in a bowl until the soap is completely dissolved and the mixture becomes lather. Dip a bristle brush and scrub your car carpet.
- 3 tablespoons of grated soap.
- 2 tablespoons of borax.
- 2 cups boiling water.
- 10 drops of lavender essential oil for a pleasant fragrance (optional).
Detailed steps for a better cleaning
We'll learn the best ways to clean all types of car floor mats, including traditional, rubber, and all-weather floor mats. Dirt and debris can easily hide all over the car, accumulating in all kinds of corners and crevices. If you want your carpets to stay clean . Follow these steps for a lasting feeling of cleanliness.
1. remove the mat
First, get your carpet out of your car so you can see what you're doing. This gives you the opportunity to see what's going on under your mats. Water and dirt can easily collect under unprotected carpets.
Try to put your carpet in a dry, clean environment so it doesn't get dirtier while you clean your car. It is best to lift it off the ground so that it has a chance in the air. You can hang it on a clothesline, put it on a row of boards or boxes, or put it on the lawn.
2. Use a vacuum Cleaner
Now is the time to remove any impurities that may be lying around. For matss and fabric mats, use a shop or car vacuum to pick up loose dirt and crumbs. Get rid of any trash in your car.
With rubber floor mats, you can use a high-pressure hose to blow off stuck-on dirt and grime, but most crumbs and dirt should slide off right away.
If it's been a while since you cleaned your car's carpet, dirt may stick to the surface. Crumbs can get stuck in the fibers of your carpet. You don't want to start rubbing the mats too soon, or you will push the dirt further into the mats. Make sure the inner surface is as clean as possible before proceeding.
3. Scrub the mats
In this step, you need a special sprayer for cleaning the interior of the car and a strong brush. It is best to find a brush with a firm grip. This way you don't have to worry about losing control when the bubbles start flying. Floor mats are usually a good choice. They are often flat and have a handle on the back, which makes them easy to press and gives good exfoliation of the surface under them.
For carpet matss, you can use a car carpet cleaning solution or just a little white vinegar. Professionally designed cleaning solutions take it a step further, but if you're short on time, vinegar can get the job done. Use a spray bottle to gently spray the surface of your car's mat and carpet. Avoid soaking the mats in liquid. Bend over and run the brush through the mats. Don't press too hard or you will ruin the fabric. Follow the fabric trend for an all-over professional look. Don't forget to clean the back of the mats, too. When finished, rinse the carpet with a high-pressure hose to remove excess vinegar.
For rubber car mats, you can use a rubber car cleaning solution or regular dish soap with equal parts water. Think of suitable rubber mats as giant Tupperware containers. You don't need to be as gentle with rubber mats as you do with matss, so don't be shy. Pay special attention to the edges and edges of the mats. Many all-weather car pedals have deep grooves to give you extra traction, so be sure to dip them between the cracks. When the carpet is clean, rinse it again with the same high pressure hose.
4. Let it dry
Now you need to give your carpet some time to dry before you put it back in your car. Leave the doors open for a few hours to allow the interior of your car to dry out as well. Give the interior some fresh air and the vinegar smell will dissipate soon.
Leave your mats in the sun for a few hours to allow it to dry naturally. Again, try to keep it in a clean, dry place so you don't accidentally load it with more dirt and debris.
Rubber mats should drain most of the water right away, but you can use a microfiber cloth to soak up the excess liquid. You can also put it in the sun to dry on its own.
When everything is clean and dry, put your carpet in the car again and enjoy the dirt-free feeling.
Why to remove stains from your car mats
The problem with carpets is that they are prone to staining. Mud and drinks can easily get stuck in the fibers of your carpet, filling your car with a strong odor and even mildew. No matter what happened, there is a solution for you.
For most household stains, you can try using a mixture of vinegar, baking soda, and laundry detergent. Mix 1 cup of vinegar, 1 cup of baking soda, and ½ cup of soap in a spray bottle. Gently spray the surface of the stain and try to rub it away. This recipe also works for removing coffee stains if you like sipping a lupine on your way to work.
You can also try using a carpet stain cleaner. Check the directions for the types of stains the product is designed to remove. Make sure you use the right type of detergent for the type of fabric you're using.
You may have to turn to non-traditional products when it comes to removing non-traditional stains. If you're dealing with a particularly stubborn stain, find out how to remove it and use the recommended product. Don't forget to air the floor matss after the stain has been removed.
If you don't like stains, opt for rubber mats for permanent cleaning. You don't have to worry about liquids and mud on the texture of the mats. Rubber mats are easier to clean than carpet.
Tips to keep the car floor mats clean
Congratulations, you have a beautiful interior design. Now that your carpets are clean, it's time to look ahead. If you want to keep your carpet as clean as possible, adjust your daily routine to keep dirt out of your car.
Clean your shoes
One of the best things you can do for the floor of your car is to remove as much dirt and debris as possible before you get behind the wheel. Spend a few seconds getting the mud off your shoes. You can smash it into the side of your car or a nearby tree when you've been wandering in the woods for hours.
If you like to get dirty, keep a microfiber cloth in the side pocket of your car. You can quickly get rid of excess dirt and mud before returning home. At the end of your ride, throw the towel into the wash.
If you're planning a lifelong camping trip or know you'll be spending a lot of time outdoors, bring extra towels and cleaning supplies so you can clean yourself regularly throughout the trip.
Take your mats
Your mats needs room to breathe. Separate them from your car between every long trip. This allows you to see what's going on underneath and pick up dirt before it settles into the stain. If excess moisture collects under the mats, let it dry or blot it with a towel to prevent it from rotting.
Shaking the mats regularly is an easy way to stay on top of your cleaning work. You can remove excess dirt and mud in just a few seconds. Make this part of your new daily routine to improve the overall hygiene of your vehicle.
Organizing the interior of your car
Nothing will spoil your vehicle like a sea of chaos. If you tend to spend a lot of time in your car, eating, drinking and making a living behind the wheel can easily become your second home. Learn to respect your car's interior by organizing space. Wipe down cup holders and countertops to remove stains and debris that might end up on the floor.
Think of a storage strategy for your car. Keep frequently used items in central, easily accessible areas so you don't have to hunt around for things you use every day like charging cables, maps, an EZ card, and other driving essentials. Put these items in their original place.
Make a pact with yourself to clean up and remove trash along the way. Take the thermos indoors when you get home from work. Get rid of junk food containers and soda bottles at the end of your trip.
Reduce what you eat and drink behind the steering wheel
We know you need to eat behind the wheel. 83 percent of drivers drink (soft) drinks in the car and 70 percent eat some type of food while driving. If you must eat in the car, choose foods and drinks that can be easily contained. Try sticking with water instead of sugary drinks that will make your car smell like a kids' birthday party. Eat foods with fewer crumbs, such as cream cheese, bacon, and granola bars instead of trying to choke on a bag of chips.
What about gum?
If you do not like the idea of cleaning the floor mats, it is better to buy rubber car mats instead of carpets. Rubber surfaces tend to be easier to clean than fabric. You can design a rubber mat that fits your car's interior so you don't have to worry about dirt and liquid slipping between the crevices. Cover as much ground as possible with rubber to protect the bottom of your vehicle.
As you can see, cleaning your car's carpet is not that difficult. In a few minutes, you will have a beautiful, dirt-free interior that will make you more comfortable behind the wheel. Your guests will also feel more comfortable in the car.
Don't let your responsibilities as a car owner discourage you. Cars are designed to get dirty from time to time, but with a little maintenance and care, you can prevent dirt from damaging your car.
