It’s not very often that you thoroughly clean your car mats, but chances are it’s something you should have done long ago. This task will help remove food plus other dirt and dust stuck on the mat that you wouldn’t get rid of with the general vacuuming you normally do.
How often should you do this? The answer is that it can be as frequent as you need it to be. For example, if you vacuum your car once a week, then you should clean the mats every time you wash the car.
There are many ways to clean your car mats, and some methods work better than others. Here are the most common methods: Vacuuming is one of the best ways of removing dirt and hair from the carpet. Try a soft brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner on delicate surfaces for a very thorough cleaning.
But vacuuming may not be enough when there are stains to address. Shampooing with a gentle detergent and scrubbing using a sponge then becomes another great way to address the more stubborn stains. It is important to clean car mats because they can become a breeding spot for bacteria. The following are some tips on how to keep your car mats clean.
Quick facts about cleaning car mats
Apart from making your car look good and smell fresh, It is important to clean car mats because they can become a breeding spot for bacteria.
Quality fabrics should be cleaned by professionals, as it is more costly, less risky, and requires more care. This includes all leather and expensive wool but can include things like suede and silk.
For cleaning car mats on a regular basis, a vacuum is the best way to go. You want to start from a vacuum from the outside of the mat inward.
Also, it is advisable to use a special cleaner for carpets. You don’t want to use harsh chemicals that may leave your mats damaged or discoloured.
The first thing to consider when cleaning car mats is the type of fabric it is made of. The least favourite would be leather, as it is very sensitive. Vinyl can be cleaned using soap and water or an upholstery steam cleaner.
Some people also prefer to use vinegar or baking soda with water. Cloth mats should be vacuumed, then sprayed with a solution of warm water, dish detergent and vinegar, then left to soak for 20 minutes before scrubbing them with a sticky brush. After that, rinse them with warm water and let them air dry.
The next thing to consider when cleaning car mats is what kind of dirt they are covered in. For mud, it is best to use a detergent and scrubbing.
To effectively clean mats, you need to know what materials the mat is made of. This will help you decide which method to use. The most common mats come in fabric or vinyl.
Here are ways to address dirt and grime on different types of car mats:
The best way to clean cloth car mats
To clean your car mats, start by vacuuming them and then use a wet cloth or a dry brush to remove any larger pieces that may refuse to budge. If the mat is wet, remember that it will take a few minutes for it to dry, so make sure it gets adequate ventilation. To dry the mat, you can use the sun's heat and a dry cloth or brush. If this isn't available to you, place the mat out in the open to dry in the open sun and wind.
The weight of cloth car floor mats makes them more difficult to clean than rubber mats, especially if they are already wet. Cloth mats may also have some stains that are tough to remove. To properly clean the carpeted floor mats it is best to fully inspect the mats and remove anything that might prevent catching spills.
The step by step process is simple:
- Remove the car mat from the car to avoid water and cleaning chemicals from spilling within the car
- Vacuum the car mat on both sides to get rid of loose dirt particles
- Add baking soda on the fabric to help eliminate bad odours and stains. If the grime is stuck on the mat, mix baking soda and water and scrub using a brush that’s stiff
- Alternatively, use soap powder together with a stiff brush to scrub off stubborn stains
- Also, you can soak your carpets using a spray cleaner then let it sit for half an hour. Later on, use a stiff brush to scrub off dirt and grime
- Steam cleaners also do a great job when combined with the right cleaning agent work well to remove stains.
- Suck the water and remaining dirt using a vacuum cleaner
- Make sure your mats are dry to avoid having a damp odour in the car. Use a dryer or let them dry in sunlight.
Cleaning rubber car floor mats
Cleaning rubber car mats can be quick and easy, but you still need to do it regularly. All you require is some water, dish soap, and any kind of towel or cloth you have on hand.
Snowflakes are great because the little blue plastic really makes the dirt stand out. Fill up the bowl with cool water and add a few drops of dish soap. Dip your towel in the soapy water and wring it out so it doesn't drip. Then take your mat and hold
Rubber floor mats are much more common in colder climates because it rains and snows much more often. Rubber floor mats are great for protecting the car’s interior. They prevent moisture from damaging the metal parts of the car, yet they do still collect dust and dirt over time. They’re also lighter and easier to clean than fabric mats.
Here’s the step by step process of cleaning it:
- First, you should check to see if your mats are removable. If they can, take them out and put them off to the side to avoid spilling cleaning chemicals in your car during the cleaning process.
- The trick to cleaning the mat is to use a light detergent that won’t leave any residue. First, brush off any dirt that's sticking to the mat with the brush. Next, use the scraper to move dirt out of the pores of the mat. Pour some detergent on the mat, and scrub it with the brush to access the nooks on the mat.
- Only wash the dirty side (the side you step on) of the mat leave the side that touches against the car floor. After scrubbing the car mats, it’s crucial to use a pressurized water hose to dislodge any dirt or crumbs attached to them.
- Drying your foam rollers outside can be a great way to go; just ensure that you cover them with something (a mat, sheet, or tarp) to keep them safe from the sun. Your preferred method is to hang them on a railing or wire. It’s important to let them dry fully before you put them back in your car, as it can make them mouldy.
Are car mats washable using a washing machine?
It would be super easy to wash car mats using a washing machine but unfortunately, it’s isn’t possible on most occasions. You can’t wash rubber mats with a washing machine. And most fabric mats contain a lining of rubber which rules them out as well. But if you have a mat that’s 100% fabric, you can chuck them in the machine and let it do the magic.
But before you toss all your car mats into the washing machine, ensure you check the label that shows whether the material is machine washable or not.
Final thought on how to clean car mats
I hope this article has been helpful. Car mats in particular can be in a really bad state. They can stain in a variety of ways, in a variety of colours, and smell bad too. So, the only way to really remove these things is to get in deep with soap, water, and a bucket. Get in there and scrub them to your heart's content.
If you find that your car mats are well and truly beyond repair, don't hesitate to get in touch to get outstanding car mats deals.
