Anyone can clean valet mats but the end results vary depending on the experience and knowledge. We understand the struggle and that's why we want to guide you using this post to get results as a professional. Remember to always valet your car mats and store them in a way that does not leave any dirt or moisture on the surfaces. Here's how to valet car mats to a professional standard:
Choosing the right tools and products to valet car mats
The tools and products you'll need depend on the material of your mats. For instance, a fabric mat may require a more thorough approach compared to rubber mats. But here's an idea of some of the things that will help you get your car mats clean to a professional standard:
- A cleaning solution that can mix with water for thorough mat cleaning
- Foam shampoo for fabric mats
- A stiff bristled brush
- A toothbrush
- A microfiber rag
- Vacuuming cleaning machine
- Drying towel
- Lanolin
Make sure you have enough water to clean and rinse the mats. If you are using buckets, get two - one with soapy water and the other with clean water for rinsing. If you don't get enough water, then grime and dirt will remain on the mat surfaces and get their way back into your vehicle.
How to valet both sides of your car mats
How you clean your mats will depend on the material of the mat. Cleaning rubber mats is much easier and less thorough than cleaning fabric mats. That's because fabric mats absorb liquids and dirt is more engraved in the material.
Remove and clean the car mats
To avoid contaminating the interior of your car, valet your car mats from a different location - outside the car. Remove any mats and shake it to get rid of any excess dirt and debris. Valet your car mats to a professional standard by following these steps:
Start with vacuuming the mat to suck loose dirt particles from it. Follow this with scrubbing the mat using a bristled brush. Dip the brush in soapy water as you scrub targeting dirty points. If there are any parts that are hard to reach, get a toothbrush to get to those sections.
Rubber mats may not require a hard-bristled brush to especially if you have been maintaining them well. With just a sponge soaked in soapy water, you can easily wash away dirt from the surface, run the mat under water and voila, a clean mat.
How to remove high heel marks
If you can, you should always remove high heel marks from your car mats as quickly as possible. High heel marks are one of the worst things for a car and they can be easily avoided by simply eliminating them as soon as they appear. The process of removing them is quite simple: you just need a bottle of water, a cloth, and a sponge. Pour the water on the high heel mark, then use the cloth and sponge to rub them off.
Valeting the car mats
There are two popular methods for valeting car mats. The first is to use a rotary buffer to herd the dirt and debris towards the edges. This technique will erode the surface of the mat, which is often undesirable. It's also easier to miss dirt on the mat, which stains more easily.
The second method involves the use of lanolin, which is applied to the mat with a clean lint-free cloth. Lanolin is absorbed into the fibres of the mat to protect it against fading. Lanolin also seals the mat to stop oils and acids from penetrating the mat and distorting the colour.
Get rid of oduors
To get rid of odours from your car carpets, use a mixture of water and ammonia, one part each and work into into the fibers of the mat if it's fabric made. You can also sprinkle the mats with baking soda and rub it in with a brush. Then let the baking soda stay there for half an hour before vacuuming the car mats.
Dry and use
Hose the mat down with high-pressure water to clean off the soap and dirty water. Rinse them with clean water then hang it to drip the excess water and dry before returning them into your car. Sometimes you'll have to wring out the mat to remove all the excess water soaked in it.
About different types of car mats
Most people pick rubber mats because they are durable and perform better in extreme conditions. They come in a variety of colours and remain flexible throughout their lifetime. They often have grippers at the bottom so they stay in place under the feet.
Vinly mats are in many ways like rubber car mats except that they are not as flexible. Because of this feature they tend to deteriorate faster. They are easy to clean and dry faster to be used.
That's how to valet car mats like a pro
The end goal is to make it look like there was never any dirt on the car mats to begin with. Whether you’re valeting your car mats for the first time or the hundredth, this is essential. You want to remove as much dirt as possible. Repeat the process as many times as you need to until you are happy with the results. The steps mentioned above require minimal tools and cost minimal effort. The result is a perfectly-valeted car mat. It’s worth the hassle!
