Simply shaking out your car mats isn’t enough to truly clean them, is it? Over time, they absorb a lot of dirt, sand, moisture, and especially road salt during winter. This means they need a thorough deep clean, not just a quick tidy-up. To get your car floor mats looking as good as new, start by giving them a good shake outside and then a powerful vacuuming – ideally with a wet/dry shop vac to remove as much dust and debris as possible. After that, it’s time to bring in the “heavy artillery” – a deep wash!
How to Wash Rubber and Textile Car Mats
Whether your car has rubber or textile mats, they both need a good wash. Choose a cleaning solution that’s gentle but effective. A specialized car mat cleaner works well, but you can also use common household items like plain dish soap or even a mild bar soap. For heavily soiled textile mats, you can use an alkaline degreaser (the kind used for car exteriors). Apply it generously to the surface, then work it in with a brush.
Using a special rotary brush attachment for a drill or power screwdriver can make this job much easier. Just be careful not to overdo it and damage the fibers. If you don’t have one, a regular stiff-bristled brush will work just fine; it’ll just take a bit more elbow grease.
Pay extra attention to the area where the driver’s right foot usually rests near the gas pedal – this spot tends to accumulate the most dirt.
Rinsing and Drying Your Car Mats
After washing, it’s crucial to rinse your mats thoroughly. If you have a pressure washer, that’s fantastic for a quick and effective rinse. If not, don’t worry – a regular garden hose or even a bucket of water will do the trick.
Rubber mats can usually just be wiped dry after rinsing. If your rubber mats look dull or gray, you can restore their shine! There are specialized products available for plastic, rubber, and vinyl. Some people even use a common household trick by rubbing them with rapeseed oil (canola oil). Just be very careful with this method, as it can make the surface extremely slippery!
Textile mats need thorough drying. If you have a wet/dry vacuum cleaner or a shop vac (without a bag inside), use it to extract as much water as possible. If you don’t have one, you can remove excess water with an ice scraper or a plastic squeegee, then hang the mats to dry. Keep in mind that complete drying can take up to 24 hours, so pick a warm, sunny day if possible!
Clean car mats aren’t just about good looks; they’re also about hygiene and safety. Taking a little time every few months to give them a proper clean will make a big difference – with just a bit of effort and you can get your car floor mats looking brand new again!
What other areas of your car do you find challenging to keep clean?