A Complete Guide to Cleaning Car Floor Mats and Carpets at Home
Introduction
Welcome to Wax On Mobile Auto Detailing's comprehensive guide on cleaning car floor mats and carpets at home! Whether you're a car enthusiast or simply a car owner looking to maintain a clean and comfortable interior, this article is for you. Your vehicle, be it a stylish sedan, a reliable SUV, or a practical hatchback, deserves a fresh and spotless interior. The floor mats are one of the most obvious signs of wear on a car - a collection point of mud, dust, and who knows else comes in from the bottom of our shoes or the spilled plastic bags of our kids in the back. In this guide we will be walking you through a step-by-step process of cleaning your car's floor mats and carpets, helping you revitalize your ride and protect your family from harmful germs (1) without leaving your driveway or spending too much money out of pocket.
Gathering the Necessary Tools
Before we dive into the cleaning process, it's important to gather the tools you'll need. Certain tools will save you quite a lot of time scrubbing or trying to get your nail into every crease of your floor mat. Here's a checklist you can use to assemble the right tools:
- Vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment—it’s nice to have the corner attachment as well to vacuum up those hard-to-reach places. The ideal vacuum is a shopvac, but a conventional vacuum will do in a pinch.
- Stiff-bristle brush or detailing brush—This is a great tool to have when the dirt is considerable.
- Mild carpet cleaner or upholstery shampoo is extremely important if you didn’t use any kind of mat cover and want to loosen up dirt that may have encrusted from years of neglect.
- Microfiber towels or clean cloth
- A bucket of warm water
- Rubber gloves to keep your hands clean and protected
Removing the Floor Mats
Let's begin by removing the floor mats from your car. Taking them out allows you to shake them like a rug and lay them flat for proper cleaning. Not only will this protect your back from harm awkwardly bending, but it will also allow you to fully clean even the places tucked up high out of sight. Carefully take them out and give them a few taps to get rid of loose dirt and debris. Depending on the type of floor mats you have, the cleaning methods may vary. Let's explore the three most common types:
Rubber Floor Mats
These mats are known for their durability and practicality. You can be fairly rough with these without any risk. To clean them, give them a good shake to remove loose dirt, and rinse them with a hose or in a bathtub. Use a stiff-bristle brush or detailing brush to scrub away any stubborn stains or grime. Many of these mats have big channels in them that are perfect for the stiff-bristle brush to get in and wash. For added cleanliness, you can use a mild detergent mixed with warm water. Rinse the mats thoroughly and allow them to air dry.
Carpet Floor Mats
Carpet mats add a touch of elegance to your car's interior but require extra care. You can take these out and lay them on the side - gently hopefully. Begin by vacuuming the mats to remove loose dirt and debris. If there are stains, use a mild carpet cleaner or upholstery shampoo. Apply the cleaner according to the product instructions and gently scrub the affected areas using a soft-bristle brush. Using the wrong brush here will result in bald spots and can fairly easily damage your carpet floor mats. Afterward, wipe away excess moisture with a clean cloth and let the mats air dry.
All-Weather Floor Mats
These mats offer both durability and style. Start by giving them a good shake to remove loose dirt and debris. Use a damp cloth or sponge soaked in warm, soapy water to wipe the mats thoroughly. Rinse them with clean water and pat them dry using a microfiber towel. Allow them to air dry completely before placing them back in your car.
Cleaning the Car Carpets
Now that the mats are taken care of, let's shift our attention to the car's carpets. This is the area underneath the mats that are not removable. Most people rarely see the car’s carpets because of the mats but that does not stop them from getting properly dirty, especially where the edge of the mat leaves the carpet exposed. Follow these steps to bring back the fresh and clean feel to your car's interior:
1. Vacuum
Begin by vacuuming the carpets to remove loose dirt, crumbs, and debris. This should almost always be the first step because it allows all the loose debris to be removed before we start scrubbing. Be liberal with the use of vacuum attachments especially where the carpet meets the frame of the car. Dirt easily accumulates in those corners and become very difficult to remove without proper attention.
2. Stain Treatment
Now that the loose debris is gone your carpets may have light or deep stains drawing your attention. The severity of the stain will determine the strategy you should use. Start with a mild carpet cleaner or upholstery shampoo, apply the product to the stained area and gently scrub with a soft-bristle brush. Be careful not to oversaturate the carpet, as excessive moisture can lead to odors. If you are not seeing the stain move you can move up to more powerful cleaners. We would not recommend starting with these more powerful cleaners as they are not as good for the overall lifespan of the carpets. You can find these stain removers at your local auto body store.
3. Overall Cleaning
Prepare a mixture of warm water and mild carpet cleaner or upholstery shampoo. Dip the detailing brush or a clean cloth into the solution, and gently scrub the entire carpet surface. Take your time and ensure you cover every inch to effectively remove dirt and grime.
4. Drying Process
After cleaning, use clean microfiber towels or cloths to blot away excess moisture from the carpets. Open the car windows and doors to promote airflow and speed up the drying process. Avoid using the vehicle until the carpets are completely dry to prevent the growth of mold or mildew. If you truly saturated the car during the cleaning this could mean waiting a day or more so everything dries out properly.
Conclusion
Congratulations! If you followed along your floor mats are looking significantly better than when we started. Your mats are free of dirt and mud, your carpets are free of stains, and your seats have a fresh look to them. You can follow these same steps every month or couple months depending on how fast you accumulate dirt. The longest we’d recommend waiting is about 6 months (and even that is pushing it). Whether you're a car enthusiast or a standard car owner, maintaining a clean interior not only enhances the appearance of your vehicle but also prolongs its lifespan.
Once you've finished cleaning your car floor mats and carpets, it's worth considering extending your cleaning routine to include other interior components like the car headliner. This comprehensive approach ensures a thorough and refreshed appearance for your entire vehicle's interior.
Regular cleaning and care will ensure a comfortable and inviting space every time you step into your car. Revive your vehicle's shine with Wax On, the premier auto detailing service in Pasadena. Book now for an unparalleled car pampering experience!
References:
(1) https://www.way.com/blog/how-dangerous-is-a-dirty-car/#:~:text=A%20dirty%20car%20interior%20can,at%20least%20once%20a%20month.