Car mats are necessary in your vehicle because they protect the interior from dirt, grit, and spills. However, with regular use, they can quickly become grubby, dirty, and stained. The floor of a car is subjected to most of the dirt and grime in a vehicle’s interior. Mostly from the bottom of your shoes, as well as spills from food and drinks.
Cleaning your car mat at home is an easy and affordable way to maintain its appearance and extend its lifespan.
In this tutorial, we'll show you how to clean a car mat using a hack that we have been using in our auto detailing for years.
Step Two: Shake the mats
Take the mats outside and give them a vigorous shake to remove any dirt, sand, or debris. This will make the cleaning process easier, as well as more effective.
Step Three: Vacuum the mats
Generally, you will find that when the surface of a mat has a lot of grit and dirt, that typically means the base will also be dirty.
Place the mat face down on the ground and vacuum for about 30 seconds. Lift the mat to vacuum the loose dirt and grit off the ground.
Our notes: We use a Kirby vacuum with a rotating mechanical action brush head on it. What this does, is vibrate the soil out of the car mat.
Step Four: Apply a cleaning solution
Step Five: Scrub the mats.
Using a small nail brush, brush the solution into the fibres to remove any stubborn stains or dirt. Be careful to work gently and not damage the mat’s surface.
Step Six: Extract the slurry
Use a ShopVac or any wet-dry vacuum with a narrow attachment to vacuum the moisture and dirt out of the rug.
Step Seven: Dry the mats
All you need to do now is allow the mats to fully dry before putting them back in your vehicle. Ensure that they are properly fitted and securely fastened.
Cleaning your car mats at home is an easy and affordable way to keep your car’s interior looking clean and well-maintained.
Follow the above step-by-step guidelines, and you will have clean car mats in no time, with minimal fuss. Normally, it will take about five minutes to vacuum down a car mat, mix the solution, and extract the slurry.
Remember to clean your car mats regularly, especially if you frequently drive in dirty and dusty environments. This will not only help to maintain their appearance but also extend their lifespan.