How to Clean a Car Mat: Transforming Your Vehicle’s Interior

Nobody likes a dirty car mat. And even if you find cleaning your car a drag, having a gleaming interior comes with more benefits than just "looking good." Knowing how to clean car mats is a vital life skill. The average driver should clean their car mat around once a month, and you can do this at home without professional help. It's great you're here!

In this guide, we'll teach you everything there is to know about how to clean a car mat. In less than 10 minutes, you'll be fully prepped with all the knowledge you need to keep your mats spotless.

The Benefits of Regularly Cleaning Car Floor Mats

Before we get into the steps you should take, let’s review why you should be regularly cleaning your car floor mats.

Your car mats are a fundamental aspect of your driving experience. If you get into a car with dirty mats or carpet, you know, in the worst-case scenarios, you realize immediately. This is because your car's flooring is a magnet for dampness, bacteria, mud, and — eventually if left —- stench. To maintain a positive driving experience, you've got to start from the ground up, making sure your mats and carpets are clean.

Here are the primary reasons to learn how to wash car floor mats:

• To prevent odors.

• For hygiene purposes, since mats attract bacteria and dirt build-up.

• To extend the lifespan of your vehicle and prevent long-term damage.

• To improve your driving experience.

• So that you don't embarrass yourself when giving lifts.

What To Know Before You Start

It isn't as simple as just Googling "how do you wash car mats"; it depends on what type of mats you have. Take note of these commonly faced challenges before you get out the hosepipe and soap suds.

Firstly, it’s easiest to clean rubber floor mats, as these are waterproof and don't stain as easily. You just hoover or rinse them off. You'll run into the most trouble when you try to clean car carpet mats. These stain easily and require deeper washes and longer drying periods.

Overall, these are the most common issues you’ll face when learning how to clean carpet mats in car environments:

• These mats are more likely to smell and require stronger scented washing.

• Carpet mats are more susceptible to staining, which may require extra washing.

• As fabric, carpet mats take longer to dry —- you may be without any mats for a day or two.

• Most carpet car mats aren't suitable for washing machines, so you'll need to power wash them.

Of course, it isn't only tackling how to clean carpets in your car that's tricky. Here are a few general challenges for both rubber and carpet mats:

• Washing mats can be challenging without a washing machine. To power wash them, you'll need a hosepipe or equivalent.

• You need to be careful what products you use.

4 Simple Steps To Clean Rubber Car Floor Mats

Time to get practical. How do you clean rubber car mats? There are different processes depending on what yours is actually made out of.

Here's the best way to wash car mats, for those of you that have rubber materials. Follow this four-step method, and you'll learn how to clean floor mats for cars in no time.

1. Remove The Mats

Taking out the mat should be easy, especially if it is custom-fitted. Just be prepared to move your seats back to drag them out; rubber mats can be heavier and a little more awkward to maneuver.

Lay them somewhere flat outdoors where you can spray water without worrying about making a mess. Make sure it's within reach of a hose and extension lead.

2. Vacuum Cleaning Or Heavy Shaking

Your next step is vacuuming or shaking, depending on how loose the first layer of dirt is. This removes all that grime that has been sitting on top of your car mats.

If your mat isn’t that dirty, you might get away with heavily banging it on a surface. While, if everything is a bit more compacted, a vacuum is the way to go. You can give the rest of your car a once-over while it’s out!

3. Cleaning And Washing

As mentioned, washing car mats in washer machines is a no-go, especially for rubber mats. It’s much better to hand wash your car floor mats. Instead, look for some cleaning products (making sure they're compatible with rubber). Use a hose pipe or equivalent to rinse off the first layer of mud and dust before letting the product sit.

When learning how to clean rubber car mats, the main difference is in product choice and the ease of washing. As a whole, it’s easier than handling carpet mats.

4. Power Washer & Dryer

Next, you've got to get rid of all that product. Using your strongest water pressure, power wash the mats until all the residue is gone.

Lastly, you'll need to dry the car mats. You can invest in drying equipment or just play it old-fashioned, hanging them out to dry naturally. The good news is that rubber dries super fast.

You may wish to add a protective product to make your car mats seem brand new after, but that’s up to you.

6 Simple Steps To Wash Carpet Carpet Mats

Would you like a little more detail on the perfect way to clean carpet auto car mats? In this section, we'll break down how to clean a car mat. With no stone left unturned, these are the step-by-step stages to clean carpet material.

Step 1: Preparing the Mats for Cleaning

You’ve got to understand the difference between washing rubber and carpet, and it heavily comes down to product choice. Do you wash floor mats differently based on material? Yes, so head to the store for the right deep-cleaning products for your mat beforehand.

Step 2: Removing Mats from the Car

Next, remove your mats from the vehicle. Again, if they are custom-fit, this should be simple, although you may need to adjust seat positions to make the job easier.

Step 3: Shaking Off Loose Dirt And Vacuuming

Don't be shy; give the mats a good shake. Shaking them immediately removes all those big chunks of grit, dirt, and grime. You don't want to make your job harder than it should be. You may need to vacuum the carpet if the dust is really embedded.

Step 4: Applying Carpet Cleaner

Apply your carpet product (per its instructions) and, ideally, let it sit for a while to best combat any building aromas.

Step 5: Washing Car Mats

It's worth answering the age-old question of "can car mats be washed in washing machine equipment" now. In short, it's not a good idea. Many carpet mats still have some rubber details and other non-washing-machine-friendly features.

Instead, give them a good power wash by jetting them with strong water using a garden hose pipe. You may wish to use a firm brush to give them an extra deep clean.

Step 6: Rinsing and Drying

Rinse the mats of any excess product and hang them to dry. If you wish, you can speed up the process with a towel or air blower. Carpets do take longer, so factor in more time. Then, simply place the mats back in your vehicle.

A Quick Recap: Cleaning Carpet vs Rubber

Not every mat is made the same. So, what about learning how to clean all-weather mats? Here's some food for thought when glossing up your all-weather floor liners.

How To Clean Carpet Mats?

Learning how to wash car carpet mats is the most challenging method. The most common question is, "Can you put car mats in the washer" to which we say — absolutely not.

Generally, you'll have to wash carpet mats by hand to avoid damage. Just look for a great cleaning product that you can leave to sit on the mat for maximum impact, then power wash it off before drying.

How To Clean And Restore Rubber Floor Mats

How do you clean rubber floor mats? The good news is with ease. Since they are waterproof, you can just shake, power wash, and hand scrub any stubborn spots using a cleaning product. Rubber mats dry quicker, too.

Is There An Easier Way?

We’ll let you into a secret; there’s actually an easier way to clean your car mats, and it all comes down to material choice. Prime EVA mats are designed to take seconds, not minutes, to clean.

All you need to do is power wash or wipe EVA mats down. Forget lumbering about with heavy matting and dealing with lingering smells after spilled frappe orders. Our products are made from Ethylene Vinyl Acetate, a material that holds zero smell and is four times lighter than rubber. We have custom mats for dozens of vehicle types; just check out our Toyota car mat range.