How To Clean Car Floor Mats

Floor mats can be one of the dirtiest areas inside your vehicle. Especially if you’re a Pella driver who likes to venture to one of the many off-road destinations in the area. All year these mats offer protection from dirt, dust, grime, snow, oil, and direct sunlight, and need a little extra attention when you detail your vehicle. We’ll show you how to clean car floor mats like the service pros at DeYarman Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM to help keep your car protected and looking brand new. Don’t forget to check our service tips and tricks for more car care info!

What Supplies Do I Need? 

Prepare to clean your floor mats by making a trip to your favorite Indianola retail outlet or parts supply store to grab the following supplies for rubber or carpet mats: 

• Rubber Floor Mats: Bucket for water, microfiber towel, firm bristle scrub brush, vacuum (preferably a shop vac, but your standard version will do in a pinch), rubber floor mat cleaner
• Carpet Floor Mats: Carpet floor mat cleaner, bucket for water, wet/dry shop vac (again, house version will do in a jam), brush, aerosol or powdered scented product

How to Clean Rubber Floor Mats

Rubber floor mats are most suitable for SE Des Moines drivers who find themselves doing more camping and off-roading. It’s easy to get mud and dirt trapped in the cracks and crevices, but a thorough cleaning followed by regular once-overs will keep them in good condition.

1. Many people don’t know how to clean rubber floor mats correctly. The first mistake is not removing them from the vehicle. Make sure each mat is out of the car before you start cleaning.
2. Shake the mats out to remove any debris. If they’re in horrible shape, it won’t hurt to give each one a good rap against any solid surface to break loose rocks and dried mud. 
3. Vacuum each mat with your house or shop vac, removing most surface dirt and debris. 
4. Rinse the mats with water from your bucket. Alternatively, you can use your water hose, which helps break free any leftover debris. 
5. Apply the rubber floor mat cleaner of your choice and allow the mat to sit while you repeat steps 2 and 3 on the next mat.
6. Return to the first mat and scrub with the stiff bristle brush. Pay close attention to any pattern areas or lettering where debris usually gets stuck. 
7. Rinse the mats clean with your water bucket or hose. 
8. Wipe them down with your microfiber towel or allow them to hang dry. Each mat should be completely dry before replacement. 

How to Clean Carpet Floor Mats

Your daily driver or anything on the luxury side probably has carpet floor mats instead of rubber. Carpet mats require a different process, outlined in the following steps: 

1. Remove the floor mats from your vehicle and run the brush through each one before vacuuming. This breaks any dirt and small debris free. 
2. Vacuum each floor mat to remove any leftover dirt particles, paying special attention to corners and crevices. 
3. Use the carpet cleaner you selected for your floor mats and follow the specific instructions outlined on the label. 
4. Use the brush again to scrub the carpet thoroughly. This should remove any stains or trouble spots that linger on the surface. 
5. Use your water bucket or hose to spray the mats thoroughly, removing any traces of the carpet cleaner and dirt. 
6. If you have a wet/dry vac, give each mat a once-over to remove any leftover dirt particles. This also speeds up the drying process. 
7. Hang dry each mat and allow sufficient drying time before replacing. 

Learn More Service Tips & Tricks With DeYarman Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM!

Now you know how to clean your floor mats using simple products from your home, we can also share how to clean your leather car seats. However, if you want a professional, targeted cleaning service, the experts at DeYarman Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM provide top-tier detailing for your car or truck. Contact our service department or schedule service online today to get your vehicle showroom ready!