If you love your car, then you probably want to do all you can to keep it looking good and to protect it. Car mats are a great way to do this as they can help you to guard against wear and tear, as well as keeping things such as dirt, mildew and mould out of your carpets.
However, even your car mats need to be cared for too in order to keep the interior of your car in tip top condition. So, what is the best way to clean the car mats in your car?
Why clean your car mats?
Whether your car is yours or leased, you will want to do all you can to look after it as it is likely to be one of the biggest purchases that you ever make. No matter what kind of lifestyle that you lead, you will always run the risk of dragging dirt, mud, leaves and water into your car, and this can build up over time, allowing mould and rot to form.
These can create some nasty odours, make the car look scruffy and even be hazardous to health. Your car mats are there to protect your car from this, but it is important to give them a helping hand from time to time in order to keep your car looking great and smelling fresh.
Carpet car mat cleaning
If your car mats are made of carpet, you need to work out how to get them out of your car. They may be fixed in place by Velcro or have clips in each corner. When you remove them, take the opportunity to look for any tears or holes that show it might be time to replace them.
You should start by removing any surface debris by giving them a good shake outside in a well-ventilated area before giving them a thorough vacuum. This should help get rid of gravel, pet hair and mud, but if there are any stubborn bits left behind, you can use a stiff brush to get them free.
To wash your mats, you may want to invest in a specially designed carpet mat cleaner. However, you can also mix a couple of tablespoons of washing powder wot shampoo and water to make a very effective cleaning solution. Simply work it into the fibres of the carpet with a brush and rinse it clean. For the most stubborn stains, create a paste using baking soda and water and work this into the carpet, before leaving it to sit for a minute. Then you simply need to brush it off using clean water.
Once your mats are clean, lay them in a sunny position or hang them on the washing line to let them dry.
Cleaning rubber car mats
If your car mats are made from rubber, then you will again need to shake them out. The design of rubber car mats generally includes a pattern which traps dirt and water and stops it from running away, so it should be easy to see. Run the vacuum over any stubborn patches, then use a hose to apply a suitable mild cleaning solution and brush it into the mat. Then rinse it off and try with a microfibre cloth and leave them to dry naturally away from direct sunlight.
Remember, when you clean your car mats, it is important to follow any manufacturers guidelines to keep your mats in the best possible condition. It might seem tempting, but never put them into a washing machine or tumble dryer as this will only damage the mats and the machine.
Author: Tracy Hill, Marketing Manager at Car Mats UK, a leading car accessories manufacturer based in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire.
