Car mats face many abuses daily. They collect dust and other dirt along with our shoes, making them dirty very quickly. Therefore, regular maintenance is necessary.
Why clean your car mats?
It’s known that mats are the first elements in contact with your feet. Thus, they will trap dirt and also moisture when our shoes are wet—or covered in snow. This moisture can settle in and, if mats remain damp for a long time, can come into contact with the car’s floor. This can lead to corrosion of your floor, which can permanently damage your vehicle. It can also cause unpleasant odors in your cabin.
A dirty mat can also become more slippery. Depending on the thickness of accumulated dust, your foot may have less grip, making driving more dangerous.
Therefore, it is essential to maintain car mats regularly to avoid these issues. Generally, it is recommended to clean these surfaces once a month, and at least three times a year is indispensable. If you live near the beach, you should clean more regularly to remove accumulated sand. Similarly, if you have pets that may leave fur in the cabin.
How to clean effectively?
First and foremost, it is important to remove the mats—if possible—to clean your car mats thoroughly. Once removed, vacuum the car floor. Then begin cleaning your mats.
Shake them and hit them against a wall—or against each other—to remove embedded particles. You can also hit them with a stick or a broom. Once well shaken, you can vacuum them for the best dust removal.
You can use your home vacuum cleaner or prefer a car vacuum cleaner. Opt for a powerful vacuum to save time. A handheld car vacuum allows you to go through the entire cabin. It can also fit in the trunk if you need to clean your mats while traveling.
However, a home vacuum cleaner will be more powerful and thus more effective for monthly maintenance.
An impeccable cleaning
The operation also involves thorough brushing with a hard-bristle brush. This will remove deep-seated dust and allow you to focus on more soiled areas.
If the mat has stains, you can use a sponge and soap. You can also choose to use vinegar mixed with hot water. A steam cleaner will also be a valuable aid in removing dirt and other bacteria.
Once the stains are gone, sprinkle baking soda on your mats and let it sit overnight. Vacuum to remove the baking soda. Your mats will be clean and smell fresh.
Your mats will then be impeccable and ready to be put back in place.
