Winter is behind us, but it has left its mark in our vehicle and more specifically on our floor mats: they are very muddy from hiking in the slush and have traces of salt from the snow. Given that you step on it, dirt is not surprising, as are bad smells of humidity. So it’s good to give them a little clean from time to time. Besides, why not do regular maintenance at each change of season? Fortunately, this maintenance can be very quick and easy. We explain how to clean your vehicle’s floor mats without damaging them in a few simple steps!
Whether the carpet is made of synthetic fibers or natural fibers, you will know how to clean it thoroughly so that you no longer have a single stain! In fact, the vacuum cleaner allows you to dislodge most dirt and dustbut vacuuming may not be enough. As for the baking soda sprinkled on top, it will helpsanitize and deodorize the bad smells embedded, but that’s all. And we don’t all have the means to afford professional cleaning at a car wash, a shampoo machine (with the detergent carpet shampoo that goes with it) or steam or high pressure cleaning… Fortunately, brushes and white vinegar (or household alcohol), that’s all you need to carry out this carpet cleaning!
Cleaning a Carpeted Floor Mat
What you need:
A spray bottle filled with white vinegar (a cleaning, stain removing and deodorizing product)
A large brush with coarse bristles
The steps:
1) With your brush, scrub the carpet vigorously to remove as much residue as possible. Shake it well to remove any crumbs.
2) Spray with white vinegar and brush again to remove the last traces. Any grease or other stains on your rugs and carpets will not cause a crease.
3) Rinse your car mats with a strong garden hose (or a shower head if you don’t have a garden hose) to loosen the last of the dirt.
4) Let it dry in the sun and that’s it! After this drying, you will be able to admire its newfound cleanliness. Easy and very effective, right?
Cleaning a plastic floor mat
What you need:
A spray bottle filled with white vinegar
A large brush with coarse bristles
A microfiber cloth
Soapy water. Here, dishwashing liquid or black soap (the cleaning products section of your supermarket) and a little lukewarm or hot water work wonderfully!
The steps:
1) Soak your brush well with soapy water and scrub the carpet vigorously to remove any traces found there. This will facilitate the cleaning steps that follow.
2) Rinse your carpets with a powerful garden hose (or in a pinch a shower head).
3) Spray white vinegar on it and rub with a cloth to loosen the last traces of salt or dust. Your carpet is beautiful and clean again. To dry it, you can rub it with newspaper.
You can also use vinegar spray on windows. Simply rub gently with newspaper or a soft cloth to avoid micro-scratches. Also remember to tackle the car’s upholstery or clean the oxidized headlights with cleaning products you have at home such as toothpaste.