Last Updated on October 6, 2023 by Matthew Lloyd
Putting your car mats in the washer can cause serious damage, such as tearing or fraying the fabric or rubber backing. Additionally, washing machines are not designed to handle heavy or bulky items like car mats which can lead to poor cleaning results. Instead, experts recommend using a portable vacuum cleaner or brush attachment to remove loose dirt before wiping down the mats with a damp cloth and specialized cleaner.
Why You Shouldn’t Put Your Car Mats In The Washer?
Car Mats Are Made Of Different Materials:
Car mats are made of different materials such as rubber, carpet, or vinyl that don’t necessarily tolerate the agitation and heat of a washing machine. These materials can become discolored, shrink, or separate when subjected to high temperatures.
Damage To The Machine:
Washing your car mats in the washer can also cause damage to the machine itself. Dirt and debris from the mats can clog up filters and pipes, which could lead to expensive repairs. The soap residue from cleaning agents used on car mats can leave behind deposits that build up over time, reducing the efficiency of your washing machine.
Different Types Of Car Mats:
Cleaning Fabric Mats
Fabric mats come in materials like cotton, wool, or polyester blends. These mats offer a soft and plush feel underfoot while providing durability against wear and tear. One advantage of fabric mats is they can be easily cleaned using a vacuum cleaner or washing machine with mild detergent soap. They also come in different colors and patterns to match your vehicle’s interior design.
Cleaning Rubber Mats
Rubber floor mats are popular among drivers because of their durability and easy maintenance. You can easily clean them using soap and water or a specialized cleaner for automotive rubber mats. They are waterproof and can handle spills without soaking through the underlying carpeting. Different types of rubber car mats are available in the market, such as all-weather floor mats that offer maximum protection against dirt and moisture while being easy to clean.
Why Should You Keep The Mats Clean?
Keeping your car mats clean has several benefits, such as maintaining hygiene inside your vehicle, enhancing its appearance by removing stains or odor-causing bacteria, and extending the life of your floor mats. Regular cleaning ensures a comfortable driving experience while protecting your car’s resale value if you decide to sell it.
What Is The Best Cleaner For Rubber Car Mats?
One of the most popular options for cleaning rubber car mats is All Wheel & Tire Cleaner. This powerful cleaner is designed to remove stubborn dirt and stains from tires and wheels. However, it can also be used on rubber mats to give them a deep clean without damaging or fading their color. With its foaming action formula, this cleaner penetrates even the toughest stains and leaves your rubber mats looking brand new.
How To Maintain Car Mats?
Vacuum Regularly
Vacuuming your car’s interior regularly helps keep the carpets clean and free from dirt particles that could damage your floor covering over time. It also helps remove any loose debris from the carpet fibers before it gets embedded deeper into the material. Regularly vacuuming your carpets or fabric-covered car mats will reduce the frequency of washing them while keeping them looking new for longer periods.
Avoid Letting Dirt Enter The Car
Ensure that all passengers wipe their feet before entering the vehicle. You could also consider investing in high-quality car mats that trap dust and debris before they reach your car’s flooring.
Cover The Mats With Cling Film
Cling film is a thin plastic wrap that sticks to itself and creates an airtight seal around whatever it covers. To cover your car mats with cling film, remove them from the vehicle and shake off any loose dirt or debris. Then cut out two sheets of cling film slightly larger than each mat’s size and place one sheet on either side of each mat. Make sure to press down firmly on all sides to create an airtight seal. This will prevent dust or dirt from settling into the mat’s fibers while not in use.
What To Do With Stubborn Stains?
Mud Stains
Using a vacuum cleaner or a stiff brush will help loosen any dry mud or dirt particles stuck on it. Adding some laundry detergent and running a cold wash cycle should do the trick in removing stubborn mud stains from your car mats.
Beverage Spills
Act quickly before the stain sets in. Use a clean cloth or paper towel to blot up as much of the liquid as possible. Avoid rubbing the stain, as this will only push it deeper into the fibers and make it harder to remove later. If you’re dealing with a carpet spill, use a wet/dry vacuum cleaner to suck up any remaining liquid from the surface.
Apply an appropriate cleaning agent to break down and lift the stain. For example, white vinegar removes coffee or tea stains, while baking soda mixed with water can help lift red wine spills from carpets and upholstery.
How Do You Dry Car Mats Fast?
Use A Wet/Dry Vacuum Cleaner:
Start by removing as much water as possible from the mat’s surface using a towel or squeegee. Then, use the vacuum’s wet setting to suck out moisture from the mat’s fibers. Be sure to move the nozzle over all areas of the mat for the best results.
Can I Put Wet Mats Back In My Car?
No. It’s important to ensure they are completely dry before returning them to the car because the moisture can cause mold and mildew growth. This can result in unpleasant odors and even health issues for you and your passengers.
How Long Does It Take Mats To Dry?
The drying time of car mats depends on various factors, such as the material, thickness, and humidity levels in the surrounding environment. For example, rubber mats take longer to dry than carpeted ones due to their non-porous nature. Additionally, thicker mats will require more time to dry completely.
What Happens If The Car Carpet Gets Wet?
If your car’s carpet gets wet, the dampness can lead to mold and mildew growth which can cause an unpleasant odor in your vehicle. In addition to that, moisture can also damage electrical components and rust metal surfaces under the carpet. Therefore, drying out a wet car carpet as soon as possible is important.
Conclusion:
Washing car mats in the washer is an easy and effective way to clean them. However, remember a few things to avoid damaging your mats or washing machine. Make sure you choose the right setting on your washer. Use a gentle cycle with cold water and mild detergent for the best results. Additionally, removing excess dirt and debris from the mats before putting them in the washer is important. This helps prevent damage to your machine and ensures your mats get as clean as possible. You can do this by shaking out loose dirt or using a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment.
