What Is The Best Way To Clean Heavily Soiled Car Carpet?

Last Updated on October 6, 2023 by Matthew Lloyd

To clean heavily soiled car carpets, remove large debris by hand and use a blowout tool to dislodge dirt and dust from hard-to-reach areas. Then, thoroughly vacuum the carpet using a shop vac with strong suction. Treat stains and grease with a specialized stain and spot lifter, agitating the areas with a carpet brush and wiping away the lifted dirt with a towel. Use a carpet cleaner and upholstery shampoo for larger soiled areas, scrubbing with a brush and wiping away the dirt. Extract the carpet using an extractor machine and allow it to dry completely.

The Best Way To Clean Heavily Soiled Car Carpet: Step By Step Guide

Step 1: Removing Large Debris

When Cleaning heavily soiled car carpets, eliminating large debris is essential. Follow these simple steps:

1. Put on a pair of nitrile gloves to protect your hands.
2. Collect and discard any visible trash by hand, such as papers, leaves, or twigs.
3. Check under the seats for hidden debris and remove it.
4. Use a blowout tool connected to an air compressor to dislodge dirt and dust from hard-to-reach areas.
5. Blow out the open carpet area to remove loose particles.

Step 2: Vacuuming

Once you’ve cleared away the larger debris, it’s time to vacuum the heavily soiled car carpet thoroughly. Here is how:

1. Use a shop vac with at least five horsepower for optimal suction.
2. Turn on the shop vac and vacuum the heavily soiled carpet, ensuring you cover the entire surface area.
3. Pay special attention to the carpet’s fibers, as small particles can become embedded and difficult to remove.
4. Vacuum under the seats and along the sides to eliminate any remaining dirt and debris.

Step 3: Treating Stains and Grease

Stains and grease can be particularly stubborn on a car’s heavily soiled carpets. Follow these steps to tackle them effectively:

1. Identify any stains or grease spots on the carpet.
2. Apply a stain and spot lifter specifically designed for automotive use, such as “Hotshot Stain and Spot Lifter,” to the affected areas.
3. Allow the product to sit for 15 to 20 seconds to penetrate and loosen the stains.
4. Use a carpet and mat brush to agitate the areas and break up the dirt and grease.
5. Wipe away the lifted dirt and grease using a microfiber or Turk towel.
6. For persistent stains, repeat the process until the stain is fully removed.

Step 4: Deep Cleaning

For larger soiled areas on the car carpet, deep cleaning is necessary. These are steps to achieve a thorough clean:

1. Use a carpet cleaner and upholstery shampoo specifically formulated for automotive use.
2. Apply a silver dollar-sized amount of shampoo in the center of the heavily soiled area of the car carpet.
3. Mist the area with water using an extractor or a spray bottle.
4. Using a carpet and upholstery brush to scrub the shampoo into the fibers creates a foamy lather.
5. Wipe away the dirt and foam using a microfiber or Turk towel.
6. Repeat the process until the heavily soiled area is clean.

Step 5: Extraction

The final step in cleaning heavily soiled car carpets is extraction.

1. Mist the carpet with an extractor soap to allow deep penetration into the fibers.
2. Use a carpet and upholstery brush to work the soap into the carpet.
3. Use an extractor, either a professional-grade machine or a portable one, to thoroughly extract the soap and dirt from the carpet.
4. Turn on the vacuum function of the extractor to remove the excess moisture.
5. Allow the carpet to dry completely before using the car.

 Bonus Tips

To enhance your cleaning process and achieve the best results, consider these additional tips:

1. Test any cleaning products on a small, inconspicuous carpet area before applying them to the entire surface.
2. Open the car windows or use a fan to promote air circulation and speed up drying.
3. Regularly clean your car’s carpets to prevent heavy soiling and prolong their lifespan.
4. Consider using protective floor mats to minimize dirt and stains on the car carpet.

Conclusion

Cleaning heavily soiled car carpets requires a systematic approach and the right tools. Following the steps outlined in this article, including removing debris, vacuuming, treating stains, deep cleaning, and extracting, you can effectively restore your car’s carpets to a fresh and pristine state. Test products before applying them, and consider using protective floor mats to prevent future heavy soiling. You can clean your car’s interior with a little effort and the right techniques.

FAQs

Key Points and Important Takeaways

• Cleaning heavily soiled car carpets requires a systematic approach to achieve the best results.
• Start by removing large debris and vacuuming the carpet thoroughly.
• Treat stains and grease using specialized products and brushes.
• Deep clean larger soiled areas with a carpet cleaner and upholstery shampoo.
• Finish cleaning by extracting the soap and dirt using an extractor.
• Test cleaning products before applying them to the entire carpet.
• Consider using protective floor mats to prevent future heavy soiling of car carpets.