How to clean car floor mats.

Cleaning mats inside the car is the most common mistake. You soak the carpet underneath, trap moisture and leave a smell that takes weeks to go. Pull the mats out every time.

While they are out, look at the car floor. Salt and grit collect there and are worth vacuuming before the mats go back. If the carpet underneath is damp, find out why before you do anything else. A leak from a door seal, heater core or sunroof drain turns into a bigger problem than a dirty mat. If you see white salt tide marks on the carpet, read how to clean salt stains from car carpet.

Check the clips or hooks on the driver's side as well. A mat that slides under the pedals is a safety issue, not a cosmetic one, so make sure it is anchored properly after cleaning.

Rubber and heavy plastic mats are the easiest to clean, and the best choice for an Ontario winter because they catch slush and salt in a tray shape.

1. Shake and knock out loose dirt and stones.
2. Spray with a degreasing all-purpose cleaner, diluted per the label, and let it sit for a minute or two.
3. Scrub with a stiff brush into the grooves, where grime hides.
4. Rinse thoroughly with a hose until the water runs clear.
5. Dry with a towel or leave them in the sun or a garage.

The slippery mat problem

Do not finish rubber mats with tire shine or a greasy dressing. It looks great, then your foot slips off the pedal. If you want a dressing, use a water-based, non-greasy trim product on the sides only and keep the top surface matte. Many people prefer a plain, clean, dry mat.

Washing white salt residue off rubber needs only warm water and a brush. If the mat is faded and chalky, that is age and sun, not dirt.

Carpet mats hold on to dirt and moisture. They are also the part of the interior people notice when they sit down.

1. Vacuum slowly, using a brush attachment, and go over the mat in two directions. Beat the mat first if it is heavily soiled to loosen grit.
2. Pre-treat stains. For oil-based marks, use a degreaser or solvent-free upholstery cleaner. Salt and slush marks respond to a warm water and white vinegar mix at about one part vinegar to three parts water.
3. Agitate with a brush in small circles and let the cleaner work for a few minutes.
4. Extract or blot. A wet vac or carpet extractor is best, but you can press with clean towels and absorb moisture by standing on them.
5. Rinse lightly and blot again. Leftover soap attracts dirt.
6. Dry completely. Hang the mats or lay them flat in a warm, ventilated spot. Do not put them back damp.

Test any cleaner on the underside first. Dyes in cheaper carpet can bleed. For deeper stain advice see our car seat stain guide, since the same logic applies.

If mats smell musty even after washing, the problem is usually moisture trapped in the mat backing or the underlay beneath it. Hang the mats in the sun and check the carpet underneath with a dry towel pressed firmly into the floor.

• A damp underlay needs drying with a fan or dehumidifier, with the doors open in a garage.
• Fuzzy spots or a persistent smell suggest mould, which is not a surface cleaning job.
• Spilled food or drinks may have soaked in below the mat. Look for the source.

Persistent smells often have more than one cause: mats, carpet, seat cushions and vents. That is the kind of job that our smoke and odour removal handles, and an extra $50 covers smoke or odour on a package. If it is a pet-related mess, pet hair removal is the other add-on to look at, at +$40.

A routine keeps the work small.

• Use a set of rubber mats from November to April, and swap back to carpet in spring if you prefer.
• Shake out mats weekly during winter. Do a proper wash every month or two.
• Do not leave wet mats in the car overnight after a snowy drive. Take them out and let them dry in the garage or at home.
• Keep a small brush or a dedicated towel by the door for knocking snow off boots.

Mats are one small part of what happens in an interior detail. Interior Restoration starts from $119 $149 and covers a deep vacuum and steam, carpet and seat shampoo extraction, leather clean and condition, glass, trim and console. See interior detailing for the full scope, or our guide to what is included in an interior detail.

If your mats and carpet are beyond a weekend job, get a quote through the 60-second form. We are mobile, so we come to your driveway or condo garage in Burlington, Oakville, Milton or Hamilton.