subject: How To Clean Your Cars Rubber Mats Properly? [print this page] If you want to protect your original carpet or fitted mats of your car, you should try rubber car mats. Rubber is a long-lasting material that repels water (unlike carpet mats), is easy to clean, and provides good protection for the original carpet and mats. When purchasing floor mats the backing material should be considered, PVC is often used for inexpensive mats but it is not recommended because of temperature inflexibility. Higher grade mats use Thermoplastic rubber that has both high and low temperature flexibility. For heavy usage, you can even get DigitalFit floor liners that fit your car precisely and have ridges to easily handle mud from boots, etc. To properly clean rubber floor mats follow the steps shown below:
1. Remove floor mats from the vehicle and place on a clean, hard, dry surface.
2. Vacuum and remove any visible dirt/dust using a soft-bristled detailing brush.
3. Clean the mats using a mild diluted detergent (some use Fairy or any washing up liquid, about a capful to a bucket of warm water) or use a degreaser designed for this purpose. Generously wipe on and allow mats to soak for a couple of minutes to attack any difficult or greasy dirt.
4. Brush well with a stiff-bristled detailing brush and rinse thoroughly. Since rubber used for floor mats is hard but porous, you need to use the high-pressure setting of your hose or power washer to make sure and remove any residue of dirt, detergent, or degreaser. (If the mats still seem dirty or stained you might try a Heavy Duty Vinyl/Rubber cleaner).
5. Wipe with a microfiber towel and allow mats to dry in a clean location.
6. To prevent colour loss or enhance shine of the mats, spray with a protectant such as Aerospace Protectant 303, available in different levels of gloss. Cover with spray completely and rub into mats with a microfiber cloth. Wipe any excess product off mats assuring they are not slippery and allow to dry.
7. Before replacing mats back into your car, make sure they're completely dry and the carpet or mat underneath is clean and vacuumed.
Note: Some truck vehicles or 4x4's come with integrated rubber floor mats and these can be cleaned in a similar fashion beginning at Step 3.
Floor mats should be cleaned based upon usage, at least monthly. Installing car mats is one easy and relatively inexpensive way to protect your investment and the general appearance of your car when it comes time to sell or trade in. At that time, rubber mats can be removed and, if they have been maintained, the underlying carpet or mats will be in like-new condition for selling your car.
