How to Clean Car Floor Mats Like a Pro (Rubber & Carpet Guide)

Jimbo Balaam on

Dirty floor mats drag down your whole interior. Here’s how to deep clean both rubber and carpet mats with the right tools and products—fast, easy, and pro-level.

How to Clean Car Floor Mats Like a Pro (Rubber & Carpet Guide)

How to Clean Car Floor Mats Like a Pro (Rubber & Carpet Guide)

Let’s be honest—your floor mats take the most abuse of any part of your interior. Mud, salt, sand, spilled coffee… it all ends up down there. But cleaning floor mats isn’t just about looking good—it’s about removing embedded grime and preventing odors that spread throughout the cabin.

Here’s how to properly clean both rubber and carpet mats using pro-level techniques and products.

What You’ll Need

  • The Super Soaper – High foaming soap, great for degreasing and lifting dirt
  • Scrub Buddy Pad – Safe, aggressive scrubbing for mats
  • Massive Drying Towel – For blotting up water and speeding dry time
  • Stiff bristle brush (optional for carpet)
  • Vacuum or shop vac
  • Pressure washer or garden hose (for rubber mats)

Step-by-Step: How to Clean Rubber Floor Mats

1. Remove and Shake Off Loose Dirt

Always remove mats from the car before cleaning. Shake off loose dirt and debris onto the ground. For stuck-on stuff, a quick vacuum helps.

2. Pre-Rinse the Mats

Use a hose or pressure washer to rinse off surface dirt. Start from the top and work downward to push dirt off the mat, not into it.

3. Pre-Soak with The Super Soaper

Spray or foam The Super Soaper generously onto the mat and let it dwell for 2–3 minutes. This breaks down oils, grease, and road film.

4. Scrub the Surface

Use a Scrub Buddy Pad or stiff brush to agitate the surface. Focus on grooves, heel pads, and textured areas.

5. Rinse Thoroughly

Rinse off all soap and dirt. If you still see suds or greasy patches, repeat the process.

6. Dry Completely

Use a Massive Drying Towel to blot up excess water, then air dry fully before putting mats back in the car. Never install wet mats—they can trap moisture and create mold or odors.

Step-by-Step: How to Clean Carpet Floor Mats

1. Vacuum Thoroughly

Use a vacuum with a brush attachment to remove loose dirt. Go over the mats multiple times in different directions to lift embedded debris.

2. Pre-Treat Stains (If Needed)

For stains or spills, spot treat with a carpet-safe cleaner or dilute The Super Soaper and agitate with a Scrub Buddy Pad.

3. Foam and Agitate

Spray diluted Super Soaper across the entire mat. Scrub with a brush or pad to lift dirt from the fibers. Don’t soak the mat—just dampen it enough to activate the soap.

4. Extract or Blot

If you have an extractor or wet vac, use it now. If not, blot the surface with a Massive Drying Towel to absorb as much moisture as possible.

5. Dry Completely

Let the mats dry in direct sun or under airflow. Make sure they’re 100% dry before reinstalling to avoid mildew or odors.

Final Tips

  • Clean mats every 4–6 weeks, or more often if they see heavy abuse
  • Pair clean mats with freshly vacuumed carpet to finish the look
  • Use All Dressed Up on rubber mats for a subtle, matte finish (optional)

Conclusion

Clean mats don’t just look better—they make the whole car feel cleaner. And when you use pro tools like The Super Soaper and Scrub Buddy Pads, you get real results without overthinking it.

🧼 Products Featured in This Post:

Keep your mats clean, and the rest of your interior will always feel a step above.

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Tags: car interior detailing carpet mat cleaning drying towel floor mat cleaning rubber mat cleaning scrub buddy pad