What’s the Best Way to Clean Floor Mats in Your Car?

Jimbo Balaam on

From pre-treating to drying and protecting, this step-by-step guide shows you how to clean car floor mats the right way—using The Super Soaper and All Dressed Up for pro-level results.

What’s the Best Way to Clean Floor Mats in Your Car?

What’s the Best Way to Clean Floor Mats in Your Car?

Floor mats take the most abuse of any surface in your car. Dirt, mud, road salt, fast food spills—you name it, it ends up on your mats. Whether you’ve got carpet or all-weather rubber mats, cleaning them properly makes a huge difference in how your interior looks and smells. Here's the best way to clean your floor mats and make them look like new again.

Step 1: Remove the Mats

Always start by removing the mats from the car. Trying to clean them inside the vehicle only creates more mess and makes it harder to get good results. Shake off any loose dirt, gravel, or debris before moving to the next step.

Step 2: Vacuum Thoroughly

Use a shop vac or strong handheld vacuum to remove as much dry debris as possible. For carpet mats, vacuum in two directions to lift embedded dirt. If you’re cleaning rubber mats, vacuum the grooves and edges where dirt likes to hide.

Step 3: Pre-Treat With a Foaming Cleaner

✅ Recommended: The Super Soaper

Mix 2 ounces of The Super Soaper into a pump sprayer with water and coat the mats evenly. Let it dwell for 1–2 minutes to loosen up dirt, oils, and stains. The foam clings to the surface, lifts grime, and makes scrubbing more effective.

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Step 4: Agitate With a Brush

✅ For Rubber Mats:

Use a stiff-bristle brush and scrub in circular or back-and-forth motions, especially in treaded or textured areas. Focus on heel marks and edges where buildup is common.

✅ For Carpet Mats:

Use a medium-stiff interior brush and avoid soaking the mat. Agitate in short strokes to lift grime without damaging the fibers. For tougher stains, apply more Super Soaper and repeat the process.

Step 5: Rinse Thoroughly

Use a pressure washer or strong stream of water to rinse off the mats completely. Be sure to rinse from top to bottom to avoid re-depositing dirt. Keep spraying until the water runs clean with no suds or residue left behind.

Step 6: Dry the Mats Completely

  • ✅ Shake off excess water
  • ✅ Lay the mats flat in a shaded, well-ventilated area
  • ✅ Use a blower (like the Ryobi 18V cordless blower) to speed up drying and remove trapped water from grooves or seams

Do not reinstall wet mats—they’ll trap moisture and lead to odors or mold.

Optional: Add Protection and Shine

✅ For Rubber or Vinyl Mats:

Apply a water-based dressing like All Dressed Up (diluted 4:1) to restore color and provide UV protection without making the surface greasy or slippery.

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✅ For Carpet Mats:

If you want to go all out, use a fabric protectant after they dry to help repel future stains and spills.

Final Step: Reinstall the Mats

Once fully dry, place the mats back in your car. Make sure they’re positioned correctly and anchored if your vehicle uses mat clips. Clean mats make a massive difference in the look and feel of your interior—and they help preserve resale value, too.

Conclusion

Whether you’re detailing for yourself or a client, cleaning the floor mats is a small step that delivers huge impact. With the right tools and products like The Super Soaper and All Dressed Up, your mats will look better, last longer, and stay cleaner between washes. It’s a quick process that brings professional-level results to every interior job.

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