How to Wash Car Mats in Winter
Winter car mats take a serious beating. Between slush, salt, mud, and sand, they get filthy fast. The right cleaning process restores mats to like-new condition while preventing odors and permanent damage.
Winter Car Mat Care Kit
Everything you need to keep mats clean and protected in winter.
Why Winter Wrecks Car Mats
Your mats are the first line of defense against the winter mess you drag in with your boots. Without proper care, mats can trap salt, moisture, and grime that damage both the mats and the interior of your vehicle.
- Salt stains that are nearly impossible to remove if left untreated.
- Lingering odors from trapped moisture.
- Rubber mats drying and cracking from salt exposure.
- Cloth mats becoming permanently stained.
Prepping Mats for Cleaning
Start by removing the mats from the vehicle. Shake them out to loosen dirt and salt, then:
- Rinse with hot water to melt away built-up slush.
- Scrape or brush off any caked-on debris.
- Vacuum cloth mats before applying cleaner.
Best Cleaner: Pure Magic Cleaner
Pure Magic Cleaner is the ultimate tool for winter mats. It breaks down salt and grime fast and works on both rubber and cloth mats.
- Acid-based formula dissolves mineral deposits.
- Safe for rubber, vinyl, and factory cloth mats.
- Doubles as a powerful tire and wheel cleaner.
Pro Tip: Spray Pure Magic Cleaner directly onto heavy salt stains, let it dwell for 1–2 minutes, then scrub with a stiff brush.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Process
- Remove mats and rinse thoroughly with warm water.
- Spray Pure Magic Cleaner evenly across mats.
- Let dwell for 1–2 minutes (do not let dry).
- Scrub with a stiff brush to lift salt and grime.
- Rinse again until water runs clear.
- For cloth mats, blot excess water with microfiber towels.
- Air dry mats completely before reinstalling.
Protecting Mats After Cleaning
Once mats are clean, protecting them helps prevent future buildup and makes cleaning easier:
- Apply All Dressed Up to rubber mats for a matte OEM finish.
- Use fabric protectant spray on cloth mats to repel moisture and salt.
- Repeat treatment every 2–3 weeks during winter.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Using household cleaners—many leave residue or damage mats.
- Reinstalling mats while damp—leads to odors and mildew.
- Skipping protective dressing—makes mats harder to clean next time.
FAQ: Washing Car Mats in Winter
How often should I wash car mats in winter?
At least once a week, or more often if you drive through heavy slush and salt daily.
Can I use a pressure washer on mats?
Yes, but avoid blasting too close on cloth mats as it can damage fibers. Keep the nozzle at least 12 inches away.
Do rubber mats need dressing?
Yes. Dressing with All Dressed Up keeps them supple and prevents cracking from salt exposure.
Can I wash mats inside the car?
No—always remove mats to prevent water soaking into the carpet underneath.
