How to Clean Floor Mats in Winter
Salt, mud, slush—your floor mats catch all of it in the colder months. Here’s how to deep clean them safely and make them look fresh again.
Why Winter Floor Mats Get So Nasty
Every time you step into your vehicle during winter, you're grinding in salt, sand, and water. This builds up fast, especially on:
- All-weather rubber mats
- Carpeted mats with dense fibers
- Vinyl footwell liners
If not cleaned regularly, mats will stain, smell, and even damage the floor below.
Step-by-Step Winter Floor Mat Cleaning Method
1. Remove & Shake
Take the mats out of your car and shake off all loose debris. If it’s frozen, tap gently to break up ice or mud clumps.
2. Pre-Treat with Foaming Soap
Spray The Super Soaper diluted in a pump sprayer or foam cannon. Let it dwell for 1–2 minutes to break down salt and grime.
3. Scrub Using a Dedicated Mat Brush
Use a stiff brush or detailing brush to agitate:
- Scrub in crosshatch or circular motions
- Focus on salt crusts and muddy zones
- Rinse between passes if needed
4. Rinse Clean
Rinse with clean water using a hose or pressure washer. If rinsing indoors, use a bucket and microfiber towel to mop up the solution.
5. Dry Thoroughly
Use a drying towel like the Massive Drying Towel or a blower. If possible, let mats dry vertically to drain completely.
6. Dress (Optional but Powerful)
Once dry, apply a light coat of All Dressed Up to bring back that dark, fresh OEM look. Safe for rubber and vinyl.
Pro Tip: Don’t Soak Carpet Mats
If you're dealing with carpet mats, avoid pressure washing. Instead:
- Vacuum thoroughly first
- Pre-treat with Complete Cabin Cleaner
- Use a wet/dry vac or extractor if needed
Recommended Products
FAQs
What’s the best way to get salt stains out of floor mats?
Use a foaming soap like The Super Soaper to loosen salt, then scrub and rinse. For stubborn carpet stains, follow with Complete Cabin Cleaner.
Can I use a pressure washer on floor mats in freezing weather?
If you do, make sure you have warm water and a way to dry them quickly. Don’t leave them outside wet or they’ll freeze solid.
Should I dress floor mats after cleaning?
Yes—if they’re rubber. A light layer of All Dressed Up restores a clean, dark look without making them slippery.
