How to Clean Car Floor Mats Like a Pro

Floor mats take a beating. Whether you’re dealing with rubber or carpet, this guide shows you how to clean and restore them without causing damage.

TL;DR: Remove mats, rinse thoroughly, pre-soak with Complete Cabin Cleaner, scrub with a stiff brush or Scrub Buddy Pad, rinse again, and dry completely before reinstalling.

Step-by-Step: Deep Cleaning Car Floor Mats

1. Remove the Mats

Take all mats out of the vehicle before cleaning. This prevents dirty runoff from getting on your clean interior carpet.

2. Shake or Vacuum

Shake off or vacuum loose debris. Use a brush attachment for stuck-on dirt in carpet mats.

3. Rinse (For Rubber Mats)

Use a hose or pressure washer to rinse off rubber mats. This removes loose grime before applying cleaner.

4. Pre-Treat With Cleaner

Spray Complete Cabin Cleaner directly on the mats. Let it dwell for 1–2 minutes to break down oils, mud, or food residue.

5. Scrub Thoroughly

Use a stiff brush for rubber or carpeted mats. For detailed texture or tight corners, use a Scrub Buddy Pad to lift grime effectively without damaging surfaces.

6. Rinse and Repeat (If Needed)

Rinse off the cleaner. If you still see visible grime, repeat steps 4 and 5.

7. Dry Completely

Use a microfiber towel like the Everyday Microfiber Towel to remove most of the moisture. Then let the mats air dry fully before reinstalling to avoid mildew or odor.

Pro Tips

Use compressed air to blow out excess moisture from carpet mats
Don’t reinstall mats until they’re fully dry
Apply dressing to rubber mats for a dark, clean look—but avoid glossy products that can be slippery

More Interior Detailing Tips

Can I use a pressure washer on floor mats?

Yes, for rubber mats. Avoid using high pressure on carpet mats to prevent damaging the fibers or backing.

What if my carpet mats still smell after cleaning?

Let them dry fully, then sprinkle baking soda to absorb odors before vacuuming. You can also use an odor eliminator spray after cleaning.