Getting The Dirt Out Of Your Car Mats

Car mats are the first line of defense against scratches, dents, and spills in your car. They can keep your vehicle looking newer longer, and even save you money on future repairs if they prevent minor damage from turning into major damage. With so many different options available, though, how do you choose the right car mats? In addition to vacuuming, here are some easy steps to clean the mats in your car.

What is Your Car Mat Made Of?

There are many different materials used in car mats. For example, neoprene is a popular choice for making car mats. It’s dense but still flexible, making it an ideal material to use when creating flooring for automobiles or airplanes. Neoprene car mats are often made with non-slip fibers to help prevent skidding and falling. They also insulate your feet from extreme temperatures, which can be beneficial in cold weather climates. Another common material used to make automobile floor mats is polypropylene.

Polypropylene is similar to neoprene because it has excellent durability, stiffness, and flexibility. However, unlike neoprene car mats, they tend to not slide around as much under high speeds. A third common material used in auto floor mats is olefin—which has some similarities to both polypropylene and neoprene because of its stiffness and ability to retain flexibility. 

Car Mat Features

Make sure you’re considering these features when shopping for a new set of car mats. They’ll be different depending on your vehicle, but consider what you need out of your floor coverings and how that will affect their ability to protect your vehicle. Thickness: The thickness and density of a car mat will determine how much protection it provides and how much it can absorb. Depth/Length: A longer length makes for easier cleaning because it gives you more area to sweep through without having to reposition anything. A deeper depth also helps with spillage cleanup because most spills pool near your pedals rather than toward your feet. 

Why Has My Car Mat Become Dirty?

If you’ve ever owned a car mat, you know that it doesn’t take long for them to become grubby. Fuzzy fibers tend to stick to your shoes as you exit your vehicle and abrasive particles tend to collect around your feet as you enter. As a result, it can seem impossible to keep your mats looking clean. This is especially true if one or more of these happens: You have kids or pets, if you have dirty shoes, wear flip-flops in winter, wear shoes with rubber soles…etc. Whatever causes dirt build-up on car mats – there are simple ways to ensure they stay clean!

What Makes My Car Mats Smell Bad?

Sometimes when you get in your car, you notice a bad smell. If it is one that lingers, it can be a bit embarrassing. That is why you should think about buying a new set of car mats for your vehicle. The good news is that they are usually easy to take out and clean. You may think that they will be stained after you spill something on them, but that isn’t necessarily true. It all depends on what type of car mats you have and what type you buy next time around. For example, if your current set is made from rubber or plastic, there is a good chance they will start to stink quickly after spills and other items stain them.

How Can I Get Rid of This Odor?

If you have pets or kids, it’s inevitable that your car mats will smell at some point. To tackle smells in your mats, start by getting rid of loose dirt and debris. A vacuum can easily handle these—just make sure to hold onto any filters so they don’t get sucked up too! After vacuuming, get a fresh towel wet with water and give your car mats a good wipe down to help get rid of any lingering grime or odors. If there are stubborn spots, use an all-purpose cleaner to scrub them out.

Once everything has dried, take a piece of bread (the odor-absorbing kind) and place it on top of each mat for about 10 minutes. The oils from your hands will transfer to the bread, helping absorb moisture and release odors from deep within. The last step is a fun one: stop at a flower store on your way home from work and pick up a small bouquet of flowers for your car’s interior.