The short answer
Take the mats out, shake out loose dirt, brush the pile and vacuum in two directions. Blot stains rather than rubbing them, clean with a little carpet cleaner or warm soapy water, and let the mats dry completely before you refit them. Keep them out of the washing machine.
Key takeaways
- Take the mats out of the car to clean them properly.
- Brush first, then vacuum in two directions to lift grit from deep in the pile.
- Blot stains. Never rub them.
- Let mats dry fully before refitting, so damp does not reach the car.
- Keep carpet car mats out of the washing machine.
What you need
- A vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment
- A stiff brush
- A carpet or upholstery cleaner, or warm water with a little washing-up liquid
- Clean cloths
- A rubber glove or a pet hair brush, if you have a dog
The weekly clean
- Take all the mats out of the car.
- Shake them, or knock them against a wall, to loosen grit.
- Brush the pile with a stiff brush to lift dirt to the surface.
- Vacuum slowly, first in one direction and then across it.
- Vacuum the car's floor while the mats are out.
- Refit each mat to its fixings and check the pedals.
Removing stains
Deal with spills as soon as you can:
- Blot up as much as possible with a clean cloth. Rubbing pushes a stain deeper.
- Test your cleaner on a hidden corner first.
- Apply a little cleaner, or warm soapy water, and work it in gently with a cloth or a soft brush.
- Blot with a cloth dampened in clean water to rinse the cleaner out.
- Blot dry, then let the mat dry fully.
Mud is the exception: let it dry, break it up with a brush and vacuum it away. Cleaning wet mud smears it into the pile.
Winter salt marks
Pale tide marks after winter are dried road salt. Dab them with warm water and a clean cloth, blot dry, and repeat until they fade. There is more in car mats for winter.
A deeper clean
A few times a year, give the mats a deeper clean with a carpet cleaner or a wet and dry vacuum. Use as little water as you can, rinse the cleaner out, and extract as much water as possible.
Avoid the washing machine: carpet car mats usually have a rubberised backing that a machine wash can damage. If you use a pressure washer, keep it on a gentle setting and well back from the mat, because a strong jet close up can damage the pile and the edge binding.
Drying properly
Wet mats put back in the car keep the cabin damp. Dry them flat or hanging somewhere warm and airy, but not directly on a radiator, where strong heat can harm the backing. Press the pile with your hand before refitting: if it feels cool or damp, give it longer.
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Common questions
Can I put carpet car mats in the washing machine?
It is best not to. The rubberised backing that carpet car mats usually have can be damaged by a machine wash.
How often should I clean carpet car mats?
Vacuum every week or two, and give them a deeper clean a few times a year, more often in winter.
How do I get dog hair out of carpet car mats?
Drag a rubber glove or a pet hair brush across the pile to gather the hair, then vacuum.
How long do carpet car mats take to dry?
It depends on how wet they are and where they dry. After a deeper clean, allow a full day somewhere warm and airy, and check they feel dry before refitting.
How do I stop the driver's mat looking worn?
Vacuum out grit regularly, because grit wears the pile, and keep the mat locked to its fixings so it does not rub as it moves.
How we wrote this guide
This guide gives general cleaning advice. Where your mats come with their own care instructions, follow those.
Questions this guide does not answer? Write to us from the contact page.