The short answer
Lift the mats out, tip off loose dirt, rinse with water and a little mild soap, scrub the grooves with a soft brush, rinse again and let them dry before refitting. Do not use tyre shine, silicone sprays or trim dressings, because they make rubber slippery.
Key takeaways
- Tip loose dirt out away from the car, not into it.
- Water and a little mild soap are all most rubber mats need.
- A soft brush lifts dirt out of the grooves.
- Never use tyre shine, silicone or trim dressings on car mats.
- Dry the mats before refitting, and lock them back onto the floor fixings.
What you need
- A hose, or a bucket of water
- Mild soap or washing-up liquid
- A soft to medium brush
- A clean cloth or an old towel
The quick clean
- Take the mats out of the car.
- Tip them over away from the car and knock off loose dirt, sand and grit.
- Rinse with water.
- Shake or wipe off the excess water.
- Refit each mat to its fixings and check the pedals.
A deeper clean
- Rinse the mats to remove loose dirt.
- Mix a little mild soap into warm water.
- Scrub the surface, paying attention to grooves and textured areas.
- Rinse thoroughly, so no soap is left behind to make the surface slick.
- Dry with a towel, or leave to air dry, before refitting.
What not to use
- Tyre shine and silicone sprays. They leave a slippery film exactly where your feet need grip.
- Dashboard and trim dressings, for the same reason.
- Harsh solvents and bleach, which can dry out or discolour rubber.
- A high-pressure jet held close, which can wear the surface over time.
Rubber boot liners
Boot liners collect the heaviest dirt: mud, sand, compost and hair. Lift the liner out carefully so loose dirt does not spill into the boot, tip it out, then clean it the same way. If a dog travels in your boot, see car mats for dog owners.
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Common questions
Can I use a pressure washer on rubber car mats?
On a gentle setting and from a sensible distance, yes. Water and a brush usually do the job just as well.
How do I make rubber car mats look like new?
Clean them with mild soap and water and let them dry. Avoid shine products: a glossy mat is a slippery mat.
Can rubber car mats go in the washing machine or the dishwasher?
No. Clean them by hand with water and a little mild soap.
Why are my rubber mats slippery?
Usually because of a residue, either from a shine product or from soap that was not rinsed off. Wash with mild soap, rinse thoroughly and dry.
How often should I clean rubber car mats?
Tip them out whenever dirt builds up, and give them a proper wash every few weeks, more often in winter.
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.