How to Effectively Clean the Original Car Carpets?

July 25, 2024

We all know that going outside to wash a car can be expensive, especially for larger cars, such as SUV, MPV..., so washing car at home has become an option for many people. In addition to cleaning the exterior, it is equally important to keep the original carpet and car floor mats clean, not only can enhances the appearance of your vehicle but also contributes to a healthier and more pleasant driving environment.

With the right tools and techniques, you can restore your car carpets to a like-new condition. Follow this detailed guide to achieve the best results.

Materials Needed

Vacuum cleaner: Preferably with a hose attachment for better reach.
Carpet cleaner or upholstery cleaner: Choose one specifically designed for automotive use will be better.
Soft-bristled brush: For scrubbing and lifting dirt.
Microfiber cloths: For wiping and blotting.
Bucket of warm water: For rinsing.
Baking soda (optional): For deodorizing.
White vinegar (optional): For tackling stubborn stains.
Wet/dry vacuum (optional): For more effective cleaning and drying.
Protective gloves: To keep your hands clean and safe from chemicals.

Step-by-Step Process

Preparation:

Remove Loose Items: Take out any personal items, trash, and debris from your car.
Take Out Floor Mats: Remove the floor mats and give them a good shake to dislodge loose dirt and debris. You can clean these separately.

Vacuum Thoroughly:

Initial Pass: Start with a thorough vacuuming of the carpets. Use a vacuum cleaner with a hose and attachments to reach every nook and cranny.
Detail Work: Pay special attention to the edges, corners, and under the seats. These areas tend to accumulate the most dirt and grime.

Pre-Treat Stains:

Identify Stains: Look for any stains or heavily soiled areas on the carpet.
Apply Cleaner: Spray a carpet or upholstery cleaner directly onto the stains. Allow it to sit for a few minutes to penetrate and break down the dirt.
Alternative Stain Remover: For stubborn stains, mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Apply the mixture to the stain and gently scrub with a soft-bristled brush.

Deep Cleaning:

Apply Carpet Cleaner: Spray the entire carpeted area with a carpet cleaner. Follow the product instructions for the correct amount to use.
Scrubbing: Use a soft-bristled brush to scrub the carpet in small, circular motions. This helps to lift dirt and distribute the cleaner evenly.
Focus on Problem Areas: Spend extra time on areas that see heavy foot traffic, such as the driver’s side and areas under the pedals.

Rinsing and Blotting:

Rinse with Water: Dampen a microfiber cloth with warm water and blot the carpet to remove the cleaner. Be careful not to oversaturate the carpet, as excess moisture can lead to mold and mildew.
Wet/Dry Vacuum: If available, use a wet/dry vacuum to extract the cleaner and water from the carpet. This step helps to remove more moisture and speeds up the drying process.

Drying the Carpets:

Ventilation: Open the car doors or windows to allow fresh air to circulate. This will help the carpets dry faster.
Sunlight: If possible, park your car in a sunny spot to take advantage of natural heat and airflow.
Avoid Moisture: Ensure the carpets are completely dry before putting the floor mats back in place. This prevents mold and mildew growth.

Deodorizing (Optional):

Baking Soda: Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the dry carpets. Let it sit for a few hours or overnight to absorb odors.
Vacuum Again: Vacuum up the baking soda thoroughly to leave your carpets smelling fresh and clean.

Final Touches:

Replace Floor Mats: Once the carpets are completely dry and clean, place the floor mats back in the car.
Routine Maintenance: Regularly vacuuming and spot-cleaning your car carpets will help maintain their appearance and prolong their life. Consider using carpet protectors or floor mats to reduce wear and tear on the original carpets.

Additional Tips

Consistency is Key: Make cleaning your car carpets a part of your regular car maintenance routine. This prevents dirt from becoming embedded and keeps your car looking its best.
Seasonal Deep Cleaning: Consider performing a deep clean of your car carpets at least once every season to handle accumulated dirt and grime.
Professional Help: If your car carpets are heavily soiled or stained, you might want to consider professional cleaning services. They have specialized equipment and expertise to handle tough cleaning jobs.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can keep your car's carpets clean and in excellent condition, enhancing both the appearance and the hygiene of your vehicle’s interior.

Cleaning car carpets can indeed be a hassle, especially if dirt and stains are left to accumulate over time. To maximize carpet protection and minimize the frequency of deep cleanings, invest in a set of high-coverage floor mats is a smart choice.

Choose Worry-Free Car Mats

OAD4X4 custom moulded high-coverage car floor mats cover over the scuff plates and under-seat area, act as a barrier against dirt, mud, spills, and other contaminants, making it easier to keep the original carpets in pristine condition.

They can also be easily removed, cleaned, and installed, ensuring that your car's interior remains clean and protected with minimal effort.

(The carpet is still as clean as new after the mat is removed; car mats on Toyota Land Cruiser 100 series.)

How to Clean OAD4X4 Floor Mats

First, take out the floor liners from the car, pour out the dust and grit on the surface, and then simply rinse with a water hose. By this step, the mats will be completely cleaned and can be put back in the car by drying the water with a cloth.