How to Remove Stains on Car Rugs

Carpet-cleaning for a car is not much different than cleaning household carpets except for the added convenience of removing floor mats. Remember that the sooner you attack the stain, the more likely you are to prevail.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Spray Bottle
• Towel
• White Vinegar
• White Vinegar
• Soap And Water
• cleaning solvent
• paper towels or a scraper
• foam fabric cleaner
• hydrogen peroxide
• hair dryer or fan
• home carpet cleaning system

1. Remove the floor mat if the stain is on the mat. It will make it easier to tackle the stain.

2. Blot or scrape away any leftover residue of the substance. A hard plastic spatula makes a good scraper.

3. Try the gentlest solution first. Some mild soap and water may do the trick. Let sit 15 minutes, then wipe away with a damp sponge.

4. Use a solvent cleaner for greasy stains such as lipstick, crayons, shoe polish or other oil-based stains. Follow directions carefully.

5. Use mild soap and water or a foam fabric cleaner on non-greasy stains.

6. Or, for non-greasy stains, mix up a homemade stain buster: 1/4 c. hydrogen peroxide to 3 c. water. Spray on with a spray bottle and let sit for 10 minutes. Rinse with a solution of 1/4 c. white vinegar to 3/4 c. cold water. Blot dry.

7. If all else fails, rent a carpet-cleaning machine and shampoo the rugs.

8. Allow mats to dry outside. Use a hair dryer or fan to dry interior carpets. Be careful that the hair dryer doesn't overheat or scorch the carpet.

9. Make sure that the surface is allowed to dry completely. Otherwise, saturated carpeting may develop mold or mildew.

10. For large or extremely difficult stains, you may need professional help from an auto detailer.

Tips & Warnings

• Some car dealerships carry specially formulated cleaners for car rugs.
• Shaving cream can also be an effective stain remover. Rub it into the stain, then remove with a sponge and cool water.
• For smelly stains, place baking soda over the area, sprinkle with water, and let stand overnight. Vacuum up baking soda the next day.
• It may be cheaper and easier to replace severely stained floor mats.
• Before using hydrogen peroxide, test on a small and unobtrusive spot first to make sure it doesn't bleach.

[jamaclassics]

on 10/24/2007 Good article! I clean my mats in the bathtub, so then I have to clean that too. I hate housework.

on 1/25/2006 To clean carpeted vehicle floor mats:

- Remove the carpeted mats from the vehicle.
- Fill a large (30 gallons or more) plastic garbage can with water and add one cup of liquid laundry detergent.
- Submerge the mats in water for 12 hours and allow to soak.
- Remove mats and scrub stains with a stiff scrub brush -- take care not to damage or pull the fibers.
- Submerge the mats again for another 12 hours.
- Remove mats from the water and rinse thoroughly with a garden hose -- you may wish to empty and refill the garbage can so you can soak the mats in clear water and be assured of dissipating any soap residue.
- Hang the mats from one corner (preferably in the sun) and allow water to drain.
- When mats are dry, return them to the vehicle.
This cleaning method works best on carpeted mats made of nylon fibers, although it also works on mats made of wool fibers. Follow these instructions every spring and fall and you'll have great looking mats all year round!