Ultimate Guide to Floor Mat Cleaners | A Deep Dive on Keeping Those Floors Spotless.
5 min readUltimate Guide to Floor Mat Cleaners | A Deep Dive on Keeping Those Floors Spotless.
Throughout the home, floor mats have proven themselves to be unsung heroes. They protect our floors from getting all types of muck, grime and who-knows-what-else we step in. Unfortunately, just like superpowers your adrenals need extra attention to ensure they continue fighting. Introducing the much-needed coffee in the morning type of product — floor mat cleaner. Grab yourself some coffee, sit back and let’s talk all things floor mat cleaners.
What Is a Floor Mat Cleaner?
First things first, just to get the foundations. A floor mat cleaner is a product specifically made for cleaning and refreshing your floor mats. Rubber, carpet or cloth are attacked by these cleaners seeking a stain without fucking tail function and some special dirt that cannot be used at home. They are like a spa day for your mats- some TLC to get them looking and feeling anew!
Why is it Important to Clean Your Floor Mats?
Perhaps at this point you are questioning why bother? Now, picture this — your floor mats have just gone through a mud-slinging contest between shoes and higher-ups that joined you for lunch or dinner last week. They are tired and they want to stop. While they do have a long lifespan, regular cleaning keeps them looking sharp and functioning properly. Additionally, in the event you ever need to sell your vehicle or house having nice clean mats can distinguish it from other comparable cars. It is the cherry on top of a pretty dang good sundae.
Types of Floor Mat Cleaners
One floor mat cleaner does not fit all. Applying to different mats differently, I provided a brief guide on some of the main mats.
Rubber Mat Cleaners
Another difficult-to-clean surface belongs to the durable rubber mats. Use a cleaner designed for rubber, one that is not going to leave behind a sticky residue. They are typically in spray. Just spray, scrub, and rinse. Think of it as your mats getting a spa day but not so much cucumbers on their eyes.
Carpet Mat Cleaners
This is where things get exciting: floor mats — alone, carpeted ways. A lot of times these can be cleaned with regular carpet cleaners, or even specialty formulations that penetrate deep into the fibers. Others are even made of foam and can be cleaned by being scrubbed in then vacuumed out. Think of if as a deep condition for your mats wooly fibers.
Fabric Mat Cleaners
The most problematic ones are carpet mats. Also, they are easily stained and require a tougher to clean. Seek products that are non-foaming but wash off without a residue. If the mat has seen more than its fair share of use, perhaps you need a solution with some stain-fighting firepower. So, it might as well be your little dirt-busting secret.
Step-by-Step: How to Clean Floor Mats
Floor mats sound simple to clean, and technically they are… but care goes a long way. Below are the easy ways to clean your mats so they will remain in a good shape and condition.
Remove the Mats
So the first thing will be to get those mats out of your car or house. Just like you need a little room to decompress after a hard day.
Shake and Vacuum
Shake them to release loose dirt and grime. Then, vacuum them thoroughly. If they’re super filthy, a nice toss will reveal all the soil that has been hidden. It’s like a dirt revelation!
Apply Cleaner
And then simply follow the instructions given by your cleaner! Sprays should be applied evenly, holding the bottle roughly 6-8 inches from a surface. Follow instructions and soak the foams Consider this step as a facial mask; it takes time to deliver the best yield.
Scrub Gently
Cleaner Brush or Cloth A stiff brush for rubber mats If it is a carpet or some other fabric, use gentle brush or cloth on the surface. Picture you are rubbing your mats lightly.
Rinse and Dry
Wash the mats with clean water and allow them to dry completely before using. Just be sure to return them before they get really damp – nobody likes a soggy mat, not even your floors.
DIY Floor Mat Cleaner Recipes
Feeling a bit adventurous? The floor mat cleaner that you can make yourself from things wood probably already have at home. There are a few good recipes you can use for mere pennies (and I attest, from experience, they actually work!
Vinegar and Baking Soda
Mix 1 cup of vinegar with 1 cup water and a few tablespoons of baking soda This pairing deals with dirt and eliminates smells. Rub it on your mats, leave for 10 mins and underwater clean. Soothe your mats well to treat them like royalty.
Dish Soap and Water
Mix a few drops of dish soap into some warm water for an easy way to clean during the day. It is gentle yet it works. Cleans and refreshes quickly with a dry shampoo.
Preventive Measures
While cleaning your mats is important, prevention works wonders. You can do the following to keep them as healthy and lively:
Put Mats in Heavy-Traffic Areas
Mats at entryways will help keep dirt outside your home. If there was a welcome mat for clean, this would be it.
Regular Maintenance
Shake out and Vacuum mats regularly That is a HUGE part of it so taking care and maintenance can go long ways. Kind of like a daily small chore vs. monthly large task
Spot Clean Spills Immediately
Heave spill in the bud. Blot, do not rub and clean up spills before they set. That is the equivalent of treating a paper cut before it becomes gangrenous.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even the best people can make mistakes. Here are some of the most common mistakes people make when they clean their floor mats.
Using Harsh Chemicals
Stay away from cleaners with harsh chemicals that will ruin the mats. Follow compositions that are meant for the very mat you want to clean. Don’t forget, you’re pampering your mats — not giving them a chemical bath.
Over-wetting
Don’t soak your mats. Wet left to long creates mold and stench.’,’ It is splash, not a bath for your mats.
Skipping the Drying Process
Ensure your mats are as dry possible before re-installing them. Soaking wet mats can cause unpleasant odors and could potentially ruin your floors. Nobody likes it — wet towels left in the bathroom.
Conclusion
Sure, washing your floor mats may not be the most glamorous chore on your agenda but it helps to keep things looking clean and smelling fresh. Your mats will come out of this alive, and with the right floor mat cleaner (like Cocoa Lazy or Matty Fabric Cleaner) a little elbow grease to care for these guys properly. So by cleaning your mats, you are also showing that you appreciate what they do for us. Well, love your floor mats (just a little). They’ve earned it.
Happy cleaning!