Car mats take a lot: mud, sand, spilled coffee and, in Canada, road salt. The good news: a patterned mat hides small marks, and a few simple habits keep its colours bright for years.
Every week: vacuum
Take the mats out of the car and shake them. Vacuum with the grain, then against it to lift the sand stuck at the base of the fibres. A soft-bristle brush helps loosen what's left.
A stain: act fast, don't rub
- Lift off what's on the surface with a spoon or a paper towel.
- Dab with a damp cloth and a little mild soap (diluted dish soap works).
- Rinse by dabbing with a clean, damp cloth.
- Blot with a dry cloth.
Don't rub in circles: it spreads the stain and roughs up the fibres. Avoid bleach and harsh stain removers, which can fade the pattern.
Winter: road salt
Salt leaves white rings as it dries. To remove them, mix equal parts warm water and white vinegar, dab the marks, then rinse with clean water. Do it regularly through the winter rather than once in spring: fresh salt comes off more easily.
Drying
Let the mat dry flat, in the open air, pattern side up. Avoid the dryer, radiators and long exposure to direct sun. Put it back in the car only once it's fully dry, underside included, to avoid damp smells.
What to avoid
- The washing machine and the dryer.
- Pressure washers, which damage the fibres and can lift the backing.
- Products containing bleach, ammonia or solvents.
In short
- Vacuum every week.
- Stains: dab, never rub, mild soap.
- Winter salt: warm water and white vinegar, then rinse.
- Dry flat, in the open air.