How to Clean Foul Odor from Car Mats?
2 Answers
Take the mats out of the car and shake them to remove dust and debris. Remove the mats and shake them to clear all dust, debris, and other trash. It's best to place the mats in a dry area near the car. Scrub the mats with a brush. There are specialized cleaners available on the market now—spray them thoroughly on the mats and scrub with a brush. Spray carpet cleaner on the surface of the mats and let it sit for about 10 minutes to make stain removal easier. Then, slowly brush until the mats are clean.
The car carpet has a foul odor, which I have encountered several times, usually caused by water stains or food residue. First, use a vacuum cleaner to remove surface dust and debris, paying special attention to corners and crevices. Then, mix white vinegar and water in a 1:1 ratio, spray the smelly area, and gently scrub with a brush to allow the vinegar to neutralize the odor. Let it sit for 10 minutes before wiping off the dirt with a damp cloth. Make sure to thoroughly air-dry it by opening the windows or using a fan to prevent mold growth and worsening odors. For stubborn stains, I have used specialized car cleaning sprays—just spray and wipe. Regularly inspect the carpet and clean up spills promptly to prevent issues. If all else fails, take it to a professional car wash for a deep clean; they use steam machines to completely eliminate odors.
