How to Clean the Original Carpet Under the Car Floor Mats?
4 Answers
Car floor mats are an eco-friendly automotive interior component that integrates five main functions: water absorption, dust absorption, stain removal, sound insulation, and protection of the main carpet. As interior decorations, car floor mats help maintain cleanliness both inside and outside the vehicle, adding aesthetic appeal and comfort. Their ability to absorb water, dust, and remove stains effectively prevents residues from shoe soles—such as moisture and dirt—from causing slippage between the clutch, brake, and accelerator, thereby avoiding potential safety hazards and reducing the likelihood of interior contamination and damage. The cleaning methods for the original carpet under the car floor mats are as follows: Organic Cleaning Solvents: Primarily used to remove grease, lubricants, dirt, silicone polishes, rubber processing aids, and fingerprints from the car's surface. Commonly used organic solvents in China include kerosene, gasoline, toluene, xylene, trichloroethylene, carbon tetrachloride, and No. 200 solvent gasoline. Imported organic solvents include Prep-sol, P, and Kleano. Two-in-One Cleaner: Also known as two-in-one shampoo, this is a high-grade cleaning agent. The term "two-in-one" refers to its dual functions of cleaning and care—it not only cleans but also waxes, meeting the requirements for quick cleaning and waxing.
Last time some brat spilled a whole cup of milk tea under my passenger seat mat, took me forever to clean it up. The OEM carpet hates getting soaked - always remove the mats first and vacuum up any grit. For stubborn stains, spray some interior foam cleaner and gently brush along the nap direction with a soft brush, then press dry with a towel. Never wipe directly with a wet cloth or the fibers will clump and harden. I usually leave the windows open for half a day after cleaning to prevent mildew. Oh, and be gentle when removing those door sill clips - I snapped a plastic piece last time.
Cleaning that gray felt layer is actually quite simple, and I do it myself every quarter. First, use a car vacuum to remove hair and small stones. If you find oil stains, soak a kitchen paper towel with dish soap water and let it sit for ten minutes. Be gentle when wiping, as the felt structure can easily deform. Once, when a coffee stain wouldn't come out, I tried carpet dry cleaning powder, and it worked surprisingly well. When air-drying, I lay a few dry towels underneath and change them every few hours to speed up water absorption. Make sure it's completely dry before reinstalling the floor mats, otherwise, there will be a musty smell.
As someone who frequently visits construction sites, the felt in my car always gets stained with oil and mud. The key is to address it promptly: sprinkle baking soda on fresh stains immediately to absorb the oil. For hardened mud, first loosen the edges with a plastic scraper. For stubborn stains, mix warm water with white vinegar and use an old toothbrush to gently scrub in circular motions for the best results. The crucial point is to avoid soaking it with water, as too much water can seep into the carpet's base layer. When drying, place a cardboard box over the footwell to prevent dust while allowing ventilation. Don’t go more than six months between cleanings, as oil stains that seep in become difficult to remove.
