Floor mats take more daily abuse than almost any other interior surface in your vehicle. Mud, water, salt, road grime, spilled drinks, pet hair, and everyday debris eventually build up — causing stains, odors, and even long-term damage.
Clean floor mats don’t just make your cabin look better. They also:
- Improve air quality
- Reduce bacteria and odor buildup
- Protect your vehicle’s flooring
- Extend the life of the mats themselves
This guide breaks down how to clean four major types of floor mats — carpet, vinyl, rubber, and TPE — with clear steps, practical tips, and common mistakes to avoid.
Table of contents
Before You Start: Essential Things to Know About Floor Mats
Before diving into cleaning, it helps to understand the materials, cleaning difficulty, and recommended care routine. This will help you choose the right method and avoid damage.
1. Types of Floor Mat Materials
First of all, we need to know that the cleaning methods of different types of car floor mats will be slightly different due to their material composition. The types of floor mats on the market are usually divided into the following 4 types:
- Carpet Mats: Carpet mats are often made from tough nylon and/or polypropylene and/or materials like Berber.
- Vinyl Mats: Most people mistake vinyl for rubber. Vinyl or PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), is a polymer that resembles synthetic plastic. It is a cheaper alternative to rubber when you don’t have enough budget.
- Rubber Mats: They are made of rubber, PVC, and various fillers. This material is more durable.
- TPE Mats: They are made out of high-grade thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) which is similar to a rubber compound but not rubber! They are usually non-toxic, odorless, and environmentally friendly, one of the body-friendly materials.
2. Cleaning Difficulty by Material
Material |
Cleaning Difficulty |
Notes |
Carpet |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Absorbent; dirt sits deep in fibers. Hardest to clean. |
Vinyl |
⭐⭐⭐ |
Dirt doesn’t cling as much; easy to maintain. |
Rubber |
⭐⭐ |
Durable and stain-resistant. |
TPE |
⭐ |
Easiest to clean; dirt rinses off quickly. |
Before You Start: General Preparation & Safety Tips
Before cleaning any floor mats, remove them completely from the vehicle. This prevents moisture from seeping into the car’s carpet and makes cleaning much easier.
Here’s what you should prepare:
🧰Tools & Supplies
- Vacuum cleaner
- Soft- or medium-bristle brush
- Hose or pressure sprayer (gentle setting)
- Mild detergent or car-safe cleaner
- Microfiber towels
- Baking soda (optional, for odor removal)
Safety Notes
- Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach or strong acids that may damage mats.
- When cleaning rubber or TPE mats, avoid oil-based dressings — these can make the mat slippery.
- Always let mats dry fully before reinstalling them.
📜How to Clean Carpet Floor Mats
Carpet mats require the most work because they absorb liquids, stains, and odors deep in the fibers. Here's the most effective step-by-step tutorial:
1. Remove the mats and vacuum thoroughly
Use a high-suction vacuum to remove surface dust, sand, and embedded debris. Vacuum both sides.
2. Shake or beat the mats outside
Hold by the corner and slap against a firm surface. This helps release dirt trapped deeper in the fibers.
3. Pre-treat visible stains
Spray a carpet stain remover on coffee, mud, grease, or food stains.Let sit 5–10 minutes for better penetration.
4. Mix a mild cleaning solution
A typical mix is:1 part mild detergent : 10 parts warm water.
5. Apply cleaner evenly across the mat
You can spray or pour a light amount — enough to dampen but not soak completely.
6. Scrub using circular motions
Use a medium-bristle brush. Work section by section.Apply more pressure in areas where the driver’s heel typically rests.
7. Rinse thoroughly with a hose
Use medium pressure. Continue rinsing until the water runs clear and no soap remains.
8. (Optional) Apply baking soda for deodorizing
After rinsing, sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda and let sit for 20–30 minutes.
9. Vacuum again to remove baking soda & fluff fibers
10. Air-dry completely
Hang vertically in shade.Avoid direct sunlight to prevent fading or fiber damage.
📜How to Clean Vinyl (PVC) Floor Mats — Quick & Simple
Vinyl mats are waterproof, flexible, and easy to maintain. They do not absorb liquids, so cleaning them is much faster than carpet mats.
Vinyl Mats: 5-Step Essential Cleaning
1. Rinse with waterUse a hose to remove loose dirt and debris.
2. Apply a mild all-purpose cleaner
Spray lightly across the surface.
3. Scrub gently with a soft brush
Focus on textured grooves where dirt collects.
4. Rinse thoroughly
Ensure all suds are washed off.
5. Let air-dry completely
Lay flat or hang; they dry quickly.
Important Reminder:
Do NOT use silicone or oil-based dressings.These products make vinyl mats dangerously slippery — especially for the driver’s side.
📜How to Clean Rubber Floor Mats — Moderate Detail
Rubber mats are durable and perfect for muddy or snowy conditions. They often have deep grooves that trap gravel, salt, and heavy soil.
Rubber Mats: 7-Step Cleaning Process
1. Shake off large debrisMud chunks, gravel, and road salt fall off easily.
2. Rinse with a strong water stream
Use high-flow water but avoid overly aggressive pressure that could damage raised patterns.
3. Apply a rubber-safe cleaner
Let it sit 2–3 minutes for hardened dirt and winter salt deposits.
4. Scrub thoroughly
Use a stiff brush to clean inside grooves and textured areas.
5. Rinse again
Make sure no cleaner remains on the mat.
6. Dry completely
Hang or lean mats vertically for faster water drainage.
7. (Optional) Apply a non-slip rubber conditioner
This restores a clean, dark finish without creating a slippery surface.
📜How to Clean TPE Floor Mats — Simple But Professional
TPE mats (like WeatherTech or Lasfit) are becoming the most popular aftermarket mats in the U.S.They are:
- waterproof
- odorless
- non-toxic
- resistant to deformation
- extremely easy to clean
TPE Mats: 5-Step Quick Cleaning Guide
1. Rinse with waterTPE does not absorb grime, so most dirt slides off quickly.
2. Apply mild soap or interior cleaner
Avoid strong degreasers, which can dull or discolor the material.
3. Scrub lightly
A soft brush is sufficient; no heavy pressure needed.
4. Rinse thoroughly
Ensure all cleaner is removed for a streak-free finish.
5. Air-dry before reinstalling
Drying prevents moisture from being trapped underneath.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To keep your mats in great condition, avoid these frequent errors:
- Using bleach or harsh chemicals
- Putting mats in a washing machine
- Applying tire shine products to rubber or TPE mats
- Installing mats before they are fully dry
- Leaving carpet mats in direct sunlight for hours
Extra Tips for Better Results
- For stubborn stains, allow the cleaner to sit for 5 minutes before scrubbing.
- Use rubber or TPE mats during winter for better protection against snow and salt.
- Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda under mats for long-lasting odor control.
- Store seasonal mats properly to extend their lifespan.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your floor mats clean is one of the simplest ways to maintain a fresh, comfortable driving environment. With regular care and the right cleaning techniques, your mats can look new, smell clean, and last much longer — no matter what life (or weather) brings into your car.
👉How to clean and maintain Lasfit all-weather custom-fit vehicle floor liners with Chemical guys detailing？
What is the cleaning frequency of different types of car floor mats?
Routine simple cleaning: Once a week, you can take it off and simply shake off the obvious sand and stones on the surface before putting it back in the car.
Regular deep cleaning: Once a month, follow the cleaning steps below for rigorous cleaning and maintenance.
NOTE: Vacuuming or washing regularly can remove all dust and dirt and prolong the life of the mats.
Can you put car floor mats in the washing machine for cleaning?
Why we don't suggest you put car floor mats in the washing machine?
Therefore, the best way to thoroughly clean your car floor mats is by hand! Soak the mat with the correct cleaning solution, then scrub the dirt with a soft-bristled brush. Rinse thoroughly with a pressure hose and air dry.
1 comment
TPE Matts – do they come in any other colors – we require a Lighter Gray color, available ?