How to Clean Carpet Floor Mats

Start by identifying the mat type

“Carpet floor mats” most often means the fabric mats in a vehicle footwell, but it also covers carpeted entry mats and utility mats in the home. The method is similar, but check the material first:

Carpet or nylon car mats can be cleaned with carpet cleaner, scrubbing and rinsing or extraction.
Rubber or all-weather mats are not carpet. They can usually be washed with mild soap and water and rinsed.
Household carpet mats and doormats may be machine washable. Check the label.
Natural fiber mats such as coir, jute or tatami need little water. For tatami, see how to clean tatami mats.

Check the vehicle owner’s manual or the product label for care instructions where available.

Safety first

Never mix cleaning products. Bleach with ammonia, or bleach with vinegar or other acids, can release toxic gases. Use one product at a time and rinse mats with plain water before switching products.
Clean outdoors or somewhere well ventilated, especially when working with sprays.
Wear gloves, and eye protection if spraying or using a drill brush.
Keep children and pets away from cleaners, brushes and mats while they are wet. Dry mats before use so residue is not left for children and pets to touch or lick.
Do not put damp mats back in a vehicle. They can hold moisture and odors, and a mat that is not seated properly can interfere with the pedals. Always secure mats with the vehicle’s retaining clips or hooks.
Never put a wet or cleaner-soaked mat where pedals are until it is dry and in place correctly.

What you need

A stiff brush or a drill-mounted brush for heavy-duty cleaning (use a low speed)
A vacuum
A carpet or upholstery cleaner made for the job, or a mild detergent
A wet/dry vacuum or portable carpet extractor, or a hose
Clean towels
A place to hang or prop the mats to dry

Step-by-step: carpet car mats

Remove the mats from the vehicle so you can clean them thoroughly and so moisture does not reach the carpet beneath.
Shake and tap them to release loose sand, gravel and crumbs. Hitting them against a hard surface helps.
Vacuum thoroughly, going over them in different directions.
Pre-treat stains. Apply a small amount of cleaner and let it sit for the time the label suggests.
Apply the cleaner evenly across the mat. Spot test first on a hidden corner, since dyes and backings vary.
Agitate. Scrub with a stiff brush, working in several directions to loosen soil from the fibers. A drill brush saves effort, but go gently on thin mats.
Rinse or extract. Use an extractor or wet/dry vacuum to pull out dirty water, or rinse with a hose until the water runs clear. Residue left in the mat attracts dirt.
Remove excess water. Squeeze, press with towels, or stand the mat on its edge so water runs out.
Dry fully (see below).

Cleaning household carpet mats and doormats

Shake or vacuum thoroughly.
If the label permits, machine wash on a gentle cycle with mild detergent and air dry. Rubber-backed mats may be damaged by heat, so avoid the dryer unless the label says it is fine.
If not machine washable, clean the same way as above, and use a hose on a patio or driveway for heavy-duty mats.
For larger or more delicate carpets and rugs, see how to deep clean an area rug at home.

Can you use Dawn dish soap?

A small amount of clear dish soap in water is often used for grease or general grime on mats. The concern is residue: dish soap foams and can be hard to rinse completely, which then attracts dirt. If you use it, use very little, test first, rinse thoroughly, and dry well. A product designed for carpet or upholstery is typically easier to rinse.

Does baking soda really clean mats?

Baking soda is useful for light odors. Sprinkle it on a dry mat, leave it for a while, then vacuum it up. It does not do much for heavy dirt or set-in stains. It should not be mixed with vinegar on a mat, since the fizzing reaction just neutralizes both.

What is the best thing to clean floor mats with?

There is no single best product. For carpet mats, a cleaner made for carpet and upholstery, a gentle all-purpose cleaner or a mild detergent, combined with a brush and extraction, usually works best. For rubber mats, mild soap and water is generally enough. Avoid harsh solvents, and do not use tire shine or slippery dressings on mats, since they can make the surface slippery underfoot.

Drying and reinstalling

Hang, prop or lay mats flat in a ventilated place, in shade or sun. Direct sun is usually fine for drying but can fade some colors.
Flip the mat partway through.
Check the backing and thick areas, which dry last.
Only reinstall when completely dry, front and back, and make sure the mat is securely fixed.
Also vacuum the carpet underneath while the mats are out, and see how to clean car seat covers while you are cleaning the interior.

Stubborn stains and odors

Mud: let it dry, then brush off and vacuum before using any cleaner.
Grease: a little dish soap or a degreasing cleaner, tested first.
Salt stains: often lifted with warm water; rinse well. Some people use a diluted vinegar solution, but use it on its own, test first, and never mix it with bleach or ammonia.
Musty odor: usually means the mat has been damp. Clean, rinse and dry fully, and consider an odor-neutralizing product made for fabrics. If the smell is coming from the car itself, see how to clean mold out of a car.
If an odor or stain persists, replacement may be the practical answer.

Keeping mats clean longer

Shake and vacuum regularly.
Remove dirt and wet items from the footwell promptly.
Consider all-weather mats in wet or muddy conditions.
Clean spills quickly before they set.