How to Clean Car Mats – Best Methods for Rubber and Carpet Mats
Your car’s floor mats take a beating from muddy shoes, spilled drinks, road grime, and everyday use. Regular cleaning is the easiest way to protect your interior, eliminate odors, and maintain a fresh, clean cabin.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to clean car mats, both rubber and carpet, and share professional tips using products from Ethos Car Care.
Table of Contents
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Rubber vs. Carpet Car Mats – What's the Difference?
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How Often Should You Clean Car Mats?
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Tools & Products You’ll Need
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Step-by-Step: How to Clean Rubber Car Mats
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Step-by-Step: How to Clean Carpet Car Mats
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Pro Tips for Odor Removal and Stain Treatment
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Final Thoughts
Rubber vs. Carpet Car Mats – What's the Difference?
✔ Rubber mats are durable, waterproof, and easy to clean, perfect for harsh weather, dirt, and spills.
✔ Carpet mats offer a soft, factory look but trap dirt and are harder to clean without proper care.
Both types protect your interior, but each requires a different cleaning approach.
How Often Should You Clean Car Mats?
Ideally, clean your car mats:
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Once a week for rubber mats
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Bi-weekly to monthly for carpet mats, depending on use
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Immediately after spills, mud, or heavy dirt exposure
Tools & Products You’ll Need:
✅ Ethos All-Purpose Cleaner
✅ Ethos Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner (for fabric)
✅ Ethos Interior Detailer (for finishing)
✅ Stiff bristle brush (for rubber mats)
✅ Medium-soft brush (for carpet mats)
✅ Microfiber towels or shop vac
✅ Water source and hose
Step-by-Step: How to Clean Rubber Car Mats
1️⃣ Remove the Rubber Mats
Take the mats out of your vehicle to prevent dirt from spreading inside.
2️⃣ Rinse Thoroughly
Use a hose or pressure washer to remove loose dirt, mud, and debris.
3️⃣ Apply Ethos All-Purpose Cleaner
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Spray generously over the surface.
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Let it sit for 2-3 minutes to break down grime.
4️⃣ Scrub the Mats
Use a stiff bristle brush to scrub grooves, edges, and textured surfaces.
5️⃣ Rinse Clean
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Rinse until all cleaner and dirt are removed.
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Shake off excess water.
6️⃣ Dry Completely
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Air dry or wipe with microfiber towels.
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Optional: Spray Ethos Interior Detailer for added protection and a fresh scent.
Step-by-Step: How to Clean Carpet Car Mats
1️⃣ Remove and Shake Out Loose Debris
Vacuum or shake out any dirt, pebbles, or debris.
2️⃣ Vacuum the Mats Thoroughly
Use a shop vac or handheld vacuum to pick up embedded dirt.
3️⃣ Spray Ethos Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner
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Cover the surface evenly.
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Focus on stains or heavily soiled areas.
4️⃣ Agitate with a Medium-Soft Brush
Scrub in circular motions to lift stains and break down grime.
5️⃣ Extract Moisture
Use a shop vac or towel to blot out the moisture.
6️⃣ Air Dry Completely
Let the mats dry fully before reinstalling to avoid mold or mildew.
Pro Tips for Odor Removal and Stain Treatment
💡 Sprinkle baking soda on carpet mats, let it sit for 15 minutes, then vacuum for odor removal.
💡 For tough stains, use Ethos All-Purpose Cleaner as a pre-treatment.
💡 Always finish with Ethos Interior Detailer for added UV protection and a clean scent.
Final Thoughts: Keep Your Car’s Interior Clean and Protected
Regular car mat cleaning is essential for keeping your interior fresh, preventing odors, and extending the life of your mats.
Whether you have rugged rubber mats or factory carpet mats, Ethos Car Care has the products to make the job quick, easy, and effective.
