Contents
Preparing the Carpet
No single solution cleans everything from your car’s carpet. Some methods work great for liquid spills and stains, some for sticky gunk and grease, and others for ridding the carpet of food, dog hair, or mold. With a little effort and the right products, you can tackle any of these problems.
First, equip yourself with the right supplies and products:
- Wet-dry vacuum
- Rubber gloves
- Stiff-bristle detailing brush
- Pretreat spot remover
- Dedicated car carpet and upholstery cleaner
- Microfiber towels
- Professional-grade auto carpet extractor (optional)
- Baking soda
- Vinegar
- Bucket
- Spray bottle
- Hairspray
Before getting down to business, dispose of any trash, cans, wrappers, or other large debris that could clog a vacuum. Then, remove the floor mats and shake them outside of the car. You’ll come back to them when you are ready to shampoo.
How to Clean the Carpet
Vacuum all visible areas first, then under the seats, around the center console, and in all the crevices. If you have an accumulation of pet hair, put on the rubber gloves to collect it. Make sure to vacuum the floor mats outside the car, too.
Cleaning carpet floor mats with a bristle brush
It’s time to tackle the tough stains. Be sure to use the right product for pretreating different stains or debris. Sometimes, a mix of liquid detergent and warm water will do the trick, but for hard-to-remove stains, try the following.
General Stains
Pretreat with a diluted degreaser or a foaming carpet cleaning product, such as Armor All heavy-duty carpet and upholstery cleaner. For tougher stains, like ink or paint, try using hairspray on the stain and then wiping it away.
Gum or Tar
Hold an ice cube on the gum or tar for a few minutes until it hardens. Gently scrape it off with a butter knife; it should crumble. Clean any residual stain with a microfiber cloth soaked in a diluted degreaser, alcohol, or a carpet cleaning product. Rub gently until the stain is gone.
Cleaning Steps
- Shampoo the carpet using a bristle brush, hot water, and carpet cleaning soap, such as Woolite Rug Cleaner or Rug Doctor carpet shampoo. Fill a spray bottle with the solution and spray it directly on the carpet in a one- or two-foot-square area. Work your bristle brush into the carpeting. The cleaner will begin to foam, and the dirt and debris dislodge.
- Use a wet-dry vacuum to vacuum up the moisture and debris. Repeat this process until the entire carpet has been shampooed.
- Optional: Deep-clean your carpet like professional auto detailers by using a carpet extractor or steamer. This is recommended if your carpets are filthy or have an odor, such as from smoking. You can rent a professional-grade carpet cleaning machine for $35 to $45 for a half-day or longer. Again, don’t forget to clean the floor mats.
- Let the carpets dry completely. This is the last but essential step, so don’t skip it. Leave your car doors wide open and let the carpet dry fully. If you can find a spot in full sun, all the better. Failure to thoroughly dry the carpeting could cause mildew. Depending on climate conditions, it could take several hours or longer.
- Once the carpet and floor mats are thoroughly dried, give them one more quick vacuum and put them back in the car. You can now enjoy the look, feel, and smell of a new car.
DIY Cleaning Options
If you encounter stubborn problems or bio material, such as dried blood, use a cloth to apply any of these options and rub until the stain is removed. Only try one method at a time to confirm what works best for you and to avoid mixing chemicals.
- Liquid dish soap, such as Dawn, and cold water
- Two tablespoons of ammonia in two cups of warm water
- Equal parts of vinegar and water
- Equal parts of hydrogen peroxide and water
- Club soda poured directly on the substance
