For many people, cleaning car carpets may not be as important as maintaining car engines and other mechanical parts. However, cleaning the interior of a car can tell the difference between a dirty car and a car that has been cared for with love. Car carpet cleaning is actually an easy job and doesn't take much time. Trust me, the little time you spend doing this simple job will pay off with the comfort and cleanliness that a clean car interior provides.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Vacuuming and Shampooing Car Carpets
Step 1. Clean up the interior of the car
Pick up all the things lying on the carpet. Get rid of small objects scattered in the car. You can buy a special organizer for cars that are widely sold in the market, but now many cars are made with special compartments that are just as practical. Get as many things out of the car as possible and place them near the car or in the house.
Step 2. Remove the car floor mat
Take it all out and shake it properly so that all the dirt and dust falls out and doesn't contaminate the interior of the car. You can put it in a dry place near the car.
Step 3. Vacuum the inside of the car thoroughly, don't miss any parts
Reach under the pedals, seats and crevices around the car to pick up and remove any dirt, crumbs and debris left on the car floor. If there is still trash in the car when you start washing the carpet, the interior of the car cannot be considered completely clean.
Step 4. Choose a good carpet cleaning fluid and brush
You can find various products for cleaning car carpets on the market and most of them are almost the same. Whichever product you choose, the method of use is the same. You can even use laundry detergent if you want. Look for a soft-bristled brush that will help you shampoo the carpet.
Step 5. Clean the carpet
Spray cleaning shampoo on the carpet surface and let it sit for 10 minutes. Start brushing the carpet slowly and systematically. Remember to brush in a circular motion because that's the best way to remove dirt and grime. Repeat the same process on problem areas with heavy stains or piles of dirt.
Step 6. Rinse the carpet that has just been shampooed
Use a damp cloth and moisten the newly cleaned area with shampoo. Try to remove as much soap as possible. Remember, don't let the carpet get too wet as this will cause mold to grow on the bottom. As long as you can get most of the shampoo off the carpet, the carpet should be fine.
Step 7. Let the car dry by itself
This step is important. Do not let the moisture does not evaporate and cause unpleasant odors. Open all doors and leave the car out in the sun. You may have to wait a few hours. Check how the condition of the carpet. If it's still damp, continue the drying process for an hour or so. When the carpet is dry, your job is done.
Part 2 of 3: Cleaning Car Floor Mats
Step 1. Remove and vacuum the car floor mat
Remove the floor mat and place it on a cement, concrete, or asphalt surface. Use a standard vacuum cleaner or a special car vacuum cleaner to remove dirt and dust from the floor mat. Make sure you vacuum both sides of the base. You can also shake the floor mat to remove any dust and dirt that may still be attached.
Step 2. Wash the bottom of the base
Turn the floor mat so that the plastic side is facing up. Use a few drops of dish soap on the plastic surface. Use a water hose to shake the dirt, and trigger the formation of soap suds. Scrub with a towel or sponge. If there is dust stuck to it, you can use a brush. Rinse the plastic surface again with a water hose, then dry with a towel.
Step 3. Spray the upholstery with the cleaner
Turn the floor mat so that the upholstered side is facing up. Purchase a carpet cleaner, or use laundry detergent. Spray/pour enough cleaner on the upholstery. Use a water hose, and spray the upholstery with water. This action will activate the cleansing formula and remove dirt.
Step 4. Brush the cloth-covered side of the floor mat
Use a medium-sized brush and brush the cloth in a circular motion. Some parts may need to be brushed harder. You can spray the base with water in between brushing some areas of the surface. When you're done brushing, rinse the upholstery with water again until all the suds are gone.
Step 5. Hang the floor mat to dry
Remove excess water using a vacuum cleaner. Then, dry with a towel or washcloth. Press down on the towel to absorb as much excess water as possible. Finally, hang the floor mat on a clothesline, or somewhere where it won't interfere.
Part 3 of 3: Cleaning Stubborn Stains on Car Carpets
Step 1. Remove the stain with hot water
Stains are generally caused by water, mud, dirt, excess moisture, and so on. Combine the following ingredients in a bucket: a gallon of hot water, a few drops of dish soap, and a cup of white vinegar. Stir until all ingredients are evenly mixed. Dip a rag or sponge and wet the stained area with the above mixture. Then, take a stiff-bristled brush, and use circular motions to brush the upholstery. Use a paper towel to absorb the liquid in this area.
Step 2. Dilute the spilled coffee, alcohol, and fizzy drinks with cold water
First, add a fair amount of cold water to the stain. Do not add hot water, as this will cause the stain to sink further. Then, dry the stained area using a paper towel. Leave the area and let it dry.
Step 3. Clean the vomit stain with sparkling water
Buy a can of unflavored sparkling water. Pour over the stained area. Then, scrub with a damp washcloth in circular motions. Dry the area with a towel. You can also use a mixture of baking soda and water to treat the stained area. Baking soda can also work well.
Step 4. Remove pen stains with hairspray or salt
Spray hairspray on the area where the ink stains from the pen are. Rub the area with a damp washcloth using circular motions. You can also add salt to the stained area. Just sprinkle a generous amount of salt on the stained area and wait a few minutes. Then clean with a damp washcloth.
Step 5. Remove oily stains on the car with paint thinner
Pour a small amount of paint thinner on a cotton cloth. Rub the stained area in a circular motion to remove the oil. Then, take a paper towel and absorb any remaining paint thinner. Warning: paint thinner can cause carpet color to fade. First, try using it in a hidden area, or you can try it in the trunk.
Step 6. Spray the glass cleaner on the stained area
You can use it for general stains or stains that have soaked deep into the carpet fibers. Wait about 5-10 minutes for the cleaner to work and remove the stain. Finally, wipe the stained area with a damp washcloth and let it dry.
Step 7. Make a hydrogen peroxide paste
Some stains are very difficult to remove, and require extra strength cleaner. Make a paste using 3% hydrogen peroxide, and a glob of toothpaste instead of gel. Rub it on the stained area of the carpet. Leave it for about 5 minutes. Then, use a washcloth to rub the mixture onto the carpet in a circular motion. Finally, use a paper towel to wipe off the excess paste. Just press it, no need to rub.
Step 8. Treat the blood stain with starch paste
Mix the clothes starch and water in equal proportions in a bucket. Stir the ingredients until the paste is quite firm. Apply the paste on the blood stain and let it sit for 30 minutes. Then rub the mixture so that it soaks in with a washcloth. You can wipe off excess paste with a damp paper towel.
Step 9. Clean the gum stains after freezing it
Place an ice cube or two on the gum stuck to the carpet. Leave it for about 10 minutes. This will cause the gum to harden (freeze). Then, you can use a scraper, or fingernail and remove the gum. Finally, wash the area where the gum was used with a damp washcloth and let it dry.
Step 10. Use borax to get rid of animal odors
If pets stay in the car for a long time, the car tends to give off animal odors. Sprinkle borax on the carpet area. Let stand for an hour so that the borax can work to eradicate the odor. After that, use a vacuum cleaner to clean the borax, then wipe with a dry washcloth.
Step 11. Rub in the meat tenderizer mixture
Take a bucket and mix equal parts cold water and meat tenderizer. Stir until the meat tenderizer dissolves. After that, apply it to the stained area using a towel. Let the mixture sit on the stain for 30 minutes. Then, you can clean the area with a damp washcloth and let it dry.
Tips
- Make sure you always use circular motions when scrubbing the stain.
- Don't work in a hurry. We recommend that you set aside 2-3 hours to clean the entire carpet.
- You're better off scrubbing two or three times, rather than letting the stain sink in too far.
- If you're trying to use a homemade cleaner, it's a good idea to test it on a hidden area first. If there is damage, no one will see because it is hidden.
Warning
- Do not make the carpet too wet as this will cause mold to grow and damage the underside of the carpet.
- Buy cleaning products that are safe for the skin. If you have allergies, be sure to check the label on the bottle.
- Wear protective gloves when cleaning carpets, especially if you use a hydrogen peroxide mixture.
