How to Clean and Protect Rubber Floor Mats

Keeping your rubber floor mats clean isn’t just about looks—it’s about keeping your ride fresh and funk-free. Over time, dirt, mud, and all sorts of gunk can pile up on your mats, threatening your car’s carpet and even unleashing some funky odors. Regular cleaning not only keeps them looking sharp but also boosts their lifespan. Enter Mat ReNew Rubber + Vinyl Floor Mat Cleaner your secret weapon for a hassle-free clean.

Just follow these steps, and your rubber mats will be as good as new!

Prepare Your Gear

Before diving into mat-cleaning glory, gather your supplies like a pro to make this job a breeze. Here’s your must-have lineup:

  • Mat ReNew Rubber + Vinyl Floor Mat Cleaner
    The MVP of mat cleaners—it wipes away grime, restores that fresh-out-of-the-box look, and keeps them non-slip without the greasy aftermath. Clean, restore, protect—all in one go.
  • Microfiber Towels
    For that streak-free, water-spot-free finish—because shiny mats are happy mats.
  • Pro Blow Dryer (Optional but Awesome)
    Want to flex? Dry those mats in record time like a pro detailer.

Step 1: Remove and Shake Off Debris from Car Mats

Remove Dirty Floor Mats

Carefully (but with purpose) pull the rubber mats from your car. Give them a good shake—get as much dirt and debris off as you can, so you’re not scrubbing extra later.

Step 2: Rinse Off the Car Mats

Rinse off car mats

Lay those mats flat and unleash your high-pressure hose to blast off all that surface-level grime. Focus on the grooves where dirt loves to hide. No hose? No worries—just dunk 'em in a bucket and give 'em a good rinse.

Step 3: Apply Mat ReNew Rubber + Vinyl Cleaner

Apply Mat ReNew Rubber

Now it’s showtime! Spray Mat ReNew all over your mats like you mean it. Let it sit for a few minutes to really soak in and break down all that dirt and grime embedded in the rubber. This gives the cleaner time to do the heavy lifting before you start scrubbing.

Pro Tip: For that extra oomph, spray some cleaner right onto your brush before scrubbing for a deeper, more satisfying clean.

Step 4: Scrub the Rubber Car Mats

Scrub Car Mats

Scrubbing your rubber floor mats is key to removing deeply embedded dirt and grime from all those grooves and ridges. Here’s how to get the job done using either a stiff hand brush or a scrubbing brush drill attachment:

Using a Stiff Hand Brush:

  1. Hold the mat steady: Use one hand to hold it down while scrubbing with the other.
  2. Small, circular motions: Focus on ridges, grooves, and corners where grime collects.
  3. Moderate pressure: Let the stiff bristles dig into textured areas to lift stubborn dirt.
  4. Tough spots: Scrub extra on problem areas until the grime starts to loosen.

Using a Scrubbing Brush Drill Attachment:

  1. Scrubbing Brush Drill Attachment: Tighten it into your drill like a regular bit.
  2. Set speed: Use a low to medium drill speed to avoid splashing or damaging your mats.
  3. Guide the drill: Hold the mat with one hand and guide the drill in slow, circular motions.
  4. Focus on small areas: Don’t rush—let the brush work its magic on the grooves and ridges.

This approach will make sure your mats are thoroughly cleaned, whether you're going manual or letting the drill do the heavy lifting.

Step 5: Rinse and Dry the Car Mats

Reinstalling clean car mat

After scrubbing, give the mats a thorough rinse with your hose or water bucket to wash away all the dirt and cleaner residue. Leaving any product behind can attract dirt and make the mats sticky over time, so make sure they’re fully rinsed.

For drying:

  • Blot with a microfiber towel: Absorb excess water to speed up the drying process.
  • Use a Pro Blow Dryer For a spotless, quick dry.
  • Air dry: If you don't have a dryer handy, just let the mats air dry.

Ensure they’re completely dry before reinstalling to prevent moisture buildup in your car.

Frequent Questions About Cleaning Rubber Car Mats

Why should I clean my rubber car mats regularly?

Well, unless you enjoy stepping into a swamp of dirt, grime, and mystery stains every time you drive, regular cleaning is your ticket to keeping your car fresh and not smelling like a locker room. Plus, dirty mats wear out faster—so if you’d rather not replace them every few months, scrub ‘em.

Do I have to remove the mats from the car to clean them?

You technically could try cleaning them while still in the car... but unless you're into spraying cleaner all over your interior or soaking your floorboards, it's probably best to take them out. Trust me, it’s way easier, and you can actually get all the dirt and grime without turning your car into a wet mess.

Do I need a high-pressure hose to clean the mats?

A high-pressure hose is a boon for cleaning mats, but it's not the only option in your cleaning arsenal. If you’ve got one, great! It’ll blast away dirt like nobody’s business. But if not, no sweat. A regular garden hose or even a bucket of water will do just fine. Just make sure to rinse them well to keep those mats looking fresh.

How hard should I scrub the mats?

You want to apply moderate pressure to let those stiff bristles dig into the grooves and kick dirt to the curb. If you encounter stubborn grime, feel free to give it a little extra love, but don’t go overboard.

How long should I let Mat ReNew sit before scrubbing?

Let that Mat ReNew soak in for about 3-5 minutes before you unleash your cleaning fury. This gives the cleaner enough time to work its magic, breaking down the dirt and grime so you can work it out with elbow grease. Just don’t forget about it—this isn’t a “set it and forget it” situation.

Will Mat ReNew make my mats slippery?

Nope! Mat ReNew is all about that clean without the slip. It’s designed to restore your mats' original shine and color without leaving behind a slippery residue.

Do I need to apply additional products to restore the shine?

Not at all! Mat ReNew does all the heavy lifting. It cleans, restores, and protects your rubber mats in one go, leaving them shiny and fabulous without needing any extra products. Just spray, and scrub, and you’re good to go.

How often should I clean my rubber car mats?

Generally, giving them a good scrub every few weeks is a solid plan, especially if you're tracking in dirt, mud, or crumbs from those snack attacks.

Back to Interior How-To's

Shop the Products

1 of 5