We clean car mats outside the vehicle, choosing the method for the material. Suitable rubber mats can be scrubbed with correctly diluted AutoBead All Purpose Cleaner, while carpet mats need an upholstery-safe cleaner and controlled moisture. Dry both completely before refitting them securely. Koch-Chemie Gummifix is an optional finish for compatible rubber mats where slip resistance is required; leaving them clean and bare is also a sensible choice.
How do you clean rubber car mats?
We clean suitable rubber mats with a compatible diluted cleaner and a brush the surface can tolerate, then rinse and dry them. Dressing is optional; never use tyre shine or anything that leaves the mat slippery.
- Take them out: knock or rinse off the loose dirt and grit.
- Spray a diluted all-purpose cleaner: check the mat's care instructions, then apply AutoBead All Purpose Cleaner at the appropriate label dilution if compatible. Start with the mildest effective mixture and agitate gently.
- Scrub the grooves: rubber mats hold dirt in their channels and texture, so use a stiff brush. A stiff nylon brush such as our TDHQ Tire Brush gets into the pattern well.
- Rinse thoroughly: use a hose or pressure washer and stand the mats up to drain.
- Dry them completely: let them dry fully, then refit them using the correct fixings. Check that the driver's mat cannot move into the pedals.
- Dress them with a non-slip product: if you want a finishing product, Koch-Chemie Gummifix is designed for suitable rubber foot mats and plastic floors where slip resistance is needed. It is optional and cannot repair worn rubber. Apply it evenly with a sponge or spray bottle to clean, dry mats and leave it to dry.
How do you clean carpet car mats?
We vacuum carpet mats thoroughly before introducing cleaner, then use only enough moisture to clean the pile. Dry the backing as well as the surface; trapped damp can contribute to musty smells and condensation.
- Beat and vacuum: shake or beat the mats against a wall to loosen grit buried in the pile, then vacuum both sides.
- Lift hair and lint: if you have pets, draw a Green Interior Pet Hair Remover Block over the mat first; the hair gathers into a roll you can lift off.
- Clean the pile: spray an upholstery-safe cleaner such as Stjarnagloss Inni, made for both hard and soft interior surfaces, or AutoBead All Purpose Cleaner, diluted 10:1 for heavy interior soiling and up to 30:1 for general use.
- Agitate: work the cleaner into the pile with a brush in two directions.
- Lift the dirt: blot and wipe with a clean, damp microfibre, or use a wet vacuum or extractor if you have one, and repeat on stubborn stains.
- Dry completely: hang them or stand them up somewhere warm and airy. Damp carpet mats put back in the car are what cause musty smells and steamed-up windows.
What is the best thing to clean car mats with?
We choose the cleaner and brush for the mat, not simply for the amount of dirt. These options cover robust rubber, carpet and pet hair; check compatibility and current availability on the product pages.
For both rubber and carpet mats. Dilute it 10:1 for heavy interior soiling and up to 30:1 for general use; it is not suitable for leather.
A gentler all-surface interior cleaner for carpet mats and the rest of the cabin.
The finishing care for rubber mats, made to keep slip resistance.
Maxshine Carpet Lint and Hair Removal Brush
A rubber brush for gathering hair and lint from suitable carpet and upholstery before vacuuming.
Our stiff nylon brush, made for tyres and handy for the grooves of rubber mats.
Car mat cleaning at a glance
| Mat | Clean with | Agitate with | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rubber | Diluted all-purpose cleaner | Stiff nylon brush | Rinse and dry; compatible mat treatment is optional |
| Carpet | Interior or all-purpose cleaner | Brush in two directions | Blot or extract, dry completely |
| Carpet with pet hair | Rubber block or brush first | Short strokes | Then vacuum and clean |
Common questions
How do you make car mats look new again?
For rubber mats, we start with a thorough clean. A suitable non-slip care product can improve the appearance afterwards, but it will not restore missing texture or repair cracks. For carpet mats, a deep clean that lifts the trodden-in dirt brings the colour back, and brushing the pile up while it is still damp helps it dry evenly. Worn-through carpet or split rubber cannot be brought back by any product.
Can you use tyre shine or dressing on rubber car mats?
No. Glossy tyre dressings and silicone sprays make rubber slippery, and a mat under the pedals must never be slippery. Use only a product made to keep slip resistance, such as Gummifix, or leave the mats clean and bare.
Can you put car mats in the washing machine?
We would not. The rubber backing on carpet mats can break up in a machine, and the mats take a long time to dry. We prefer a brush, a suitable cleaner and controlled extraction where available, following the mat maker's instructions. Carpet backing should not be soaked unless its care guidance allows it.
For the rest of the carpets and seats, see how to clean car seats and carpets, and for choosing a cleaner, the best car interior cleaner.
Lift embedded fur first using our pet-hair removal method.
If a smell remains after the mats are fully dry, use our odour-control guide to distinguish cleaning from fragrance.
Need help?
Tell the TDHQ team what your mats are made of and how dirty they are, and we will point you to the right cleaner. You can also browse every all purpose cleaner, interior cleaner and the full AutoBead range.
Last updated 16 October 2026.
