How do you clean dirty floor mats?

To clean dirty floor mats, remove them from the space, shake or vacuum out loose debris, wash with water and a material-appropriate cleaner, scrub to lift grime, rinse thoroughly, and let them dry completely before reinstalling.

This guide covers common mat materials—rubber, vinyl, and carpeted or fabric mats used in homes and vehicles—and provides step-by-step methods, safety tips, and maintenance advice to keep mats clean and reduce grime tracking indoors.

Types of floor mats

Floor mats come in several common materials, each needing a slightly different cleaning approach. The sections below cover rubber/vinyl mats, carpeted or fabric mats, and traditional doormats or exterior mats.

Rubber and vinyl mats

These mats resist moisture well and are often hose-cleanable. Use basic detergents and a stiff brush for grime without harsh solvents.

1. Remove the mats from the space and shake or beat out loose dirt from both sides.


2. Rinse the mats with water to remove surface grime.


3. Apply a mild detergent or degreasing soap diluted in water and scrub with a stiff-bristle brush.


4. Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue.


5. If needed, soak for a few minutes to loosen tough grime, then scrub again and rinse.


6. Allow to air-dry completely in a shaded area away from direct heat or sunlight to prevent cracking or fading.


7. Reinstall once fully dry; you may apply a rubber conditioner designed for mats to maintain flexibility if desired.

Rubber and vinyl mats typically dry quickly, and routine cleaning helps prevent cracking and odor buildup. Avoid using bleach or high-heat drying, which can damage the material.

Carpeted and fabric mats

Carpeted mats trap more dirt and can stain; they benefit from vacuuming, spot treatment, and careful washing. If the mat is machine washable per label, you can use a gentle cycle.

1. Vacuum both sides thoroughly to lift embedded dirt and dust.


2. Pretreat stains with a carpet cleaner or a solution of mild detergent and water; for odors, sprinkle baking soda and let sit before brushing off.


3. If the mat is machine washable (check label): place it in the washer with cold water and a mild detergent; run a gentle cycle and an extra rinse. Avoid bleach unless the label permits it.


4. If hand washing: mix warm water with mild detergent in a tub, submerge the mat, scrub with a soft or nylon brush, and rinse until clear.


5. Gently squeeze out excess water (avoid twisting) and press with towels to remove more moisture.


6. Air-dry completely, preferably flat or over a rack to maintain shape; do not use high heat to dry.

Carpeted mats require patience to dry fully to prevent mildew. Some textures may shrink slightly if machine washed; always follow manufacturer guidance.

Doormats and exterior mats

Entry mats—especially coir, jute, or natural fibers—are not always machine-washable and can shed fibers if scrubbed too hard. Use a gentler approach and focus on surface cleaning.

• Loosen dirt by shaking vigorously and vacuuming both sides to remove loose material.


• Wash with a mild soap or detergent and warm water; use a soft brush to avoid fraying natural fibers.


• Rinse thoroughly to remove soap residue; for synthetic mats, a light scrub may suffice.


• For mold or mildew, spray a solution of white vinegar and water or a mild enzymatic cleaner, then rinse and dry completely.


• Lay flat or hang to dry in a well-ventilated area; avoid storing until fully dry to prevent odors and mold.

Natural-fiber doormats require careful handling; rubber-backed or synthetic mats are generally more forgiving and easier to clean. Always check care labels before aggressive cleaning.

Stains, odors, and mold prevention

Stains and odors are common, especially in entryways and vehicles. Quick action minimizes set-in stains and mold risk.

• Treat fresh stains promptly with appropriate cleaners; avoid rubbing dirt deeper into fibers.


• For odors, sprinkle baking soda, let sit, then vacuum; for stubborn smells, consider an enzymatic cleaner designed for fabrics.


• To prevent mold, ensure mats are thoroughly dry before reinstallation; use fans or dehumidifiers in damp spaces if needed.


• Avoid mixing different cleaners unless recommended by the product label to prevent chemical reactions.


• Rotate or replace mats showing wear to maintain effective cleaning and traction.

With timely treatment and proper drying, mats stay fresher and last longer. If mildew persists on natural fibers, replacement is often the most practical option.

Maintenance, drying, and storage

Ongoing care extends the life of your mats and reduces indoor grime. Drying methods and storage decisions matter as much as cleaning.

1. Regularly vacuum or shake out mats to prevent buildup of dirt and debris.


2. Rotate mats seasonally if they wear unevenly due to foot traffic or sun exposure.


3. Dry mats completely after cleaning, using shade for rubber to prevent drying cracks; avoid high heat sources.


4. Store spare mats flat or rolled in a dry, ventilated area to prevent moisture and odor development.

Consistent maintenance helps protect interior flooring and keeps entryways looking tidy. If mats show significant wear or cracking, consider replacement.

Summary

Cleaning floor mats depends on material and location. Rubber and vinyl mats respond well to simple washing with mild detergent and thorough rinsing; carpeted mats benefit from vacuuming, spot cleaning, and gentle washing when appropriate; doormats require attention to natural fibers and thorough drying. Always check manufacturer care labels, avoid harsh solvents, and ensure mats are completely dry before reinstalling to prevent mold and odor. Regular maintenance will extend mat life and keep spaces cleaner.

Is it better to shampoo or steam clean mats?

Although we offer both approaches, in our opinion, steam cleaning tends to be the better option in most situations. Here's why: It can usually remove ingrained dirt more effectively – particularly stubborn stains that have embedded themselves deep into the fibres.

Can you use Dawn dish soap on floor mats?

If you don't have any car detailing products, a spray bottle filled with water and two squirts of dawn dish soap will work just fine and won't damage your carpet.

How to clean really dirty floor mats?

The best way to clean floor mats is to first remove loose dirt by shaking and vacuuming, then apply a dedicated carpet or all-purpose cleaner and scrub with a brush. After the cleaner has worked, thoroughly rinse the mats and let them dry completely before putting them back in the car.
 
This video demonstrates how to clean car floor mats effectively: 59sBMWBLOGYouTube · May 3, 2024
Step 1: Remove loose dirt

• Take the mats out of the car and give them a good shake to dislodge as much dirt as possible. 
• Vacuum both the top and bottom of the mats to remove any remaining dust, dirt, and debris. 

Step 2: Wash the mats 

• Apply a carpet cleaner or a mild detergent solution to the mats. 
• For tough stains, use a cleaner designed for floor mats and allow it to sit for a few minutes. 
• Scrub the mats thoroughly with a brush to lift stains and ground-in dirt. 
• For rubber mats, a simple hose-off with soap and water is often sufficient. 

You can also watch this video for a step-by-step guide on cleaning rubber floor mats: 36sChemical GuysYouTube · Sep 6, 2025
Step 3: Rinse and dry 

• Rinse the mats completely to remove all soap and loosened dirt. 
• If you have a wet vacuum, use it to suck up excess water, which helps them dry faster. 
• Hang the mats to air dry completely. Ensure they are fully dry before placing them back in the car to prevent a damp, musty smell. 

What do car detailers use to clean floor mats?

We've picked five products that work wonders on various materials.

• Tuff Stuff Multi-Purpose Foam Cleaner Spray.
• Meguiar's Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner.
• Chemical Guys Inner Clean Interior Quick Detailer Spray.
• ProElite All-Surface Interior Spray Cleaner.
• Armor All Extreme Shield Protectant Spray.