How to make WeatherTech mats look new again?
WeatherTech mats are a popular choice for car owners due to their durability and ability to protect your vehicle's interior from dirt, spills, and wear. However, over time, these mats can accumulate grime, stains, and lose their original luster. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to restore your WeatherTech mats to their like-new condition.
Why Clean Your WeatherTech Mats Regularly?
Regular cleaning of your WeatherTech mats not only keeps your car looking great but also extends the life of the mats. Dirt and debris can cause wear and tear over time, and stains can become harder to remove if left untreated. A clean mat also ensures a healthier environment inside your vehicle by reducing allergens and bacteria.
What You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather the following supplies to make the cleaning process easier and more effective:
- Vacuum cleaner
- Garden hose or bucket of water
- Soft-bristle brush or sponge
- Mild dish soap or a specialized rubber mat cleaner
- Microfiber cloth or towel
- WeatherTech protectant (optional, for added shine and protection)
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning WeatherTech Mats
Follow these steps to restore your WeatherTech mats to their original condition:
- Step 1: Remove the Mats
Take the mats out of your vehicle to prevent dirt and water from getting inside your car during the cleaning process.
- Step 2: Shake Off Loose Dirt
Shake the mats vigorously to remove loose dirt, debris, and dust. You can also use a vacuum cleaner to remove stubborn particles.
- Step 3: Rinse with Water
Use a garden hose or a bucket of water to rinse the mats thoroughly. Make sure to remove as much surface dirt as possible before applying soap.
- Step 4: Apply Soap and Scrub
Mix a small amount of mild dish soap with water or use a specialized rubber mat cleaner. Apply the solution to the mats and scrub gently with a soft-bristle brush or sponge. Pay extra attention to grooves and textured areas where dirt tends to accumulate.
- Step 5: Rinse Again
Rinse the mats thoroughly with clean water to remove all soap residue. Leftover soap can leave streaks or make the mats slippery.
- Step 6: Dry the Mats
Use a microfiber cloth or towel to dry the mats completely. Allow them to air dry if needed, but avoid direct sunlight for prolonged periods, as this can cause fading.
- Step 7: Apply Protectant (Optional)
If you want to restore the original shine and add a layer of protection, apply a WeatherTech protectant or a similar product designed for rubber mats. Follow the instructions on the product for best results.
Tips for Maintaining Your WeatherTech Mats
To keep your mats looking new for longer, consider these maintenance tips:
- Clean your mats regularly to prevent dirt buildup.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive brushes that can damage the mats.
- Use a protectant periodically to maintain the mats' appearance and durability.
- Store the mats flat when not in use to prevent warping.
Conclusion
With proper care and maintenance, your WeatherTech mats can continue to protect your vehicle and look great for years to come. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily restore their original appearance and ensure they remain a functional and stylish part of your car’s interior.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to restore a rubber mat?
How to Make Rubber Floor Mats Black Again: 7 Steps for Success
- Lift the Mat and Take it Outside.
- Spray Down the Mat.
- Spray the Mat with a Cleaning Solution.
- Let it Sit, Then Scrub.
- Rinse the Mat and Check Your Work.
- Allow the Mat to Dry.
- Use a Restorative Protectant Product.
How do you get WeatherTech mats to lay flat?
In order to get them back into their best shape, we recommend that you lay them out on a flat surface in a room temperature location. Before installing your Floor Mats or Floor Liners, applying a coat of TechCare® FloorLiner and FloorMat Protector is a great way to extend their life.
How do I make my WeatherTech mats look new again?
First vacuum the sand and loose stuff off the mats. Then, spray the mats with foaming window cleaner, let it sit on there for like 20 seconds and then wipe off, the mats look like new again. (Got this tip from a Tundra owners website.)
How to restore black rubber car mats?
How to Make Rubber Floor Mats Black Again: 7 Steps for Success
- Lift the Mat and Take it Outside.
- Spray Down the Mat.
- Spray the Mat with a Cleaning Solution.
- Let it Sit, Then Scrub.
- Rinse the Mat and Check Your Work.
- Allow the Mat to Dry.
- Use a Restorative Protectant Product.
Can you use WD-40 on WeatherTech mats?
I use 303 Aerospace Protectant. It keeps the mats from drying out and cracking. How do I make my WeatherTech floor mats look brand new? Use WD40––it takes off grime that is baked in and leaves a shiny residue.
Can you use Armor All on WeatherTech floor mats?
We do not recommend the use of Armor-All®, Son-of-a-Gun® or any other silicone-based surface treatment, as this will make the surface slippery. 1) REMOVE ALL OTHER FLOOR MATS FROM THE VEHICLE. 2) Select the correct WeatherTech® FloorLiner™ or All-Weather Floor Mat for the appropriate floor location of the vehicle.
Can you use Dawn to clean WeatherTech mats?
If you don't have any FloorLiner and FloorMat Cleaner, you can alternatively use any mild detergent and warm water.
How to keep WeatherTech floor mats shiny?
All purpose cleaner or Super Clean, first, scrub, and then rinse. I do this to all my all weather floor matts and they look new. I do it about once a month to keep up on them.
Why are my WeatherTech mats curling up?
If you've used WeatherTech mats for a while, you may already know that curling is inevitable. They have raised lips on the edges. After some time, these edges start curling inwards. These curls allow particles to lodge between your floorboard and your mat.
How to flatten out a WeatherTech cargo mat?
Just place the liner on the floor or in the back of your vehicle and put a weight in each corner (a book works well). After about 15 minutes your liner will remain flat.
