Your car’s interior can get quite dirty at any given time. Whether it’s dirt, leaves, moisture, dust, or you end up spilling something, your car floor can get ruined in an instant. Luckily, there’s a pretty simple, straightforward solution to this problem – car mats. Car mats are pretty much what they sound like – mats that go underneath your car’s pedals, in order to catch any dirt or debris that may fall inside the vehicle. They’re really quite easy to install as well – you just have to place them under your pedal covers and voila! You’ve got yourself a brand-new set of clean carpets!
Not only do these mats protect your vehicle from all sorts of unwanted grime, but they also add an extra layer of protection against moisture as well. After all, what’s worse than getting out of your car after a long drive and realizing that there are drops of water everywhere? Not only is it uncomfortable to step on those wet spots, but they can also cause some pretty nasty stains if not taken care of right away.
Types of Car Mats Based on Materials
Rubber Mats
These are by far the most popular car mats out there. They’re waterproof, durable and made from a high-grade material that’s sure to last for years upon years of use. They come in different colours as well – so if you’re looking for something that matches your vehicle’s interior, then this is definitely an option worth considering!
This type of mat comes with raised bumps all over its surface. These bumps are meant to help catch dirt and debris whenever you step on them, which is why these are great for outdoor use. They’re resistant to all kinds of harsh weather conditions as well – so if you live in an area that gets a lot of rain or snow, then this is the car mat for you!
Vinyl Mats
These mats are perfect for people who want something that feels like carpet underneath their feet. They’re soft and comfortable, which is why they’re really ideal for those long drives where your legs might get sore from sitting in one position for too long. These mats also come with a non-skid design – so you don’t have to worry about them moving around whenever you step on them!
The downside to vinyl mats is that they can be quite slippery at times. If you’re going to be driving in really wet conditions, then it’s best if you take extra precautions when installing these. They’re also not as durable as rubber mats – so they may not last quite as long as their counterpart.
Carpet Mats
This is the most luxurious option out there, and definitely something that will make your vehicle stand out from the rest. These mats come with a carpet-like design, which makes them super comfortable to walk on. They’re made from nylon olefin and are guaranteed for ten years – so you know that these mats will last for quite some time!
The only downside to carpet mats is that they’re pretty expensive. If you want to invest in something that’s really durable and can withstand all kinds of extreme weather conditions, then this is definitely an option worth looking into. However, if cost is a concern of yours, then you should probably go with one of the other two types instead.
How to Clean Car Floor Mats
How you clean the car floor mats will depend on what material they’re made of. However, generally, the process involves the following steps:
1. Vacuuming the Mats
The first thing you should do is vacuum your car mats. This will help remove all the dirt, grime and other unwanted particles that might be stuck in the fabric of your mats.
2. Cleaning with Water
If there are any stains on your floor mats, then you can simply use plain water to clean them off. All you have to do is pour some onto a rag and wipe it over the spots – simple as that!
3. Soak Up the Excess Water
Once you’re done wiping, make sure that there’s no excess water left on your mats. This will help prevent mould growth in the future and ensure that they last for as long as possible.
4. Air Dry Your Mats
After you’ve soaked up all the excess water and ensured that there aren’t any remaining stains, then it’s time to let your car floor mats air dry! Make sure that they’re not sitting right next to any sources of heat (like the sun or radiators), as this will cause them to warp over time.
5. Vacuum Again
Once your mats have dried up, then you should vacuum them again just to make sure that all the dirt and grime have been removed from them. This is also a great way to ensure that no unwanted particles are left behind!
