How to clean your car carpets like a pro

Keeping a tidy home is part of the daily routine for many. But it’s easy to forget that our cars also need regular sprucing up. Even though a car’s interior isn’t as exposed to the elements as its exterior, it’s still crucial to give it a good scrub or wash. 

You’ve likely got your house cleaning tools sorted, but your car might need a different set of gear, particularly when it comes to its carpets. They gather all sorts of grime, from pet hair to food crumbs, and various stains. If you reckon you’ve neglected your car’s interiors for too long and want to finally learn how to clean car carpet dirt, continue reading.

Preparing for car carpet cleaning

Cleaning a car carpet can be tiresome, so it’s important to prep accordingly to avoid any inconvenience. A good way to prevent unnecessary pauses during the process is to gather all the materials you may need beforehand. These include:

• A brush;

• A sponge;

• Dish soap or carpet cleaner;

• Stain removers;

• A vacuum cleaner; and

• A towel or rag.
  
  

You should also have a hose and bucket handy, as well as access to water. After ensuring you have these items within reach, remove the following from the car interior:

• Trash, such as leftover plastic cups and napkins on the car floor;

• Any valuables that might get wet during the cleaning process; and

• Car floor mats.

How to remove dirt or stains from your car carpets

Step 1: Vacuum the carpets thoroughly

Vacuum your car’s carpets to remove loose dirt, hair, and dust. Leave no corners untouched, including under the front and back seats and pedals.

Step 2: Use the right stain remover

Treat all the stains on the carpets by using the appropriate stain remover. Here’s how to deal with some common car carpet blemishes:

• Mud: Use a few drops of dish soap with warm water to soften any hardened mud. Leave it for a few minutes before wiping it with a rag.
  
  

• Blood: Unlike mud, blood should not be treated with warm water. Instead, use club soda or cold water and then rub with a towel.
  
  

• Fat-based stains: If there’s discolouration due to butter, olive oil, or other fat-rich products, the best way to clean car carpets is to let baking soda sit for a couple of hours, then sweep the powder away and apply rubbing alcohol to the spot.
  
  

• Pet urine: With pee, the problem is not just the stain but the odour as well. To get rid of both, spray a vinegar solution on the stain. The solution must be equal parts water and vinegar (one cup each), along with two teaspoons of baking soda. Wait a couple of minutes before dabbing with a towel.
   

Step 3: Wash the carpets well

After removing the stains, the next step in car carpet cleaning involves washing the entire surface with carpet shampoo and a brush. Make sure to scrub thoroughly when cleaning the wet car carpet to eliminate all remaining dirt and grime.

Step 4: Remove all cleaning solution residue

Rub the carpets with a wet towel or sponge to remove any residue from your cleaning solutions. Do not rinse the carpets with a water hose or use a soaking wet rag because excessive dampness may ruin them due to possible mould growth.

Step 5: Wait for the carpets to dry

Keep your car’s doors ajar for ventilation while it’s drying out in the sun. Ensure the carpets are completely dry before wrapping things up so they won’t smell bad afterwards.

How to clean car mats

Cleaning car floor mats—whether they’re made of fabric, rubber, or another material—is also essential since their dirt can be easily transferred to the car interior. The best way to clean car carpet mats, which may come before or after cleaning car carpets, involves:

1. Taking the mats out of the vehicle;

2. Shaking them to remove all the loose dirt;

3. Placing them on a flat surface (such as the floor) and vacuuming both sides;

4. Using dish soap, water, and a brush or sponge to scrub both surfaces of the mats;

5. Applying the right cleaning solution to treat stains;

6. Rinsing the mats using a water hose;

7. Towelling them dry; and

8. Hanging them or using a vacuum to dry them further.

Clean your car carpets and mats easily with Airtasker

If you’d prefer to spend your precious time with your friends and family and focus on more significant matters, let Airtasker help you find a reliable service provider who can give your car’s carpets a thorough clean. All you need to do is post a task on the site and provide relevant info, such as:

• Your vehicle’s make and model;

• The level and type of carpet cleaning your car requires;

• Your location; and

• Your budget.
  
  

After Taskers respond to your post, you are free to choose which one among them you’d like to conduct business with.

Airtasker can also help with other kinds of car interior cleaning, as well as car detailing solutions in your location of choice. Additionally, the platform is a good resource for vehicle owners since it has guides on how much related services—such as car washing and car servicing—usually cost.