How to Clean Car Mats Properly (Carpet + Rubber) – Step-by-Step UK Guide

Let’s be honest: car mats are the true heroes of your car.

They take muddy boots, wet umbrellas, dog paws, spilled coffees, the crumbs from that “quick snack”, and whatever mysterious substance your kids brought in from school… and they just sit there quietly absorbing it all like absolute legends.

But here’s the thing: if you don’t clean them properly, your car starts smelling like a damp sock drawer, your carpets get stained, and you’ll eventually end up with mould hiding under your feet (gross).

So whether you’ve got rubber mats, carpet mats, or those sad flimsy universal ones you’ve been tolerating since 2016 — here’s the proper way to clean car mats, UK style.

Yes, you want them to look nice. But that’s only half the story.

Dirty car mats can:

1. Trap moisture (hello damp smell)
2. Grow bacteria/mould underneath
3. Stain your car’s actual carpet
4. Make your interior look older than it is
5. Reduce resale value (buyers judge interiors HARD)

If you’ve ever got into your car and thought:

......“Why does it smell… wet?”

It’s probably the mats.

Rubber car mats

Best for:

✅ winter

✅ muddy boots

✅ dog owners

✅ city drivers who hate faff

Carpet car mats (standard + premium)

Best for:

✅ Comfort

✅ Sound dampening

✅ Nicer interiors

✅ A “clean and classy” look

At newcarmats.co.uk, you’ve got 5 grades of carpet mats plus rubber mats, all made custom-fit for your exact car, which is a huge deal because proper fit = better coverage = less mess reaching your floor.

Rubber mats are the easiest. They’re basically waterproof shields.

What you’ll need

✅ Hose / watering can

✅ Bucket of warm water

✅ Mild cleaner (washing up liquid works)

✅ Stiff brush

Step-by-step

1. Remove mats from the car

Don’t clean them inside the footwell — you’ll just move dirt around.

2. Shake the life out of them

Do this outside unless you want your driveway to become a gravel pit.

3. Rinse

Hose off loose dirt.

4.Scrub

Focus on grooves (they trap grit like crazy).

5. Rinse again

Until water runs clear.

6. Dry properly

Let them drip-dry in open air. Don’t throw them back in soaking wet.

Pro tip (UK winter edition)

If you’ve got salt/grit on your mats (you will in winter), rinse them quickly. Salt residue can get everywhere and be more of a challenge to clean later!

Carpet mats are the ones that need the “proper” treatment.

What you’ll need

✅ Vacuum

✅ Soft brush

✅ Carpet cleaner / upholstery cleaner

✅ Microfibre towels

✅ Baking soda (optional but brilliant)

Step-by-step

1. Remove mats + vacuum both sides

Vacuum like you mean it. Get into corners. Lift fibres.

2. Beat them (yes really)

Hit them against a wall/fence to remove embedded grit.

3. Pre-treat stains

Spray stained areas with upholstery cleaner and let it sit 2–5 mins.

4. Scrub gently

Use a soft brush. Don’t go savage — you’ll fray the fibres.

5. Blot, don’t soak

Car mats hate being drenched. Blot with microfibre towels.

6. Dry properly (MOST IMPORTANT STEP)

Dry them somewhere airy:

- Garage with door open

- Porch

- Near a window

Avoid:

- Chucking them on a radiator (can warp the backing of the mats)

- Leaving them in a damp shed

Mud stains

1. Let mud dry

2. Vacuum first

3. Then treat stains with an interior cleaner

Coffee

1. Blot immediately

2. Use upholstery cleaner

3. Don’t rub (spreads the stain)

Oil/grease

1. Sprinkle baking soda

2. Leave 30 mins

3. Vacuum

4. Then use an interior cleaner

If mats smell even after cleaning:

1. Sprinkle baking soda

2. Leave overnight

3. Vacuum thoroughly

If it’s still smelly, check underneath mats as the floor may be damp and / or mould may be forming.

If your mats:

👉 Have worn-through patches

👉 Smell permanently damp

👉 Have curled edges

👉 Don’t stay in place

…it’s time.

And honestly? Custom-fit mats are the cheat code for keeping your car clean long-term.

Can I machine wash car mats?

Rubber mats — no. Carpet mats — we don't recommend it, machine washing can damage backing. Hand clean is far safer.

What’s the best cleaner for car mats?

Upholstery cleaner for carpet mats and mild soap for rubber mats. There are many good brands on the market, feel free to contact us and we can recommend some products for you.

Can wet mats cause mould?

Yes — damp mats trap moisture underneath, which can lead to mould and nasty smells.

How often should I clean car mats?

Light clean monthly, deep clean every 2–3 months — more in winter.

✅ Final Thoughts: Car Mat Cleaning and general maintenance.

Cleaning your car mats properly isn’t just about keeping things looking nice — it’s one of the easiest ways to protect your car’s interior from mud, salt, bacteria, stains, and bad smells (especially in UK winter weather). The key is simple: rubber mats need a rinse + scrub, while carpet car mats need a proper vacuum, stain treatment, and (most importantly) thorough drying to stop damp and mould.

If your current mats are worn, curling, permanently smelly, or constantly sliding around, it might be time to upgrade. A set of custom-fit car mats makes a massive difference — they cover more of your floor, stay in place properly, and help keep your carpets cleaner for longer.

✅ Want mats that actually fit your car? Head over to our car mat finder to find custom-made rubber or carpet mats for your exact vehicle — and right now you can get up to 60% off across the site.