How to Clean Odor-Ridden Car Carpets
- First, remove the floor mats from the car and shake them to remove dust and debris. Take out the carpet and shake it to remove all dust, debris, and other trash. It’s best to place the carpet in a dry place next to the car.
- Use a specialized carpet cleaner to scrub the floor mats. Spray the cleaner onto the surface of the mats, let it sit for about 10 minutes, then scrub with a brush. This will make it easier to remove stains.
After scrubbing the floor mats, rinse them thoroughly with clean water to remove all cleaning agent residue. Make sure to rinse the cleaner completely, otherwise, there will be residue.
- Let them air dry in a cool, ventilated place. If the floor mats are made of leather, it’s best not to expose them to direct sunlight, as this will damage the carpet and leave an unpleasant leather smell.
- Use a car vacuum cleaner to clean the crevices and gaps under the car’s interior. The vacuum cleaner should reach under the pedals, seats, and crevices to remove dust, debris, and trash left inside the car.
Spray carpet cleaner onto the carpet surface, then leave it for about 10 minutes. Gently brush the carpet, one stroke at a time. For areas with stubborn stains or heavy buildup, brush repeatedly.
Dampen the areas where you applied the cleaner with a damp cloth, wiping away as much of the cleaner as possible. Be careful not to overwet the carpet, as this can cause mold growth underneath.
Open all car doors and let the car air dry in the sun for several hours until the carpet is completely dry.
How to clean oily car carpets:
Use a vacuum cleaner to initially remove the oil stains.
Dilute an oil-dissolving solution in water and use the mixture to scrub the oil-soaked carpet.
Spray some cleaner onto the oil stains using a spray bottle, then use a high-temperature steam cleaner to heat and remove the oil while simultaneously vacuuming it up.
Finally, wipe the carpet dry with a towel.