How to Clean Carpet In Your Car

You’ve spilled something in your car and you want to clean it up. You might go straight for the vacuum cleaner, but that’s not always the best way to get rid of stains. If you’re looking for a more thorough approach, then keep reading! This guide will help teach you how to clean carpets in your car by using specific methods and products that are safe for use on automotive carpeting.

Step 1: Remove your car floor mats

Remove the car mats from your car completely and give them a good shake. You may want to vacuum the mats as well. If your mats are rubber, use warm water and some dish soap and give them a good scrub.

Step 2: Vacuum

Use a small handheld vacuum to vacuum the carpet. Use whatever vacuum accessories and attachments you have to help get into the various hard-to-reach places in your vehicle.

Step 3: Spot Clean Stains

If you have specific stains you are trying to clean, now is the time to tackle them directly. If your stains are light, you may be able to remove these with some carpet shampoo and gentle scrubbing.

For tougher stains, consider one of these products:

You can also use an old toothbrush in order to get rid of stubborn spots. Make sure that the product is safe to be used on car carpets before using it!

Pro tip: If you have odours that you want to remove from your carpet, try sprinkling baking soda in the affected areas and leave it for 1-2 hours before vacuuming.

Step 4: Carpet Shampoo

Select a carpet shampoo and follow the instructions. This will usually involve using a soft brush to work the shampoo into the carpet. Try not to apply excess water or other liquid to your carpets at they can be difficult to dry and lingering moisture can lead to mould growth and other problems.

Carpet Cleaning FAQ

How often should I clean carpet in my car?

This largely comes down to personal preference and how often your vehicle sees dirt or spills. Cleaning every year would be a good idea for most people though.

How do you get old stains out of car carpet?

The best way to get out old stains is by using a stain remover or carpet shampoo. Be sure to follow the instructions on the packaging and not to scrub too hard as this can damage the carpet fibres.

What household product can I use to clean my car carpet?

There are a number of household products which can be used to clean car carpet, such as baking soda and vinegar. However, we would always recommend using something designed specifically for this purpose, such as Autoglym Interior Shampoo or Bissell SpotClean Portable Upholstery Carpet Washer.

How much does it cost to replace carpet in a car?

The cost of replacing car carpet will depend on a number of factors such as the make and model, how much work is involved to remove it from the vehicle etc.

How do you put new carpet in your car?

Completely replacing the carpet in your vehicle is not small task and is best to be done by a professional. If you want to tackle this job yourself, follow a guide like this.

Which is better rubber or carpet car mats?

Rubber car mats are best for drivers who spend a lot of time in their vehicles. They offer better traction when you’re on the go and they don’t tend to get as dirty or attract as much dirt.