Cleaning rubber floor mats

[Duffyjr]

I spent the money and bought some nice Weathertech floor mats for my truck. I got tired of the cheap ones that get hard once its cold and slide around. Problem is cleaning them with water like they say doesn't get them very clean even with a stiff brush. After some googling I decided to try Meguiar's M39 as the word was no residue left behind. This stuff works great and actually brings back the grip to the rubber. I also use it to clean the brake and accelerator petals and it brings back the grip they should have.

This stuff is not cheap and takes quite a bit to clean the floor mats, I have to order it thru Amazon since I can't find it locally. Any one using something similar to clean rubber that's more cost effective.

 

[yvon_la]

Blue beacon truck wash

 

[HerrStig]

Superclean, the famous purple stuff.

 

[Chris142]

Pressure washer?

 

[mrsilv04]

I use tire cleaner and a scrub brush. Rinse them down, shake the water off, and put them back in.

 

[Donald]

I will try the Meguiars M39. When I clean the mats with dish detergent and water they look clean when wet. When they dry they look like I rinsed them with muddy water.

 

[buck91]

O'Reilly has m39 at most locations. If you want a dedicated cleaner check out meguiars "apc" or "all purpose cleaner"

 

[KrisZ]

These are floor mats, there is no reason to overthink it. I use a good degreaser type cleaner, like simple green and a brush. Rinse and apply some tire foam. They look like brand new.

 

[RTexasF]

Zep Citrus cleaner/degreaser is cheap by the gallon at Lowe's and other stores. Dilution instructions are on the bottle. Always worked for me.

 

[bubbatime]

Pressure washer will make them like new

 

[SatinSilver]

Spray some Tarminator on them. It's great on tar, tires and rubber floor mats. Let dwell for a few min and hose off. Enjoy new looking floor mats!

 

[Malo83]

DAWN dishwashing soap works for me, cheap and gets the job done.

 

[BTLew81]

I'd not go real harsh on these. I use some carwash soap, dawn, or even just a gentle household spray cleaner on them. No need, unless they are REALLY bad, to use anything like a heavy degreaser. In fact, that may do more harm than good.

 

[dlundblad]

I've had my Husky mats for about 7 years. Always just took them out, clipped them on the wall at the car wash and gave them a good spray. They are black and look good every time.

 

[Duffyjr]

Originally Posted By: Donald
I will try the Meguiars M39. When I clean the mats with dish detergent and water they look clean when wet. When they dry they look like I rinsed them with muddy water.


Exactly. I first tried what I had laying around, Dawn then Simple green and it did get them clean but looked faded compared to when they were new after they dried. Next I ordered some 303 after reading reviews on how good it was but once again it left them clean but dull. After cleaning with M39 and they dry they look deep black and bring back the grip they loose when the get dirty. Same with the break/accelerator petals. I even put it on the back bumper so my tennis shoes grip better when getting in and out of the box.

I have a foam degreaser but I'm not sure I want to use something so harsh on these.

Donald if you try M39 let me/us know what you think.

Thanks all for you comments, I'm looking into the cost of some of these mentioned. I just looked and the M39 went up a couple more $ since I ordered the last time.

 

[sgtrockjoe]

I use Rubber+Vinyl Mat Renew Floor Mat Cleaner & Protectant from The Chemical Guys with good results. May be a little pricey.

 

[Stewie]

Soapy water and vinegar mix 50/50 for salt removal.

Else just pressure wash

 

[ryanschillinger]

I just hit them with the pressure washer, then spray them down with degreaser. Hit with pressure washer again. If there is anything really stubborn, more degreaser and scrub...

 

[JHZR2]

Originally Posted By: Donald
I will try the Meguiars M39. When I clean the mats with dish detergent and water they look clean when wet. When they dry they look like I rinsed them with muddy water.


+1. This is my problem with rubber mats. A little care with your shoes and carpet mats can look good near forever. Rubber mats look dirty and are tough to get back.

Originally Posted By: KrisZ
These are floor mats, there is no reason to overthink it. I use a good degreaser type cleaner, like simple green and a brush. Rinse and apply some tire foam. They look like brand new.


Does the tire foam leave a residue that gets into the carpets in the car, or create a slippery surface?

 

[KrisZ]

Originally Posted By: JHZR2
Does the tire foam leave a residue that gets into the carpets in the car, or create a slippery surface?


I did not notice any residue on the carpets, I don't even recall having any residue on my shoes.
The first few times I used the tire foam, the matts were slippery, but that's because I used the same amount as on the tires. Now I spray a thin layer, it doesn't even have to cover 100% of the mat and then wipe the residue with a rag. They may not have the same grip as clean rubber, there is a bit of slickness to them, but there is sufficient grip for the shoe soles IMO.