Got a dirty liner, and want to clean it but how to make rubber floor mats shine? This article is for you.
Your car’s interior needs more attention than the exterior. After all, you spend more time inside the vehicle. The adjustable car seats, smooth steering wheels, and clean carpeting make the drive worthwhile.
Even floor mats play a significant role in improving the interior of your car. And when it comes to floor mats, rubber floor mats are preferred because they are weather-resistant and durable.
The only drawback of using rubber floor mats is that once they lose their luster, they start to spoil the interior of your car.
If your rubber floor mats have also begun to look worn out, and you do not know how to bring them back to life, this post is for you.
Besides discussing how to make rubber floor mats shiny again, these posts also tell you the reasons behind luster loss and tips to prolong it.
How the Rubber Floor Mats Lose Their Shine?
Rubber floor mats are better than vinyl or fabric floor mats because they are long-lasting. However, they lose their shine quickly because of the following reasons:
Sunlight
It shouldn’t come as a surprise! After all, we all know how much UV rays affect different materials. No matter rubber’s durability, it also gets affected by sunlight over time and becomes dull and lifeless.
Snow and Salt
The rubber floor mats are weather-proof. They can bear rain, snow, and ice. However, if you carry this wintry mixture under your shoes, it will melt and dry out over the mat, killing the luster.
Related: How To Remove Floor Mat Clips or Anchors?
Abrasive Shoes
Every footwear is different. Like running shoes are safe, heavy-duty work boots with anti-slip properties are abrasive. They create friction, which results in destroying the polish of rubber mats.
How to Make Rubber Floor Mats Shine Again?
No matter how worn they look, the following guide will help you deep clean and revive the shine of your rubber vehicle liners.
Supplies You Will Need:
- Scraper
- Pressure Garden Hose
- Water and Liquid Soap
- Scrubbing Brush (Stiff-Bristled)
- Microfiber Cloth
- Rubber Protectant
Steps to Follow:
- Clean the Debris Off the Surface
The first step is to get rid of the dust and debris visible on the upper surface. Once you have cleaned it, reaching out and cleaning the deeper parts of the mats will become easier.
Take your rubber mats out of the car. Shake the mats gently to allow loose particles to fall to the ground. Use a scraper or hit the mats against a firm surface to remove dry dirt, fine dust, gravel, and pet hairs.
- Deep Clean to Remove the Sticky Dirt
It’s time to deep clean the mats using a pressure hose. Rubber mats are durable and water-resistant. As a result, pressure hoses will not damage the mats’ surface.
After securing the hose with tape, turn on the water tape. Take hold of a garden hose and, under full pressure, effectively remove dirty and sticky dust off the mats.
- Scrub the Stubborn Marks Off
Even if the mats have started to look clean and tidy, scrubbing is necessary to remove the hidden debris.
In a bucket, combine equal parts dish soap and water to prepare a scrubbing or cleaning solution. Apply the mild solution to the mats and let them sit for 5 minutes before cleaning them stiffly with a fine brush.
- Dry the Mats Before Moving Forward
While the rubber mats are water-proof and can dry out themselves, it is necessary to air dry them before conditioning them.
To air dry them, take a micro-fiber cloth or towel and wipe away extra water. Remember, sunlight damages the quality of rubber mats; therefore, do not place them under direct sunlight.
- Condition the Mats to Make Them Shine
It is the last and crucial part of the whole process. Use a rubber protectant to protect and condition the rubber floor mats in this step. It will assist in keeping them clean for a more extended period, make them anti-slippery, and restore their shine.
There are numerous brands of rubber protectants and conditioners on the market, so feel free to select the one that claims to be shinier.
Related: Can You Put Car Floor Mats In a Washing Machine?
Tips to Keep Your Rubber Mats Shinier and Last Longer
- Keep the rubber floor mats away from excessive sunlight, salt, and snow.
- Do not scrub them with a stiff-bristles brush without soaking them in water first.
- Do not apply a greasy rubber protectant; otherwise, they will become slippery.
- Air-dry them before placing them in the car to avoid mold and mildew.
Conclusion
While it does not seem important, cleaning the rubber floor liners of your car is necessary to avoid dirt build-up and to maintain its shine.
So, after knowing how to make rubber floor mats shine, you can now clean your rubber mats without the hassle and keep their luster last longer.