Are you looking to remove the floor mat clips from your car to pull out the liners? Or do you need to replace broken anchors with new ones? If so, we have the solution for you.
Before we dive into the process, it’s important to have the right tools on hand. You will need a pair of pliers, a flathead screwdriver, and the replacement anchors, if necessary. Once you have everything you need, you can follow the steps below.
How to Remove Floor Mat Clips to Pull it out for Cleaning Purposes
Car footwells have various types of retention systems that keep the liners in place. Each type has a separate way of locking or unlocking the mat. While these systems are important for safety, it’s also important to know which type of retainers your car has and how to use them, so that you can quickly remove the mats for cleaning.
Additionally, some floor mats are specifically designed to work with certain clips and may not be compatible with every retention system. In such cases, the mat brand will provide the clips that the mats are designed for, allowing you to replace them with your vehicle’s anchors if necessary.
Now, let’s walk through some of the most common retention systems, how they work and how to remove them.
Bayonet Bottom Retention System
Some vehicles have circular pads in their footwells that typically don’t have hooks or buttons to secure the liners. Instead, these liners are held in place by hand or can be removed with a screwdriver before installing new clips.
If your car has a Bayonet Bottom retention system, which is common in most BMWs, you’ll need to purchase separate clips or check if the new mats come with the appropriate clips.
Once your mats are in place and you need to remove them, simply put one hand under the mats around the post and pull the mat out. This type of system is also known as the Hook retention system.
Twist Retention System
As the name suggests, for vehicles with a Twist Lock retention system, you’ll need to rotate the post counterclockwise to remove the mats. Honda and Toyota vehicles are common examples of this type of system. Simply twist the post 90 degrees to unlock it and remove the mat. To reinstall the mat, place it in its position and twist the hook back into place.
Related: How to Remove KIA Floor Mats [ A Step-by-step Guide]
Post Retention Device or Button Clips
Audi, Chevy, Ford, Porsche, and VW vehicles often use a Button Clip retention system. To remove the mat, simply press the retainer post in the middle with your thumb and lift the mat from the corner. If you’re unable to press the post with your thumb, you can use something narrow like a pencil head.
This system allows for quick and easy operation. The mat snaps in to lock and snaps out to unlock.
You May Also Like to Read: 3 Best Floor Mats For Dodge Charger [with Cargo liner]
Removing the anchors to install new ones.
If you have broken anchors that can no longer lock the mats in place, you’ll need to replace them. To do so, you’ll need new clips, which can be purchased on Amazon, as well as a screwdriver and a clip-prying tool.
All types of anchors can be removed by inserting the clip-prying tool underneath and pulling it out. They are typically installed in the OEM carpet and can be removed quickly. For twist lock clips, use the screwdriver to insert it underneath and rotate it around the post until it becomes loose, then remove the clip.
Eagle Claw Best Floor Mat Clips
Eagle Klaw is a brand that offers a set of floor mat clips designed to securely fix car mats in place. The set comes with four anti-slip fixing retainers, which are suitable for use with two mats. The clips are made in the USA and come in a sleek black color.
One unique feature of the Eagle Klaw clips is that they do not require a cutter for installation, making the process quick and easy. The clips are also compatible with a variety of different car makes and models, so they are a versatile choice for those looking to secure their car mats.
Dorman Floor Mat Hook Retainers
Dorman 45188 is another set of floor mat retainer clips that are designed to be compatible with select Lexus, Scion, and Toyota models. The set comes with two clips, making it suitable for securing one or two car mats.
The Dorman clips are designed to be a direct replacement for the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) part, so they should fit perfectly and function just like the original clips. The clips are made of durable materials that are built to withstand the wear and tear of everyday use.
They are a reliable and cost-effective option for those looking to replace or upgrade the clips on their Lexus, Scion, or Toyota vehicle. By securing the car mats in place, these clips can help prevent accidents caused by mats that slip or bunch up while driving.
Rexka Car Mat Clips for Twist Retention System
The Rexka 10 Sets Floor Mat Clips Kit is designed for use with Volkswagen Golf GTI, Jetta, and Passat models. The kit includes 10 sets of floor mat clips, each consisting of two parts that snap together to securely hold the car mats in place.
Conclusion
If you need to replace your footwell clips, a prying tool can be used to remove the old clips and install new ones. For some retention systems, a screwdriver may also come in handy. However, it’s important to be careful when removing the clips to avoid damaging the carpet.
If you’re here to remove or unlock the clips or anchors to take out the mats, make sure to follow the specific methods for the retention system used in your car.
Related: How to Keep Car Floor Mats From Sliding [Easy Steps]