Carpets are often the dirtiest items in your entire vehicle. Some people even forget to clean their floor mats while washing the car even though it is the one that takes the brunt of daily wear and tear.
Think about it - every time you step into your vehicle, you are bringing on mud, dirt, sand, and who knows what else, all of which get ground into the fibers of your car carpet. Now, add the occasional spilled coffee, dropped food, someone puking in your car, or that rainy day when water dripped in through a worn-out door seal, or even walking through construction zones - these are the common things that leave many people asking things like “How do I clean extremely dusty car carpets?”
And let’s be honest, no one has the time or energy to deep clean their car’s interior regularly. But, with the right approach and tools, you won’t have to worry about cleaning your car’s carpet too often.
We have an easy-to-go guide that will take your carpets from dingy to dazzling, so roll up your sleeves and get ready to clean your car carpet.
How Do You Clean Carpet in a Car?
Before we jump into cleaning, let’s give your car a quick tidy-up.
Remove any trash, loose items, and yes, those snack wrappers under the seats.
Also, gather the following easy-to-find equipment to move forward with the cleaning process:
- Vacuum
- Soft Bristle Brush
- Carpet Cleaner / Spray
- Vinegar
- Dish Soap/Laundry Detergent
- Empty & Clean Spray Bottle
Pro Tip: Remove the Seats
Removing your car seats might sound like a hassle, but it gives you better access to every corner of your car’s carpet, especially getting between the center console and your car seat.
You’ll be amazed to see how easy it is to clean every nook and cranny by giving your car the VIP treatment. You, your passengers and your car deserve it!
Vacuuming Your Car Carpets
Now that your car is prepped it’s time to bring out the vacuum.
Give the entire carpet a thorough pass focusing on the areas that are hard to reach and where dirt loves to hide.
Take your time in this process as good vacuuming is half the battle won.
Removing Stains Effectively From Your Car Carpet
It’s time to deal with those stubborn stains now. Before you start with anything, examine the stains and spots in the carpet properly. You might need different treatments for different kinds of stains, and some spots might require several attempts to remove, so get ready for that too.
General Stains: Dirt, Mud, and Food
As a daily commuter, these are the most common types of stains in the car’s carpet and usually, it’s easier to remove.
Mix a cup of vinegar and a few drops of dish soap or laundry detergent with hot water. Shake the mixture well and spray on the affected areas while the water is still hot.
Let the mixture sit for about a minute to let the heat and cleaning agents start breaking down the stains. Then give it another quick spray and clean the area again with a soft brush making sure to work the solution into the fibers.
To lift loosen dirt, use a clean rag to blot and wipe the area. Keep spraying and scrubbing floor mats until the stain is completely gone. If you have a wet/dry vacuum handy, it’s a great tool to suck up any remaining residue, ensuring the carpet fibers are as clean as possible.
Here’s Why This Works: Dish soap and laundry detergent contain degreasers that help break down oils, fats, and dirt, while the white vinegar, with its acetic acid, tackles mineral deposits and kills off any bacteria lurking in the stain. This method leaves your carpets not just clean, but also fresh and sanitized.
Beverage Stains: Coffee, Soda, Alcohol
We’ve all been there - one quick swerve or a sudden brake, and your favorite drink or groceries are all over the car floor. The key to dealing with these spills is quick action. As soon as it happens, grab some paper towels and press them firmly on the spill to soak up as much liquid as possible.
Next, pour a bit of cold water or, if you have it handy, carbonated water directly onto the stain. This helps dilute the spill and keeps it from setting in. Then, use more paper towels or a clean rag to blot the area, lifting out the liquid. Keep repeating the process until the stain starts to fade.
Caution: Avoid rubbing the area. Rubbing will only spread the stain and make it even harder to clean up. Blotting is your best friend here. Also, do not soak your carpets! They need to be able to dry out to prevent mold.
If there’s still a faint stain left behind, don’t worry too much - you’ll likely be able to get rid of it during the full carpet wash.
Tackling Grease and Ink Stains
Ever had one of those days where you're tinkering under the hood and then hop back in the car, only to realize you've tracked grease all over the carpets and seats? Or maybe you’ve dropped a greasy burger between the seats, and now there’s a mess you’d rather not deal with.
Grease stains might seem like a nightmare, but they’re no match for a good degreaser.
The good news is you don’t need any fancy products - your trusty dish soap will do the trick. Dish soaps are loaded with degreasers designed to cut through the toughest oils and grease, whether it’s on your dinner plates or your car carpet.
Here’s what to do: Mix some dish soap with hot water to create a powerful cleaning solution. Then, saturate the greasy stain with this mixture. Take a microfiber towel, dip one end into the solution, and gently rub it into the stain. Keep working at it, and you’ll see the grease start to lift away. Repeat the process until the stain is completely gone, and your carpet looks as good as new.
Eliminating Pet Odors and Cigarette Smells
If you’re someone who enjoys a smoke in the car or often has your furry friends riding along with you, you’ve probably noticed that the smell can linger in your upholstery, including the carpets. Over time, these odors can become pretty tough to ignore.
To tackle these stubborn smells, grab a box of baking soda and sprinkle it generously all over the carpet.
Let it sit overnight to work its magic. By the next day, vacuum it all up and take a whiff. You should notice a significant improvement, though you might need to repeat the process a few times to completely get rid of the odor.
Keep in mind that the smell isn’t just in the carpets - it’s also in the seats, headliners, and any other fabric in the cabin. So while this method will help, you’ll need to address the entire interior to fully freshen up your car.
Hydrogen Peroxide for Stubborn Stains
Colored stains like blood, black currant juice, coffee, or red wine can be a real nightmare, especially on light-colored carpets. These stains are known as oxidizable, which means they can be broken down with the right bleaching agent - but hold on, don’t even think about reaching for the bleach!
Instead, head to your local pharmacy and pick up a bottle of 3% hydrogen peroxide. Mix it in a 1:2 ratio with water, and carefully apply a small amount to the stained area. Let it sit for a few seconds to start breaking down the stain, then blot it out gently with a microfiber towel. You should see most of the stain lift away. If needed, repeat the process, this time giving it a gentle scrub.
But here’s the thing: hydrogen peroxide can be tricky. It has the potential to bleach out your carpet’s color, leaving an even bigger issue to deal with. Always test it first in a hidden spot - like under the seat - before using it on a visible area. This is especially crucial with dark-colored carpets, where any discoloration will be more noticeable. If needed, dilute the hydrogen peroxide even more to minimize the risk.
TIP: Before trying hydrogen peroxide, try other methods like carpet cleaner, soap and water, or even baking soda and vinegar. If those don’t do the trick, then carefully proceed with hydrogen peroxide, keeping in mind the risks.
Washing and Scrubbing Car Carpet
Now that your stains are under control, it’s time to give the whole carpet a good wash. Gather your tools - a cleaning solution, and scrub brush.
Start by working on the cleaner deep into the carpet, especially in those high-traffic areas that see the most wear and tear. But, if you are looking for some extra boost, consider using drill brushes or a steam cleaner to remove any remaining loose dirt and grime.
Once you have scrubbed every inch, it’s crucial to air dry the carpets completely to prevent mold in the future. If you're struggling with mold in your car, here's our useful guide to help remove existing mold problems.
Protecting the Carpet Fabric
After all your hard work, it’s worth adding a layer of protection to keep your carpet looking fresh. And that’s where carpet and upholstery sealants come in. These products form a hydrophobic layer over the fabric making the surface soft but not allowing spills to soak in the carpet.
Just spray the product evenly across the carpet, let it dry, and add a second layer in the opposite direction for full coverage.
Caution: These products are safe once dry, but if you are applying inside the car, wear a mask and eye protection to avoid inhaling any aerosol or fumes, and keep your car well ventilated.
Final Thoughts
The whole process of cleaning your car’s carpet is easy with some affordable and daily home-use products. But, most of the time you also need to be careful while using the products as a simple mistake can damage your car carpets.
If you are still not sure if you want to clean your car carpets by yourself, we recommend you book a professional car detailer near you and get your job done.
Panda Hub is one of the best car detailing companies serving different cities in the United States and Canada. With expert detailers having 5+ years of experience, our Panda Pros deep clean your car and ensure your car looks the best.
