Can Car Mats Be Washed in Washing Machine?

Let’s accept that car mats are likely the dirtiest part of the car. And while these mats do a lot of hard work to keep our car's interior clean, it is important to repay them by regular cleaning.

That brings us to the question: should we clean our car floor mats by tossing them into the washing machine?

Car floor mats made from rubber are not to be cleaned in a washing machine. That applies for mats with any rubber component. Only car mats that are completely made from fabric can be put in the washing machine. Time to discover how to clean up your car floor mat effectively.

How to Wash your Car Floor Mats at Home?

The procedure of cleaning depends on the material of the car floor mat. So select your cleaning method based on whether the material is cloth or rubber.

Can you wash car mats in the washing machine?

The answer is no.

The main problem with rubber is, that it is at risk of heat. The high water temperatures in the washing machine can damage the bonds between the materials and create a crack in the mat. And if the underside of the car mats is already damaged, the particles of the mats might break off. These loose pieces may cause damage to the pump in the washing machine. It is better to replace such mats at the earliest.

Same way, you should not put plastic car floor mats in the washing machine either. They can easily get damaged.

And if you still think about it, why would you want to do it? Even if it is safe, it would have been overkill. Kinda like calling a repair service professional and wasting your money and time just because your washing machine smells bad. When all you need to do is run a full cycle using vinegar and baking soda, or clear the rubber seal.

Rubber or plastic car floor mats are incredibly easy to clean manually. Even the upholstered ones have a plastic or rubber backside.

One of the biggest advantages of using rubber car floor mats is that they are super easy to clean. In many cases, stains and dirt do not stick to rubber and it repels stains effectively.

There are ways to clean a rubber car mat: pressure washing or hand washing.

Hand washing with a clean sponge and a brush takes more time but it does a thorough cleaning job. Alternatively, you can select a hose with a mid-range pressure to dislodge the dirt.

Always use mild detergents for cleaning rubber car mats. bleach or harsh chemicals can damage the rubber.

Conclusion

You can put rubber car floor mats into a washing machine, but the thing is, it is not a good idea. This can not only damage your car mats, but can also ruin the interiors of the machine. However, cloth car mats that are free from any plastic or rubber can be machine-washed without any problems.

The best way to wash the car floor mats thoroughly is by hand washing. Use the correct cleaning solution to soak the car mats and then clean the dirt with a soft brush. Rinse it deeply with a pressure hose and then air dry.