How to clean carpets and car rugs?
What will you need?
Before beginning, gather all the equipment that you’ll need to clean the carpets and rugs in your car. A hoover is essential, so you’ll need to be near an electrical outlet or have an extension cord handy. You should also have a bristle brush, a soft microfibre cloth and a basin. Finally, you’ll want some white vinegar, washing-up liquid and sodium bicarbonate mixed with water. Natural products are very effective for cleaning car carpets and rugs. They also have the advantage of being environmentally friendly, non-allergenic and virtually odourless. However, you can also use commercial carpet shampoo or specially formulated spray for tough stains.
How is it done?
The first step is to remove the dust from all carpets and rugs. Start by taking the carpets out and shaking them vigorously in the open air. You can also use an old-fashioned beater. Vacuum the interior of your car, followed by the carpets, to remove any remaining debris. Carpets and rugs should also be washed by hand.
To do this, prepare a solution of warm water, white vinegar and a few drops of washing-up liquid in a basin. Then, soak the brush in this solution before passing it across each surface. Lastly, wipe with the microfibre cloth and leave it to dry. For stubborn stains, sprinkle baking soda on top and leave it overnight. The next day, you can easily brush it off.
What should you avoid doing?
When cleaning your car, never start with the carpets and rugs. Instead, save them for last. If cleaned first, they will become dirty with dust from the dashboard and seats again, requiring you to brush and wash them for a second time.
Another thing to avoid is placing carpets back in while they are still wet or closing the car doors before the carpets have dried. Moisture, which causes condensation and mildew, will spread throughout the cabin and carry along an unpleasant “wet dog” smell that makes driving unsatisfying.
What can you do to prevent dirt?
There are a few easy ways to prevent dirt from building up on your car’s carpets and rugs. The first is to lightly tap your feet on the ground to remove any dust, mud or other debris that the soles of your shoes may have collected before getting into your car. Secondly, regularly vacuuming the car’s interior will prevent dirt from accumulating. Thirdly, if you travel with pets in your car, use seat covers to collect the hair and prevent them from spreading around on the floor. Also, break the habit of eating or giving children snacks in your car! Finally, dry them overnight to prevent them from trapping dust if it rained and the carpets are still wet!
So what is the key to keeping the carpets and rugs in your car in perfect condition? Regular maintenance, of course! Still, adopting a few good habits will also make it much easier to clean!
