

A lot of wear and tear happens on your car mats, from muddy shoes to coffee spills and pet hair. To keep the interior of your car in good shape, you should clean it regularly. But can you wash car mats in a washing machine? This guide will tell you about the different kinds of car floor mats, any risks they might pose and how can you clean them properly.
Table of contents
Understanding Different Types of Car Mats
It is important to know what types of car mats you have before you put them in the washing machine. There are three main kinds:
Rubber Mats
Rubber mats are tough and can be used in any weather. They do a great job of keeping your car clean by catching dirt and water. You should not put them in the washing machine because the spinning can damage them. The best way to keep them in good shape is to clean them by hand.
Carpet Mats
Carpet mats are made of soft fabric and make your car look and feel better. They can be washed in a washing machine but be careful not to damage the fabric. You should be careful when you handle them and wash them the correct way to make sure they stay clean and last longer.
All-Weather Mats
All-weather mats are usually made of TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) and can make your car look good and last a long time. These car floor mats are tough, good for the environment and simple to clean. 3W TPE mats are a great choice if you want something easy to clean that will still keep dirt and water out of your car. By knowing what type of mat material you have, you can make sure you clean them properly without damaging them.
Can You Put Car Floor Mats in the Washing Machine?
Yes, you can put fabric car mats in a washing machine, but there are exceptions.
Carpet Mats
These are the only mats that can usually be washed in a machine. Remember to use cold water and a gentle cycle so you do not hurt the fiber. If the flooring mat has a plastic or foam backing, do not wash it in the washing machine as the water and heat can break down these materials.
Rubber Mats
Unfortunately, rubber mats can not go in the washing machine. These mats can become less effective at covering your car floor when they get wet, heated and warp their shape.
All-Weather Mats
Though TPE mats, like the ones from 3W Liners, are long lasting and resist water, they should be washed by hand. Washing these mats in a machine can damage their structure and finish with time.
Potential Risks of Putting Car Floor Mats in the Washing Machine
If you wash your car floor mats in the washing machine, you might damage them. Here’s what to watch out for:
1. Wear and Tear
When you wash your car mats, especially rubber ones, they can get damaged. The shaking and spinning can crack or scratch them which can make them less sturdy. To keep their quality over time, it is best to clean them gently.
2. Lining Damage
Most fabric car mats have rubber or foam padding on the bottom. Water and movement in a washing machine can tear or split this padding. This might damage the mat's structure and make it less useful.
3. Fading Colors
Fabric car mats may lose their color if you wash them in a machine with strong soaps. This might make your mats look old, dull, and worn. To keep their look, you should only use light cleaning products.
4. Clogged Filter
When you wash carpet mats in the washing machine, the fibers can come off. These strands could get stuck in the drain filter of your washing machine and stop it from working. It is better to clean mats by hand because this can cause damage that costs a lot to fix.
5. Odor Residue
After being washed in a machine, car mats can hold smells if they are not rinsed or dried properly. This might make your mats smell bad even after you clean them. For this reason, you should always make sure to dry them completely.
How to Machine Wash Fabric Car Mats
1. Shake Off Loose Dirt
Make sure to shake off any loose dirt or trash from your mats before you wash them. You can clean them with a vacuum too. This step keeps dirt and other things from getting stuck in your washing machine.
2. Pre-Treat Stains
You should pretreat your mats if they are stained with oil, food, or mud. A soft brush and a mild stain remover or detergent should be used to scrub the spots away. This helps get rid of tough spots before you wash.
3. Use the Right Settings
To clean your mats, always use cold water and a gentle spin on your washing machine. Do not use hot water or fast spinning as this can damage the fabric. This is very important for mats that have a sticky back.
4. Choose a Mild Detergent
To clean your mats, use a light soap. Do not use strong soaps on the carpet mats because they can fade the colors or make the fabric weak. A mild detergent is better for the cloth and will keep your mats in good shape.
5. Wash Separately
You should not wash your mats with towels or clothes. In this way, trash and grime do not get on other things in the washing machine. It also makes sure that your mats get the cleaning they need without any problems.
6. Rinse Twice
Run an extra rinse cycle after the wash cycle is done to make sure all the soap is gone. Leftover soap can leave a sticky film on your mats that can smell bad or feel stiff.
Do’s | Don’ts |
Use gentle detergent | Avoid bleach or harsh soap |
Cold water only | No hot water |
Pre-treat stains | Don’t overload the washer |
Alternatives for Washing Rubber and All-Weather Mats
1. Hose Them Down
Take your mats outside and rinse them off with a high-pressure hose. This will quickly get rid of salt, dirt, and other junk. To get a good clean, make sure to spray both sides.
2. Use Mild Soap
Add some mild soap to some warm water. To clean your car floor mats, use a soft brush to scrub them gently. This will help get rid of dirt and spots without hurting the material.
3. Vacuum First
Before you wash your mats, vacuum them to get rid of dust, small dirt particles and pet hair. It will be easier to scrub and work better this way.
4. Dry Naturally
Place your mats flat in a shady area to dry naturally. Stay out of direct sunlight because it can damage the rubber or TPE by changing its color or warping it. 3W Liners’ TPE mats are easy to clean and maintain. Their eco-friendly material is completely water-resistant, so you can clean them quickly and hassle-free.
Cleaning Rubber/TPE Mats | Avoid These |
Use soft brushes | No harsh chemicals |
Air dry flat | Avoid dryers |
Rinse thoroughly | Avoid scrubbing excessively |
Drying Car Mats the Right Way
Carpet Mats
You can hang your carpet mats on a strong line or lay them flat on a clean, shady surface to dry. Do not use a dryer because the heat can damage or shrink the fabric. Before putting them back in your car, let them dry completely in the air.
Rubber/TPE Mats
Put your TPE or rubber mats flat on a clean surface in a room with good airflow. The best way to keep your mats from twisting or changing color is to let them dry in the air. To keep the mats' shape and color, do not put them in full sunlight or heat them up.
How to Keep Car Mats Clean for Longer?
Shake and vacuum regularly
You should always shake out and vacuum your car floor mats once a week. Dirt, trash and dust can build up with time and doing this can help you get rid of them. When you clean them regularly, you can stop the buildup that causes the damage. Cleaning them regularly also makes them look better and helps keep your car interior smell good.
Invest in 3W liners TPE mats
If you want the best protection and longevity, get 3W liners TPE mats. These all-weather mats are made to handle mud, snow and spills so they can be used in any weather. These mats are custom made to match your model and cover the whole floor of your car to keep it safe and extend its life.
Use protective sprays for mats
Protective sprays for rubber or carpet mats can add an extra layer of defense. These sprays keep water, spots and dirt away which makes cleaning easier in the future. After cleaning your mats, all you have to do is spray them with this spray to keep them in good shape, make them last longer and look brand new.
Spot clean spills immediately
You should clean up spills right away to avoid spots and lasting smells. Use a damp cloth and a cleaner to gently wipe up the spill. Acting quickly can help keep the mats from getting damaged and keep your car smelling good. Cleaning your mats on a regular basis will keep them in great shape for longer.
Why Choose 3W Liners for Your Car?
You should switch to 3W Liners' TPE floor mats if you are sick of cleaning old, worn-out mats all the time. Their advanced materials are 100% recyclable, baby-safe, durable and made to work well in the toughest conditions. They are also simple to clean which saves you time and effort.
Shop 3W Liners for your customizable TPE floor mats now and experience the difference!