Best Way to Clean TPE Floor Mats Without Damage

Everyone loves a clean and fresh-smelling car. But the truth is, at one point or another, the car interiors are bound to get dirty. Whether it is mud splatters, snack crumbs, or a faint smell from the floor, it can feel pretty gross! It is where the TPE floor mats take all the heat. TPE floor mats are the true bodyguards protecting your car's floor.

Let's face it, even the best quality TPE mats, such as the BYD Seal TPE/XPE All Weather Floor Mats, require upkeep to ensure that the car interiors feel clean and fresh. But here is the catch – cleaning TPE mats in an incorrect manner can do more harm than good. The harsh chemicals, rough scrubbing and improper drying can make the TPE mats brittle and faded. 

If you love your car and are wondering how to clean TPE mats in the correct way, then you have come to the right place. Today, we are going to break down the TPE mat cleaning tips that will keep it in the best condition. 

10 Best Ways to Clean TPE Floor Mats: Step-by-Step Process

Cleaning TPE mats should not feel like a chore, and with the right approach, you will have them spotlessly cleaned and without any cracks or fading simply and easily. Here is the best way to clean TPE floor mats without damage:

1. Remove and Shake it Off

It is the obvious step to start with. Remove all the TPE floor mats and give them a good shake. This will help to remove all the dust, dirt and debris. Cleaning it while it is inside can increase your workload and make the car dirtier. 

Pro tip: To clean TPE floor mats properly, hold the mat vertically and tap it against a hard surface lightly. This will help to loosen even the stubborn particles.

2. Vacuum Thoroughly

No matter how firmly you shake the TPE mats, the finer particles can still hide in the textured channels of the mat. This is where the vacuum can work its wonders. 

Make sure to vacuum every nook and gap to clean the TPE floor mat, especially the edges, as it is the place where grime build-up can happen if left unchecked. 

Do not skip this step, as it will be difficult to scrub it off later.

3. Water Pre-rinse

This is an essential step before you get on with the scrubbing part to clean the TPE floor mat. You can either use a hose or the traditional bucket of water to give the TPE mats a quick rinse. This method will make the dried mud and dirt loose and fall off. 

Pro-tip: Try using lukewarm water, as it helps dissolve grease and soften the gunk faster.

4. Wash With a Mild Soap Solution

The real cleaning begins here. To make the cleaning solution, you can mix a small amount of mild soap and warm water. You can either use a sponge or a soft cloth to spread water over the mat. 

5. Start Scrubbing

Once the TPE mats are covered in the soap solution, you can either use a sponge or a soft-bristle brush to scrub the mat. To lift off the dirt from grooves, scrub in a circular motion. 

Pro-tip: Avoid being harsh while scrubbing. Harsh scrubbing can leave scratches and also cause fading in some cases. It is best to let the soap sit for a couple of minutes after the initial scrubbing and then start gently scrubbing the second time. 

6. Tackling the Stains and Odours

At times, the stains and odours can be adamant and refuse to give up. The extra-tough stains and the funky odours need more work. In such a situation, you can try natural cleaners too. 

Here are some of the options that you can try to clean TPE floor mats:

• Baking Soda Paste: Mix 2 to 3 tablespoons of baking soda with a litre of water to form a runny paste. Now you can apply this paste to the stained area and then let it stay there for about 10 to 15 minutes. Next, gently scrub with a soft brush and then rinse it off. Baking soda, being mildly abrasive, is great at cleaning deep stains and also neutralises the smell. 

• Vinegar-Water Solution: Mix equal parts water and vinegar and transfer it to a spray bottle. Spray it on a stained area and let it sit for 5 minutes. You can then wipe it or scrub it gently, followed by rinsing to get rid of the vinegar smell. 

• Lemon Juice Cleaner: Mix 1 part lemon juice and 2 parts warm water. Apply it to the stains and let it rest for a couple of minutes, then you can scrub it lightly and rinse it off. The acidic properties will help cut through the stain while leaving a fresh smell of citrus.

• Hydrogen Peroxide: Dilute 1 part hydrogen peroxide with three parts water. Apply to stains and wait for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, scrub it gently and rinse thoroughly afterwards. This solution can lift off even the most stubborn stains.

• Essential Oil Freshener: Add 2 to 3 drops of essential oils to the soap solution or the vinegar-water solution before using it. Spray it around the car cabin for that refreshing scent. Essential oils like lemon or lavender provide a natural fragrance.

7. Rinse It Out

Once you are satisfied with the cleaning, rinse the TPE mats out completely by keeping them under running water. The running water will help remove all the trapped dust and dirt. 

Pro-tip: Keep the TPE mats in the upright position so that all the residue can flow under the water. 

8. Remove Excess Water

One of the best TPE mat cleaning tips is to remove all the water from the mat. If not dried completely, it can cause streaks. Shake the mat in a firm way and then wipe it out with a microfibre towel to remove all the water. 

9. Air-Dry in Shade

Once you wipe the mats out, keep them upright in the shade or hang them over a wall. Make sure that the area is ventilated enough. You can also put it indoors under the fan for faster drying. 

Pro-tip: Under no circumstance should you put it under direct sunlight. It can fade the colour and can even hamper the flexibility.

10. Inspection and Reinstallation

After a couple of hours, check if the mats are completely dry. If they are clean and dry and have no odour, then it's time to reinstall them. Be careful with the installation, making sure that the fit is snug and secure to avoid discomfort later.

To give a finishing touch, you can use a floor mat rejuvenator to restore the original matte finish. It will also add UV protection and keep the dust away.

Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning TPE Mats

Even the most careful cleaning ritual can have a few unintentional mistakes that can hamper the TPE mat quality. Here are some of the errors that must be avoided, along with the TPE mat cleaning tips to follow:

• Avoid scrubbing with steel wool or hard brushes.

• Don't leave soap residue; it will attract more dirt.

• Skip high-pressure washers, as they can cause deformation.

• Never wash TPE mats in a washing machine, as it causes warping.

• Avoid stacking heavy objects on drying mats, as they can bend out of shape.

• Don't reinstall mats while damp, as the moisture will attract mould and smell.

• Don't ignore small stains, as they can toughen over time.

Conclusion

Since cleaning the TPE mat is an essential part of car upkeep, it is necessary to do it on a timely basis. The best way is to clean the TPE floor mat gently to avoid damage. Follow the mentioned routines to ensure that it is cleaned to perfection. Also, avoid mistakes like using harsh chemicals, using high-pressure water, or washing them in a washing machine or drying them in sunlight to keep the TPE mats in their best form and shape. 

FAQs

Can I rotate the front and rear mats?

Yes, rotating helps evenly distribute wear and prolong the lifespan.

How long should I let the mats air-dry?

Until fully moisture-free, it could take several hours, depending on the environment. Ensure both sides are dry.

Any chemicals to avoid entirely?

Avoid strong acids, bleach, solvents, gasoline, and adhesives, as they can degrade TPE.

Can TPE mats cause pedal slippage?

Only if wet or not properly dried. Always ensure mats are dry and correctly secured.