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Floor Mat Clean
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Floor Mat Clean

Cleaning the floor mats is the elimination of dirt, debris, and stains from the removable interior floor mats. The floor mat clean is typically the first item to be addressed within the interior cleaning to allow the floor mats to dry while the remaining interior tasks are being completed.

Floor mats are usually made from one of two types of materials: rubber or carpet. The same methods and products are used to clean both material types.

To begin, the floor mats are removed from the interior of the vehicle and dust and dirt are dislodged. Any salt stains or organic material is then pretreated. Use COUNTERACT to pretreat salt stains, and either PREZYME or BIO PLUS (aerosol applicator) to pretreat organic material. Once pretreatment is complete, use a water-based cleaner, such as PURPLE POWER, GREASE TERMINATOR or D’LIMOKLEEN PLUS, to thoroughly clean the mats. After rinsing the cleaner, hang the mats to dry while completing the remaining interior detailing tasks.

The time to complete the floor mat clean is dependent on the number of floor mats, type of floor mats, and the floor mat dirtiness amount and intensity. Once the floor mat clean task is complete, the areas of application will be cleaned and free of dirt, debris, and stains.

Safety supplies include goggles, an apron, rubber boots, and impervious gloves.
You will require a vacuum (wet-dry vacuum, if possible) and a pressure washer or hose with a nozzle to complete this task. View the products used tab for Auto Valet products and accessories relating to this detailing task.

AREAS OF APPLICATION

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Removable Floor Mats

PRODUCTS USED
PRODUCTS USED DIRECTIONS TIPS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Directions

STEP 1: REMOVE THE MATS, AND ELIMINATE DUST AND DIRT

Remove all removable rubber and carpet floor mats from the interior of the vehicle. Loosen and remove the accumulated dust and dirt by shaking and vacuuming the mats.

STEP 2: PRETREAT SALT STAINS AND ORGANIC MATERIAL

Salt stains. Pretreat areas using COUNTERACT. Dilute 500 mL of COUNTERACT per 500 mL of water (1:1). Spray the diluted COUNTERACT solution onto the soiled areas using a spray bottle and an acid resistant trigger sprayer nozzle. Allow COUNTERACT to dwell on the applied surfaces for 1 to 2 minutes. Scrub with a stiff-bristled brush.
Organic material. Pretreat areas using PREZYME or BIO PLUS (aerosol applicator). 
If using PREZYME, shake well before using. Dilute 85 mL of PREZYME per 1 L of warm water (1:12). Dampen cloth or applicator with the PREZYME solution. Apply the PREZYME solution, working in and around the soiled area. Immediately spray the area with undiluted PREZYME. Leave the area to sit for 30 minutes.
If using BIO PLUS, shake the aerosol before using it. Invert and spray the carpet, keeping the nozzle 15 cm (6”) away from the area of application. Allow foam to remain on the surface for 2 to 5 minutes. For severe organic stains and odours, cover the treated area with a damp towel; keeping the area moist allows enzymes to continue working longer.

STEP 3: APPLY THE WATER-BASED CLEANER

Dilute the water-based cleaner and degreaser of choice to the correct dilution ratio, if necessary. Using a spray bottle and trigger sprayer nozzle, generously spray the diluted water-based cleaner and degreaser onto the floor mats. Allow the water-based cleaner to dwell on the mats for 1 minute. Using a stiff-bristled pot brush, scrub the highly soiled areas.

STEP 4: RINSE THE WATER-BASED CLEANER

Rinse the areas of application with water, using a pressure washer or hose with a nozzle. Spray the floor mats in a consistent, uniform pattern to work any stains and debris, in one direction, off of the mat.

STEP 5: DRY MATS AND REVIEW YOUR WORK

Hang the rinsed floor mats from mat clamps to accelerate the drying time. Leave the mats to dry as the remaining interior detailing tasks are being completed. If a wet-dry vacuum is available, vacuum out excess water before hanging to finish drying. Once the mats are dry, vacuum the mats to fluff them back up. Review your work. Use paper generic floor mats to protect and prolong the clean floor mats from accumulating dirt.

 

Tips

  • Pretreat salt stains with COUNTERACT, and organic material with PREZYME or BIO PLUS (aerosol applicator version).
  • If floor mats are still damp after the remaining interior has been cleaned, place the damp floor mats in the trunk compartment. Use the paper generic floor mats to protect the vehicle floor area until the cleaned floor mats are dried.
  • Be sure to carefully read and follow all product instructions and precautions, on the product labels.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Warm water is considered to be between 35˚C to 45˚C (95˚F to 113˚F). Use warm water when diluting PREZYME for best results.

PREZYME and BIO PLUS contain enzymes. Enzymes are biological additives that are used to break down organic matter (soils) into smaller particles. The smaller particles can then be separated, emulsified by surfactants, and washed out of the cleaning surface. Other (regular) cleaners do not contain enzymes making them less effective in breaking down organic soils, stains, and the malodors connected with them.

Yes, PREZYME and BIO PLUS are similar in usage applications. BIO PLUS is available in an aerosol container size that is ready to use and PREZYME is available in larger container sizes as a concentrate.

Use COUNTERACT to effectively dissolve and remove salt deposits and stains from a vehicle’s interior carpet and upholstery surfaces.

Calcium deposits, salt deposits and stains, are alkaline substances (a pH level above 7). COUNTERACT is formulated to be an acidic cleaner (a pH level below 7). When COUNTERACT is applied to salt deposits, it neutralizes, effectively dissolving the unwanted deposits and stains. Other (regular) cleaners are less acidic; leaving the salt deposits undissolved and causing hazing.

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