How to clean car floor mats and keep sand out (UAE guide)
Updated · 4 min read
Short answer: take the mats out of the car, shake or beat out the sand, then vacuum both sides. Clean carpet mats with a little mild soap and water and let them dry fully in the shade. Rinse TPE mats with water, scrub with mild soap and a soft brush, and never use tyre shine on them. In sandy months, a quick shake-out once a week saves you a deep clean later.
What you need
- A vacuum with a brush head
- A stiff brush for carpet and a soft brush for TPE
- Mild soap, such as a little dish soap or car shampoo in a bucket of water
- Clean microfibre cloths
- A shaded spot to dry the mats
Step 1: take every mat out
Always clean mats outside the car. Sand and water stay out of the car carpet, and you can clean the floor underneath too. Note which mat goes where. The driver mat in our cut sets has holes for the factory clips, so it only fits one way.
Step 2: get the sand out
Hold each mat upside down and shake it hard, or hit it against a wall or tyre a few times. Most of the sand in a UAE car comes out at this stage. Then vacuum the top and the back. On carpet, brush against the pile first with a stiff brush to lift the sand that sits deep in the fibres, then vacuum again.
While the mats are out, vacuum the car floor, the seat rails and the gap under the seats. Sand left there finds its way back onto clean mats.
Step 3: clean carpet mats
- Mix a little mild soap into warm water.
- Dip the stiff brush, shake off the excess, and scrub in small circles. Keep the carpet damp, not soaked.
- Wipe with a clean, damp cloth to lift the soap.
- For a fresh spill, blot first. Do not rub, because rubbing pushes it deeper.
- Stand the mat up or hang it in the shade until it is fully dry, top and back.
Do not refit a carpet mat while it is still damp. In a closed, hot car a damp mat can start to smell.
Step 4: clean TPE mats
- Tip out the sand.
- Rinse with a hose or a bucket of water.
- Scrub marks with mild soap and a soft brush. Get into the grooves.
- Rinse again.
- Wipe dry or leave in the shade for a short while.
TPE dries fast. Our guide to TPE car mats explains why it does not soak anything up. The same steps work for a TPE boot liner such as the Jetour T2 cargo liner.
Common stains
| Stain | Carpet | TPE |
|---|---|---|
| Wet sand or mud | Let it dry, then brush and vacuum | Rinse off |
| Coffee, tea, juice | Blot, then mild soap and water, blot again | Wipe or rinse |
| Grease or oil from shoes | A drop of dish soap on the spot, work it in, wipe | Mild soap and a soft brush |
| Chewing gum | Harden it with an ice cube, then lift it off | Same |
| White salt or water marks | Damp cloth, then let dry | Rinse |
Mistakes that ruin mats early
- Washing machine or tumble dryer. We do not recommend it. It can damage the anti-slip back and the edge binding.
- Pressure washer at close range on carpet. It can fray the fibres and push dirt into the backing. Keep it well back, or use a brush.
- Bleach and strong solvents. They can fade carpet and harm TPE.
- Tyre shine or silicone spray on TPE. It makes the mat slippery under your feet.
- Drying in harsh midday sun. Long, direct sun can fade colours over time. Shade is kinder.
- Refitting wet mats. Trapped moisture leads to smells.
Keeping sand out between cleans
- Knock your shoes together before you get in after the beach or the desert.
- Give the mats a quick shake once a week in sandy months.
- Pick black carpet if the car sees a lot of sand. Beige shows it sooner. More in black or beige floor mats.
- For the Patrol Y62, a gear shift dust cover keeps sand out of the shifter and switch panel.
Putting the mats back
Line the driver mat up with the factory clips and press it down until it locks. Make sure it lies flat and nothing touches the pedals. A mat that slides forward can bunch up under the brake or accelerator.
If your mats are worn through at the heel, or the back no longer grips, it is time for a new set. Find yours by model, for example the Land Cruiser sets, or message us on WhatsApp with your model and year.
Questions
Can car floor mats go in the washing machine? We do not recommend it. The anti-slip back and edges can be damaged. Hand cleaning with mild soap is safer.
How do I get sand out of carpet car mats? Shake or beat them upside down, brush against the pile with a stiff brush, then vacuum both sides.
How often should I clean car mats in the UAE? A quick shake-out once a week in sandy months and a full clean about once a month works for most cars.
How long do carpet mats take to dry? It depends on the weather and how wet they got. Leave them in the shade until the top and the back are fully dry.
Can I use tyre shine on TPE mats? No. It makes them slippery. Use water and mild soap only.
How do I stop my car mats from sliding? Lock the driver mat onto the factory clips and use a set cut for your car. A loose mat can slide under the pedals.