Road salt prevents dangerous accidents in slick conditions, but once tracked into your car it leaves white, crusty marks on your floor mats. These hard deposits can be difficult to remove with only detergent and water. Using the right combination of products--whether your floor mats are made of plastic, rubber or carpet--you can remove road salt to prevent damage to the mats and leave them looking newer.
Remove mats from the car. Shake off loose salt and dirt.
Vacuum the mats (if they are dry). Use the brush and hose attachments on the vacuum for best results: These will suck a lot of the salt and grime off the mats.
Put on gloves. Mix vinegar and water in a bucket. Wipe this solution over salt spots on the mat, using a sponge. Saturate all salt-stained areas of the mats with the solution.
Scrub the mats with the brush, to loosen more dirt and salt from the mat's surface.
Lay the mats on your driveway or hang them from a clothesline. Rinse the mats well with a garden hose.
Wash carpeted mats with carpet shampoo. Wash rubber or plastic mats with a little dish soap and water.
Rinse the mats well, unless using a carpet shampoo--in this case, follow the manufacturer's directions. Many shampoos should not be rinsed off, but must be allowed to dry and then vacuumed.
