Cleaning at a glance
| Frequency | What to do | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly | Shake, vacuum, wipe | 5 min |
| Monthly | Full wet wash | 20 min |
| Seasonally | Deep condition (leather only) | 15 min |
| After spills | Blot immediately | Instant |
Weekly routine (5 minutes)
Remove the mats
Open the door, unclip the retention hooks (press the release tab or gently lift), and pull the mat straight up. Do not drag it across the sill — this scuffs the edge.
Shake outdoors
Hold each mat vertically and give it three or four sharp shakes to dislodge loose sand and debris.
Vacuum both sides
Use a standard vacuum with a brush attachment. Run it across the top surface, then flip and vacuum the backing — dust between the backing and your carpet is what makes mats slide.
Wipe the top surface
Use a lightly damp microfiber cloth (water only, or a 10% mix of mild interior cleaner). Wipe in one direction. Dry with a second microfiber cloth.
Monthly deep clean (20 minutes)
Remove the mats and take them outside (or to a bath/shower).
- Shake and vacuum first — never apply water to dirty mats; it makes the dirt harder to lift.
- Rinse with a garden hose at low pressure (or the shower on a low setting).
- Apply a pH-neutral interior cleaner or diluted dish soap (1 tsp per 1 liter of warm water).
- Scrub gently with a soft-bristle brush — never steel or stiff plastic.
- Rinse thoroughly until all suds are gone.
- Shake off excess water and hang or lay flat in a shaded area until fully dry.
Avoid these at all costs
- Bleach or chlorine-based cleaners — they break down polyurethane coatings
- Solvents (acetone, brake cleaner, WD-40) — they dissolve backing adhesives
- Pressure washers above 30 bar — they can delaminate layers
- Washing machines — agitation tears at the stitching
- Tumble dryers — heat permanently warps the mat shape
- Direct sunlight while drying — fades color and stiffens the backing
Seasonal leather conditioning (every 3–6 months)
For eco-leather and leatherette mats, a light conditioning keeps the surface supple and prevents micro-cracking.
- Wait until the mat is fully clean and dry.
- Apply 1–2 pumps of leather conditioner (we recommend any pH-neutral, silicone-free conditioner) onto a clean microfiber cloth — never directly onto the mat.
- Work in with circular motions across the entire surface.
- Let sit 10 minutes, then buff off any residue with a dry cloth.
Velour note
Do not apply conditioner to velour mats. Instead, vacuum and use a fabric-safe foam cleaner every 2–3 months.
Emergency stain removal
| Stain | Action |
|---|---|
| Coffee, soda, juice | Blot immediately; clean with mild soap and warm water |
| Oil, grease, butter | Sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch, wait 30 min, vacuum, then soap-clean |
| Mud, dirt | Let dry completely, brush off, then vacuum — don't rub wet mud |
| Ink (pen) | Dab with isopropyl alcohol on a Q-tip, rinse immediately |
| Salt stains | Mix 1:1 white vinegar and water, wipe until the white haze disappears |
| Gum | Freeze with an ice cube for 3 min, then scrape with a plastic card |
| Pet urine | Blot, clean with enzyme cleaner, rinse, dry thoroughly |
Always test cleaners on a hidden corner first — especially on colored mats.
Long-term storage
If you're swapping summer and winter mats:
- Make sure they are 100% dry before storage.
- Store flat, not folded. Rolling is acceptable if necessary.
- Keep in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Do not stack heavy objects on top — this can transfer indents.
With this routine, your AutoWin mats should look like new for 7–10 years of daily driving.