Garage floor mats are large rugs made of vinyl that you place on the garage’s concrete floor. These floor mats help absorb dripping oil from your lawnmower or car, mud, dirt, and any other undesirable materials your car tires may track in.

Garage floor mats make cleaning garage floors easier.

You can also take them outside for thorough scrubbing and rinsing.

Garage floor mats don’t require complex cleaning techniques.

Here are a few ways to clean your garage floor mats:

1. Use a broom to sweep off the dust and dirt from car tires.
2. Use elbow grease to remove stains from liquids like wine, tea or coffee encrusted on the vinyl. Spray the elbow grease on the stain, leave for a while, then scrub the area well.
3.  For stains caused by motor oil, take your mat outside. Use a hose to spray the mat to remove excess oil. Then scrub your mat with an industrial cleaner that’s adaptable to vinyl.

Dry your mat and replace it in your garage.

Do not use a steam cleaner or vacuum cleaner on the mat. They may damage your floor mats by degrading the vinyl.

Why you need rubber garage floor mats

Rubber garage floor mats can neaten your garage, protect the concrete floor, make it cleaner, safer, and are more comfortable on your joints while working.

They are an adaptable alternative to concrete or coloured floors. Because of their interlocking feature, you can use rubber floor mats to cover the whole floor, make a pathway, or line around your workstation. Some mats come as one large roll that you can cut into desired sizes.

Advantages of rubber garage floor mats

• They provide a cushion that protects your back and knees whenever you lie or kneel on the floor.
• They safeguard your garage floor from grease, paint, road salt, oil, acid, or other damaging substances.
• With their sound-absorbing feature, they reduce noise and echo from loud machines or falling items.
• They are durable and last long.
• With a wide variety of colours to choose from, rubber mats improve your garage’s general appearance making it look like a modern showroom.

Cleaning garage rubber mats

Rubber floor mats are easy to clean and maintain.

• Regularly sweep the mats to keep them free of debris.
• Vacuum the mat

It is not advisable to use the regular vacuum cleaner because it might pick up metal pieces, nails or other harsh materials that may damage the vacuum.

Use the rolling soft beater brush style vacuum and set it to medium.

• Wash with warm water and a mild dish soap

You can also wash the rubber mats with warm soapy water. Do not add too much soap because it can make your mat slippery by creating a filmy residue on the mat.

Change the soapy water as often as needed to give you a squeaky clean floor.

Use clean water to rinse off any soap residue.

Let your rubber mat air dry. Open the windows or turn on the fan in case you have poor ventilation in your garage.

• For thorough cleaning, you can take the whole mat outside and use a hose to spray it. Then scrub with warm soapy water.
• Water-based stains

Harsh chemicals will erode the rubber flooring.

Water-based stains are caused by sodas, sweat, beverages, among others.

Use a white vinegar solution to remove these stains.

To make the solution, mix a 1:1 ratio of water and white vinegar. Rub the mixture onto the stained part in a circular motion using a towel to help lift the stain.

Wash the area with warm soapy water, and then air dry your mat.

For oil-based stains

Use turpentine to remove oil-based and other lubricant stains.

Because of its toxicity levels, use rubber gloves, properly ventilate the area, and ensure the area is inaccessible to pets and kids.

Pour about three teaspoons of turpentine onto a clean and dry cloth and blot the stained area to lift the stain as much as possible.

Upon completion, use warm soapy water to mop the area, and then air dry your mat.

Excess turpentine will stain your rubber mat. Ensure you use the recommended amount.

For paint stains

Use paint thinner to clean the paint drops from the rubber floor. You could also use other techniques for cleaning spray paint to your advantage.

Use rubber gloves, ensure proper ventilation and keep children and pets away from the area.

Pour a little thinner onto a clean and dry cloth and use it to wipe the stained patches. Use the sweeping method to wipe, and use a clean part of the cloth with each stroke.

Once the paint chips are lifted, sweep them off with a broom.

Mop the mat with warm soapy water, then let it air dry.

Maintaining rubber garage floor mats

• Do not clean your rubber floor mat within the first 72 hours of installation. The rubber floor hardens with time, and cleaning it this early could damage it.
• Clean stains and spills immediately to keep them from becoming permanent or requiring tedious washing procedures that weaken the rubber over time.
• For extended rubber mat life, vacuum and mop your mat regularly.

How to degrease garage floor mats

It’s advisable to clean oil spills right away to prevent them from setting and staining the floor.

• Mop the oily surface using disposable rags or paper towels.
• Use a grease remover like vinegar to wipe out the oil from the floor mat.
• Use turpentine to remove tougher oil-based stains.

What to clean garage floor mats with 

Here are some equipment and products to use to clean your garage floor mats:

• Push brooms
• Dustpan
• Sponge/ microfiber mop and bucket
• Garden hose or water spray
• Scrubbing brush
• Mild dish soap or a neutral pH soap
• Warm water
• White vinegar
• Turpentine
• Paint thinner

Conclusion

Adding floor mats to your garage is a worthwhile investment.

Clean the floor mats regularly to extend their life and keep your garage looking stylish.