In preparation of this deep cleaning, I splurged an extra 75 cents to vacuum each one of them super well. From what I've read, some people just bang out the dirt, but that was both far too much physical exertion and I really didn't want the dirt that came off of them to blow onto my newly washed van.
Step 1: Take the before picture. Cat photobomb probably isn't necessary, but unavoidable in my house.
Oh Bear Grylls, you're a nut. |
Ready for action. |
But it's not blue Gatorade, so don't drink it. |
Foamy! |
You can tell it's the drivers one because of the massive hole in the fabric where it's been worn away by our heels. |
It should be noted that the use of cleaning gloves would almost definitely prevent the fact that the entire top layer of my hand skin peeled off the next day. Live and learn. |
EPIPHANY/AMENDMENT: At this point, I remembered that my neighbor had left me a huge tub of OxiClean when they moved, so I used a scoop of that, mixed with two tablespoons of Dawn, into my quart bottle. Do this instead.
Close-up |
What are you, orange stain? |
Use an old toothbrush to clean the edges and to scrub out the tough stains. |
Step 7: Attempt to rinse off the mats in your shower/bathtub.
Step 8: Realize this is never going to work. At the same time, gag a little bit because the water that's rinsing off is SO GROSS.
Step 9: Make a shockingly large mess dragging your (now soaking wet, still heavy and awkward) mats downstairs to the basement, shove them in your washing machine, then do a rinse and spin cycle with 3 rinses. Figure this is pretty much as good as it's going to get, then go have a glass of wine or a cookie or something, because that was exhausting.
Step 10: Have Hubs bring them outside to dry in the sun. Because let's face it, it's really all the sun is good for. Also, if he asks why HE has to take them outside, say that if you have to wrestle those things one more time you're going to freak out. Use knife hands to make your point clear.
Step 11: Take your after photo!
Again, the cat photobomb is optional. |
Overall, this took about 3.5 hours to do all four. The hardest part was having to carry them around everywhere. Cleaning was fairly easy, plus I was inside so I stayed cool and was able to binge watch the half dozen or so Watch What Happens Live episodes I had on my DVR.
This could've been much easier had I actually owned carpet cleaner. However, you can see that I have wood floors, and these are kinda what's everywhere, so I don't.
Try it for yourself, without making the same mistakes I did! Tell me what you think in the comments.
Try it for yourself, without making the same mistakes I did! Tell me what you think in the comments.
Quite an interesting set-up you got there, with carpeting being practically chopped to a dozen pieces and sprawled all over the floor. But you can more efficiently deal with both the carpeting and flooring with the right equipment and even professional service to decrease the burden off your back. Up to you.
ReplyDeleteMae @ EnviroSpec
This is a great post! Love the steps and the photos you shared. I have been wanting to get new carpets for my car, they are stinky dirty! I do have a old toothbrush, I'm glad that will do the trick. http://keenparts.com/
ReplyDeleteBetter to use machine to clean the floor mats. http://www.3dautofloormats.com/display-subj-61.htm.
ReplyDeleteOne reason why I'm glad my 2013 vw passat came with special all rubber mats...Gonna go drop em on the floor of my walk in shower stall and use the handheld shower head with hot water to clean them..!
ReplyDeleteFor every home it is really essential to learn some tips on how to clean floors; otherwise we are facing several kinds of problems like damaged floor and repair and others. Most probably flooring is the main attraction of every house; therefore we used to choose some of the best flooring options. But apart from choosing best flooring we should also know how to maintain and clean these kinds of floors.
ReplyDeleteI go to a laundry mat with oversize front loading machines and put them in with oxy clean and soap powder - it works - do not put in dryer
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