Sequence for cleaning carpeted mats?

[CharlesW]

While browsing another site, I read a recommendation to scrub the mats before you do the initial vacuuming. It was stated that this was an important step for initial dirt removal.

This is totally backward from the way I have done it for years and I don`t really think that is good information, but I`m certainly ready to learn what the benefits might be.

My process:
1. Dry vacuum. In the winter months, I will sometimes blow the road sand out with compressed air before vacuuming.
2. Spray with an APC, let it set for a few minutes, brush thoroughly, let dry and vacuum again. Tar or grease stains are removed with a tar remover after vacuuming and prior to spraying with the APC
or
2a. Wet the mats with the hose and srub them with a mixture of Dawn & water using a brush, then rinse them until the soap solution is gone. This is rarely needed or done.

The scrubbing prior to vacuuming seems like it would turn the dirt in the mats to mud. That`s the reason I try to vacuum as much dirt out of the mat as I can before I scrub.

What are some opinions of others?

Charles

[Beemerboy]

Charles

Are they talking about dry scrubbing the mats to loosen up the pile then vac, before you start the washing stage of cleaning...I`ve done this to get the nap of the rug up

[CharlesW]

Charles

Are they talking about dry scrubbing the mats to loosen up the pile then vac, before you start the washing stage of cleaning...I`ve done this to get the nap of the rug up

Dave:
I can`t say for sure, but I don`t think so.
I`ll PM you with the statement as it was originally written.
I`m not sure if putting it up in public is a good thing to do. Might not even be legal.

Charles

[DLR Detailing]

Charles,

This thread should get alot of responses, great post.

I personally...

1. Dry Vac
2. Dry Brush matted and ground in areas - (customers)
3. Quick Vac again
4. Then take necessary steps to deep clean/shampoo/extract

I am of the same opinion as yourself. Why create a slurry to clean up and remove instead of just doing an intial dry vacuum?

Dave

P.S. I suppose you could just blast them with a pressure washer. Probably no need to vac 1st then.

[CharlesW]

After reading the entire thread again, I`m still not sure just what is meant by "scrubbing before you vacuum".
I have never heard the term dry scrubbing before, but I suppose that could be what the poster meant.

Charles

[Beemerboy]

The second post say to dry brush to loosen up then use the vac, the shampoo and pressure wash....the dry brushing is something that I do in areas that are super dirty or I see the nap of the rugs seems to be laying down

[CharlesW]

The second post say to dry brush to loosen up then use the vac, the shampoo and pressure wash....the dry brushing is something that I do in areas that are super dirty or I see the nap of the rugs seems to be laying down

So maybe it`s a matter of semantics, but to me, dry brushing is brushing.
Scrubbing is when you brush or agitate while washing.
From Dictionary.com:
scrub–verb (used with object)
1. to rub hard with a brush, cloth, etc., or against a rough surface in washing.
2. to subject to friction; rub.
3. to remove (dirt, grime, etc.) from something by hard rubbing while washing.
No. 2 seems to cover it.

Anyway, dry brushing, (scrubbing?) prior to vacuuming makes sense. Wet scrubbing didn`t.

Charles

[Stephan]

My process is similar.

1: Dry Vac
2: Spray APC let stand for 5 minutes
3: Take PC with brush atachment and go over mats.
4: Use Exctractor
5: Use shop vac.

[lapower]

Don`t forget the last step spray deodorizer on the mats, on the carpets and under front seats

[RyansAutoDetail]

personally for carpeted matts i do the following:
vac
dry brush
vac x2
soak approx 60% wet
spray your favourite cleaner/apc if heavily soiled, and sit for 1min
scrub matt w/ shampoo solution
powerwash
vac x3 or extract if you have one available
VOILA et PRESTO !
NEW MATTS !

oh yeah and deodorizer/febreeze last step !