Published by Hala Zaqqout on June 7, 2022 | Last updated on May 20, 2023
How often do you deep clean your car? When was the last time you cleaned the trunk carpet? Unfortunately, many car owners overlook the trunk carpet for way too long, allowing stains, mud, and sticky substances to accumulate (1).
The interior car carpets aren’t the only thing that needs to be cleaned! For that, we’ll help you to clean the trunk carpet and get rid of all the stains you may find there.
In this Cleaners Advisor article, we’ll show you how to clean trunk carpet in 4 easy and simple steps, along with the effective method of how to remove motor oil stains out of the trunk carpet with the materials and products needed for this process.
Why You Need to Know “How to Clean Trunk Carpet”?
Here are the reasons why your car trunk carpet should be professionally cleaned:
1. It’ll make your car look great.
2. It’ll protect your health.
3. It’ll keep the trunk carpet in a good condition.
4. It’ll avoid costly replacements.
Materials and Tools Needed
Here’re some materials and tools you should keep in mind when you decide to clean your car trunk carpet.
- Vacuum Cleaner
- Water
- Bucket
- Mild dish detergent
- Towels
- Cornmeal
- Hard Bristle Brush
- Interior Detailer Cleaner
- Baking Soda/Cornmeal
- White Vinegar
How to Clean Trunk Carpet?
Here’s how to clean a car trunk carpet in 4 easy and simple steps, so your trunk is nearly spotless again:
1. Empty the Trunk
It’s typical to have a lot of stuff in the trunk of your car. So, before you start, take all of your items out of the car so that they may be cleaned outside, and leave the trunk completely empty. It will enable you to see and determine the spots that require removal.
2. Shake and Vacuum
Give the trunk carpet a good shake to remove as much loose debris as possible.
When the trunk is empty, vacuum the carpet thoroughly to remove any obvious debris as well as any little dust particles that are difficult to remove manually. Also, check if there are lodged in areas such as the spare tire well. Remove it as well if there are any.
If the trunk carpet can be removed, do so and wash it in warm water with soap or detergent before laying it flat to dry. Scrub the flat surface of the trunk with a clean cloth dipped in a mixture of water and dish detergent or car shampoo.
Wipe the areas with another clean cloth dipped in clean water to remove the liquid detergent mixture, then dry with another clean cloth. If the trunk carpet cannot be removed, vacuum first and then move to the next step.
3. Remove the Stains
Remove any extra tires and vacuum underneath them after vacuuming the trunk. Dig deep into the trunk carpet using a hard bristle brush to remove filth that couldn’t be removed otherwise. The interior of the trunk isn´t the only thing that needs to be cleaned.
If the carpet is heavily stained, apply the plastic trim piece with your interior detailed cleaner. Clean the plastic trim piece of the trunk with the interior detailer cleaner and a soft bristle brush, wiping the excess off with a microfiber towel.
Use a soft bristle brush to apply interior protectant on the plastic trim piece, then wipe away any excess with a microfiber towel.
Cornmeal can be used to remove grease stains. Pour just enough cornmeal on the stained area to completely cover it. Allow it to sit overnight. Then, the next morning, vacuum it up. You can check the best car carpet cleaner choices and the best vacuums for car detailing that you can also use when cleaning the trunk carpet.
4. Dry the Trunk
Allow the carpet to dry before placing it back in the trunk. If the trunk carpet cannot be removed, keep the trunk door open until the trunk carpet is dry. This is to prevent moisture and odor from accumulating due to un-dried carpeting.
If you choose to clean trunk carpet without machine, check how to clean car carpet without a machine and follow the steps mentioned.
Check out this video that show how to clean trunk carpet properly.
How to get Motor Oil Stains out of Trunk Carpet?
To clean motor oil from the trunk carpet, follow the steps given below.
1. Start by sprinkling a little amount of baking soda over the stain. If you don’t have baking soda, you can use corn starch.
2. Vacuum the carpet once it has sat for 15-20 minutes.
3. Apply a few drops of dry cleaning fluid on a clean cloth and press it against the motor oil stain.
4. Using a clean cloth, blot the stain. Carpets that are somewhat stained will be cleaned until now. If the stain is still there, follow the steps below.
5. Add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar and 1 tablespoon of liquid detergent to 2 cups of warm water.
6. Soak a sponge in the solution and scrub the stained area until all of the oil residues are removed.
7. Rinse the area with cold water and let dry.
Watch this video below and follow the steps when cleaning motor oil stains from trunk carpet.
How to Clean Trunk Carpet FAQ
To Wrap Up
When the trunk carpet is not cleaned properly, its odor can get its way into the car’s interior. That is you should learn how to clean trunk carpet regularly.
If you notice a spill or stain, clean it immediately by following the steps aforementioned. This will keep it from setting.
Want to share tricks on how to clean trunk carpet? Tell Cleaners Advisor in the comments box below. We’d like to hear from you!
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