Alexei Volkov
Keeping your outdoor plastic mats clean is important for maintaining their longevity and ensuring they effectively trap dirt, dust, and rainwater. Regular maintenance and deep cleaning can help your mats last longer and look better. To clean your plastic mats, start by shaking them to remove loose debris, then rinse them with a garden hose on an inclined surface to allow for effective water drainage. You can also use a wet/dry vacuum for a deeper clean and to remove pet hair or stains. When drying the mat, avoid direct sunlight as this can damage the mat and compromise its longevity. Instead, dry it in a shaded area by leaning it against a wall or laying it on a sloping surface.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Keep carpets clean, especially in colder climates |
| Material | Plastic, rubber, nylon, nylon blend, polypropylene, cotton, microfiber, coir |
| Placement | Indoor, outdoor, vehicles |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Cleaning | Vacuuming, deep cleaning, pressure washing, hosing, scrubbing, rinsing, drying |
| Cleaning Products | Citrus all-purpose cleaner, liquid detergent, carpet cleaner, mild detergent, powder cleaner, baking soda |
| Protection | 303 Aerospace Protectant, tire shine, all-purpose cleaner, Tuf Shine Tire Cleaner, KCx Gummifix |
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What You'll Learn
Shake and hose down
Shaking and hosing down is a quick and easy way to clean plastic outdoor mats. First, take the mat outside and give it a good shake to remove any loose dirt or debris. You could also try hanging the mat and beating it to remove any deeper dirt. If your mat has bristles, you could try rolling it up and striking it against the ground to open up the space between the bristles and allow dirt and loose fibres to work free.
Next, take a hose and wash the dirty side of the mat. Avoid making the underside wet. The pressure from the hose will help to dislodge any remaining loose materials. If you don't have a hose, you could use a bucket of water or a pressure washer at a car wash.
After hosing down the mat, you can either allow it to air dry or use a cloth to wipe it down. If you are using a cloth, dip it in a mixture of hot water, laundry soap, and baking soda, then rinse the mat thoroughly and let it dry. You can also use a diluted mixture of vinegar and water to wipe down the mat.
Finally, lean the mat against a wall or lay it on a sloping surface to drain off any excess water. You can also peg the mat on a clothesline, hang it on a railing, or put it on a drying rack. Remember to dry the mat outdoors but not in direct sunlight, as this can damage the mat and compromise its longevity.
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Use a wet/dry vacuum
Plastic outdoor mats are easy to clean. You can use a wet/dry vacuum to give your mats a deep clean. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use a wet/dry vacuum to clean your plastic outdoor mats:
Step 1: Prepare the Wet/Dry Vacuum
Before using your wet/dry vacuum, it is important to prepare it for use. Firstly, identify the type of mess you need to clean. If you are cleaning a liquid mess, such as spilled milk, you will need to remove the filter from the vacuum. Liquids can damage filters, and using the vacuum with the filter in place can potentially ruin your vacuum. However, if you are cleaning a dry mess, such as sawdust, you should ensure that the filter is correctly placed. The filter prevents dust from blowing out during the cleaning process.
Step 2: Choose the Right Attachment
Wet/dry vacuums come with a variety of attachments, and it is important to select the right one for the job. If you are cleaning a flat surface, use the attachment with a broad, flat head, known as the wet nozzle. For cleaning large piles of debris, use the biggest attachment to save time. If you are cleaning a surface coated in pet hair or trying to reach tight spaces, opt for a brush attachment.
Step 3: Vacuum the Mat
Once your wet/dry vacuum is prepared and the correct attachment is in place, you can turn on the machine and start vacuuming your plastic outdoor mat. The wet/dry vacuum is versatile and can handle various types of messes, including standing water, home improvement debris, and pet hair.
Step 4: Dispose of the Contents
After vacuuming, you need to dispose of the contents of the wet/dry vacuum properly. If the drum is filled with water, remove the top of the vacuum and carefully pour out the water. It is recommended to dump the water onto a lawn or outdoor area. If the drum contains dry debris, dispose of it into a trash bag before returning the vacuum to storage.
Step 5: Clean the Wet/Dry Vacuum
To maintain the longevity of your wet/dry vacuum, it is important to clean it regularly. After each use, inspect the vacuum for any remaining mess and clean it out. Do not leave a mess sitting in the vacuum, as it can affect the performance and lifespan of the vacuum. Additionally, if you have vacuumed up liquids, there is a potential for mold and mildew growth inside the canister. To prevent this, clean the canister with fresh water and a mixture of household chlorine bleach. Run clean water through the hose, and allow all components to dry thoroughly before storing the vacuum.
By following these steps, you can effectively use a wet/dry vacuum to clean your plastic outdoor mats, ensuring a thorough and deep clean while also maintaining the performance and longevity of your vacuum.
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Wash with a brush and citrus cleaner
To clean plastic outdoor mats, a citrus cleaner and a brush can be used. This method is especially useful for removing caked-on grime. First, remove loose debris from the mat by shaking it out or rinsing it with a hose. Then, cover the mat with a citrus all-purpose cleaner, such as Gtechniq W5 Citrus All Purpose Cleaner. Attach a brush to a cordless drill, such as the Light Duty Speedy Drill Brush, and work the brush over the mat at a slow speed. The cleaner will foam and loosen dirt and grime from the surface. After a few passes, rinse the mat with water to remove the loosened contamination. If there are any remaining spots, scrub them directly with a brush and a small spray of the cleaner, then rinse the mat again.
To dry the mat, lean it against a wall or lay it on a sloping surface to drain off water. Alternatively, hang the mat on a clothesline or railing, or put it on a drying rack. Ensure the mat is dried outdoors but not in direct sunlight, as this can damage the mat.
Other citrus cleaners, such as Citrus APC, can also be used, along with a brush or a drill brush. For very dirty mats, a degreaser may be necessary.
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Sun dry
If you are sun drying a bath mat, it is important to note that the plastic underside of these mats is susceptible to melting in the dryer, so it is best to avoid placing them in a dryer and opt for sun drying instead. When sun drying a bath mat, ensure it is in a dry place, such as a closet or cabinet, when not in use.
While sun drying is a great option for drying plastic mats, it is important to be mindful of the sun's intensity and adjust the drying method accordingly to avoid potential damage to your mats.
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Machine wash
Firstly, remove loose dirt from the mat by shaking it outside or using a vacuum cleaner. For plastic mats with suction cups, peel them off the floor, lay them flat, and fill the bath with enough warm water to submerge the mat. Add two cups of bleach or hydrogen peroxide to the water and let the mat soak for a couple of hours. This process will eliminate mould and disinfect the mat.
If your mat has tough stains, a bleach bath can be used. Create a solution of chlorine bleach and water in a bowl and soak the stained areas of the mat for a few minutes. You can also use vinegar and chlorine to wipe off tough stains. Use a mild brush or sponge to scrub the stain, being careful not to scrub too hard to avoid damaging the mat's smoothness.
After treating tough stains and disinfecting, the mat is ready for machine washing. Place the mat in the washer with other mats or towels, preferably those that can handle chlorine bleach. Set the washer to a gentle cycle with cold or warm water. Avoid using bleach during the machine wash cycle.
After the wash cycle, hang the mat to air dry. Do not put the mat in a dryer, as the heat can warp it and compromise its longevity. Sunlight is a natural deodorizer and can help prevent mildew buildup and kill bacteria.
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Frequently asked questions
First, shake the mat to remove any loose debris, then rinse it with a hose on an inclined surface so the water can drain quickly. Next, use a brush attachment with your drill to work over the mat. Finally, dry the mat outdoors but not in direct sunlight, as this will damage the mat.
For a deep clean, use a wet/dry vacuum on your mat. If your mat is made of washable materials, you can also rinse it with water.
Regular maintenance and the occasional deep clean will help your mat last longer. Mats should be replaced every two years.
