How to Clean Salt Stains

How to Clean Salt Stains

Summer is almost here, and before we know it we will be heading to the beach for the afternoon or packing up our cars for road trips. After enjoying the sun and surf, an unfortunate consequence of beach days can be salt residues left in our vehicles – especially the carpets. There are a few ways you can solve this yourself, which we will outline below, or you can call the pros for the professional treatment.

Over the next few months and years we will be engaging with you, answering your questions in our blog, outlining all of our services, and blogging about our thoughts on the industry and how we are trying to positively influence car culture in Victoria.

No matter which method you choose, your first step should always be to loosen and collect as much dried-on salt crust as you can. The easiest way to do this is with a stiff brush and a vacuum. If your car has removable mats, start by taking them out and give them a good beating.

For your next steps, there are a few different products and methods to choose from.

Option 1: vinegar, warm water, spray bottle, terry cloths

First, take your 50-50 mixture of vinegar and warm water, spray the salt stains and let it sit for a minute. Next, fold up a small terry towel and press it firmly onto the wet area, holding for several seconds. Repeat as necessary, re-folding or using a new terry towel so you’re always blotting with a clean surface.

Option 2: Carpet Cleaning solution, terry cloth, stiff brush

When using a store-bought carpet cleaning solution, you should always follow the directions on the label. There are several types of cleaning solutions available to you should you choose to go this route. Some come as a liquid that you dilute with water, others as a full-strength liquid spray. There are also spray foams, which are packaged in a can with a bristle scrubber in the lid. Depending on what kind you buy you may need to brush the solution in and/or blot away any excess at the end of the treatment.

Option 3: Industrial Carpet Cleaner with the upholstery attachment

If you already own one, that’s perfect. If not, home carpet cleaners can generally be rented from your local hardware store. Make sure the one you get has an upholstery attachment for use on your vehicle carpet. Follow the instructions, keeping in mind that using twice as much cleaning solution may not make your car’s carpet and mats twice as clean. You may find that a rental will be more expensive than having your carpets shampooed by us, so we would only recommend this option if you have multiple cars to clean and want to make a day of it.

Option 4: liquid dish soap, warm water, bucket, cloth or scrub brush, wet/dry vac (optional)

This method works best for removable mats as it will get your mats wetter than some of the others. Blend one part liquid dish soap (do NOT use automatic dishwasher liquid) with four parts warm water. Rub the solution in with a clean cloth or scrub brush. Rinse with clean water. Vacuum the rinse water out of the carpet using a wet/dry vacuum capable of sucking up water, or hang the mats to dry.

Option 5: Go to the Pros

If all else fails (or your time is limited) just give us a call for a shampoo. We have professional-strength products and the know-how to take your carpets off their salty diet and have them looking like new.