The pants saver car mats I used over the winter did a great job for our pants but not so good for the carpets. They overflowed and I now have salt stains on the carpet.

What's the best way to get the salt stains out?

I just used Turtle Wax Power Out and it did a really good job. Bought it at AutoZone.

1) Steam cleaning, if you have a portable one with a brush attachment
2) Warm soapy water, a nylon brush and elbow grease

You basically have to disolve the salt first. Then use a cleaner if the carpet is stained.

This is a case where prevention does wonders: I carry a roll of heavy duty shop towels in my car. I fold up a few layers and put it under the mat where the overflow escapes. When I see the rag is soaked, I change it, max once a month. Washable rags work too. I've been doing this for years and rarely have to get down there to wash caked stuff.

Yves

This is the first vehicle I have had that has really wide footwells.

I will be getting the Husky liners for next winter so that I can avoid this mess next year. Cool idea you have about using shop towels around the edges of the mat...that makes too much sense :lol:

1) Steam cleaning, if you have a portable one with a brush attachment
2) Warm soapy water, a nylon brush and elbow grease

You basically have to disolve the salt first. Then use a cleaner if the carpet is stained.

This is a case where prevention does wonders: I carry a roll of heavy duty shop towels in my car. I fold up a few layers and put it under the mat where the overflow escapes. When I see the rag is soaked, I change it, max once a month. Washable rags work too. I've been doing this for years and rarely have to get down there to wash caked stuff.

Yves

Yep steam water work just fine!! :thumb:

I have one of those portable Bissel stain removers but it's the one that does not have the steam attachment.

In the end I just used a spray bottle with warm water in it and a terry cloth towel. Sprayed it, let it sit for a few and then applied some elbow grease.

It all came out. Some parts of the carpet are still a bit hard, but the visible salt is gone.