How to Put Bicarbonate of Soda on the Car Mat

Putting bicarbonate of soda on the car mat can help lessen smells caused by dampness, food, shoes and pets without soaking the fibres. Applied dry, the powder sits on the surface for a few minutes before being fully vacuumed away, making the vehicle interior feel less stuffy.

Why put bicarbonate of soda on the car mat?

Rather than simply masking unpleasant smells with fragrance, bicarbonate of soda works on some of the molecules that cause them. In dry form, it can also absorb a small amount of moisture from the surface. These characteristics are why bicarbonate of soda is used to absorb moisture and odours.

This approach is best suited to dry mats with a mild to moderate smell. It is not a replacement for washing where mud, grease, spilled drinks or organic matter are trapped in the fibres. In these situations, remove the dirt first and allow the material to dry completely.

How to apply the powder without leaving residue

Take the mat out of the vehicle and shake it before applying the powder. Then distribute a thin, even layer of bicarbonate of soda, without creating piles that are difficult to vacuum up. Follow this process:

• Remove loose dust, sand, leaves and debris;
• Check that the mat is fully dry;
• Spread a fine layer of bicarbonate of soda;
• Leave the powder to work for at least 30 minutes;
• Vacuum slowly in several directions;
• Inspect the edges before putting the mat back.

How long should bicarbonate of soda stay in the fibres?

Thirty minutes is generally enough for a quick maintenance clean. For a stronger smell, bicarbonate of soda can be left for several hours or overnight, provided the mat is kept somewhere dry and well ventilated, away from children and pets.

Before leaving it on for an extended period, it is advisable to test the powder on an inconspicuous area, particularly on dark mats or those with a special finish. Vacuuming must be thorough, as white residue can remain caught in the fibres and reappear when someone steps on the mat.

How often should the cleaning be repeated?

The treatment can be repeated every 7 to 15 days in cars used daily, particularly if wet shoes, pets or food are brought into the vehicle. The interval may be longer for vehicles used less often and kept with the windows closed only for short periods.

• Clean weekly if the car carries pets;
• Repeat after rainy periods and mud being brought in;
• Apply it every two weeks as preventative maintenance;
• Bring the cleaning forward if the smell returns;
• Do not put the powder on wet mats.

Does bicarbonate of soda remove every bad smell in the vehicle?

Bicarbonate of soda supports routine maintenance, but it does not remove the source of smells caused by water leaks, established mould, liquid leaks or dirt underneath the carpet. Enclosed spaces retain odours more easily, as happens with the causes that make indoor areas smell stuffy. If the smell returns quickly, check the seats, boot, air conditioning and the floor beneath the mats.

Ventilating the car completes the cleaning process. Once the bicarbonate of soda has been vacuumed up, leaving the doors or windows open for a few minutes helps accumulated moisture escape. Dry mats, frequent vacuuming and dealing promptly with spills prevent the smell from building up inside the vehicle again.