Rubber Mats: Everything You Need to Know

Disappointment is universal when something goes wrong, such as chili spilling out of the Crock Pot or dirt being tracked into the interior of the car. Many car owners choose to upgrade their vehicle’s floor mats in order to preserve the vehicle’s beauty and value. In general, aftermarket mats are more durable and constructed to a higher quality than stock mats.

Snow, ice, slush, rain, and pebble-filled mud may all take their toll on an all-weather mat. To keep dirt and other material from being tracked onto the carpet or other interior surfaces, these mats feature grooves or channels in them. They may be readily removed and washed if they become filthy or full of dirt. Additionally, all-weather mats are able to withstand road salt, which is commonly used in the United States throughout the winter to keep roads in good condition. Connecticut, New York, Wisconsin, and Michigan are among the states having the most salt in their water.

All-weather mats can be useful all year round, depending on where you live, what you do, and how you live. Some people prefer to use their original mats all year round, and then switch to new ones in the summer when it’s dryer.

All-weather floor mats, not liners or carpet mats, were the focus of our selection of the best all-weather floor mats. The variety of features, forms, and colors available in this collection means that it may be used with a wide range of automobiles. These are the top six choices that we’ve made.

Best For Keeping Your Carpet Clean: Motor Trend FlexTough Contour Liners Deep Dish Heavy-Duty Floor Mats

Why We Picked It:

Floor mats from Motor Trend FlexTough Contour Deep Dish Heavy-Duty fit most automobiles, vans, sport utility vehicles, and pickup trucks without a huge price tag. Trimming with scissors along specified lines is easy, and they come in a range of colors to fit any interior. It includes two 30 by 21.5-inch mats for the front seats, as well as a 58 by 18-inch mat for the backseat. Everyone’s shoes, save for the one in the middle of the backseat, are placed in a rubber tray. The deep-dish design features a mix of linear and diagonal ridges that trap dirt while establishing superior foot traction. Built with rubber, these mats can withstand heavy foot traffic and endure use over time.

Pros:

• Floor mats from Motor Trend FlexTough Contour Deep Dish Heavy-Duty fit most automobiles, vans, sport utility vehicles, and pickup trucks without a huge price tag. Trimming with scissors along specified lines is easy, and they come in a range of colors to fit any interior. It includes two 30 by 21.5-inch mats for the front seats, as well as a 58 by 18-inch mat for the backseat. Everyone’s shoes, save for the one in the middle of the backseat, are placed in a rubber tray. The deep-dish design features a mix of linear and diagonal ridges that trap dirt while establishing superior foot traction. Built with rubber, these mats can withstand heavy foot traffic and endure use over time.
• This set of heavy-duty floor mats from Motor Trend FlexTough Contour Deep Dish Heavy-Duty provides broad coverage without a big price tag and is designed to fit most vehicles. In addition to being easy to cut with a pair of scissors along specified lines, they come in a wide range of colors to accent any decor. This set comes with two 30 by 21.5-inch front mats and one 58 by 18-inch backseat mat, which is enough room for two people. Everyone’s shoes are on a rubber tray, except for the one in the middle of the backseat. Deep-dish design features a combination of linear and diagonal ridges that trap dirt while providing excellent foot grip. These mats are made of rubber, which can handle strong foot traffic and long-term use.
• Despite its wide scope, the cost is reasonable.

Cons:

• Non-customized shape, therefore there’s no guarantee of a perfect fit.
• Despite the product’s claim to be odorless, some car owners may be able to detect a rubbery odour.
• The rubber lacks rigidity at 1-inch height, which could be a drawback for drivers who require more durable all-season mats year-round for adverse weather and environmental conditions or beneath hardy footwear tread………………………………………………………………..

Best For Three-Row Vehicles: FH Group 3Row All Weather Floor Mats

Why We Picked It:

If you’re an SUV or minivan owner with kids and pets, this mat trio is a practical, budget-friendly solution for covering the floor beneath all three seats. These vinyl-molded mats are long-lasting, water-resistant, and easy to clean. Having a simple, lightweight design makes cleaning up spills and crumbs less burdensome. The entire set weighs just 11.4 pounds, so drivers may easily remove it for a wash. The only thing that can be changed is the width. Customers are recommended to double-check their floor measurements to confirm the mat length is compatible with their application before purchasing it. There are 28.7 by 18.5 inches on the front mat. There are two back mats, each measuring 54.4 by 17.1 in. For containing wet or slushy snow, the height of each is 2.76 inches. Given that it covers all three seats, the cost is acceptable.

Pros:

• Designed to be trimmed to width so that mats’ side material can be removed by vehicles’ owners
• Helps to keep spills or slush from escaping from the outermost ridge
• Stain and water-resistant plastic is used in the construction.

Cons:

• Because the grooves aren’t particularly rigid or deep, they’re not ideal for trips through a lot of sand, mud, or snow.
• The mats aren’t held in place by the nib backing when subjected to heavy foot traffic.
• Vinyl mats, which aren’t as long-lasting as rubber ones, may begin to show signs of wear over time.

Best If You Have Pets: Husky Liners Uni-Fit All-Weather Floor Mats

Why We Picked It:

Constructors and pet owners alike will find this four-piece kit to be a useful tool. Stability under heavy foot and paw traffic is provided by these heavy-duty carpets. In addition to the 14 pounds of material weight, the 3-inch height and the underneath retention system keep them firmly in place. Mud, water and filth are prevented from reaching the margins of the perimeter thanks to the raised ridges throughout. There are 28 by 18-inch front mats and 21 by 17-inch rear mats. However, the manufacturer has the option to custom-fit these mats for a certain car.

Pros:

• Trimming the mat to a better fit can be accomplished with a utility knife rather than scissors.
• A mat’s perimeter is kept dry by a center channel system, which directs and collects liquids and melting snow.
• Grippy treads and grooves snag dirt, gravel, grass, and water.

Cons:

• Lifting in and off of the mat is made more difficult by its weighty nature.
• Trimming is probably inevitable because they are universally sized.
• Preparation time for cutting around the nubs

Best For Easy Removal and Cleaning: OxGord Car Floor Mats

Why We Picked It:

The OxGord Floor Mats are an excellent all-weather solution for car owners, especially those who live in mild regions. They are 17.5 x 29.5 inches for the front two mats. Protecting the floor behind the passenger windows is a matter of two 18.25 by 18.75-inch rear mats. The center of the backseat floor is left bare thanks to the separated design. Comparatively, backseat mats that are removable for cleaning are easier to use than door-to-door mats. They are also less likely to smear or spill dirt and filth onto the carpet and seats. A shallow 0.25-inch height on the sidewalls ensures that water does not pool and evaporates fast. Trimming the sides of the mats allows buyers to get a smaller diameter.

Pros:

• Removable and washable seat mats
• These rubber mats are long-lasting and water-resistant.
• Moisture evaporates more quickly when the grooves are smaller, making it easier for water to evaporate.

Cons:

• The product isn’t ready to go out of the box: It is recommended that you air out the mats before using them because they initially smell like rubber.
• The carpet above the transmission tunnel is not covered by the four-piece set.
• If you live in a particularly snowy climate, the traction ridges’ modest depth may not be ideal for you.

Best for Budget-Minded Buyers: BDK ProLiner Original All Weather Floor Mats

Why We Picked It:

The OxGord Car Floor Mats are identical to this three-piece mat arrangement. In order to catch fluids and provide grip, both are composed of rubber but are lighter in weight. In contrast, the BDK set is designed to protect the middle of the floor with a curved area linking the rear mats. The front mats measure 27 by 18 inches, while the rear mats measure 17 by 54 inches. A variety of guided edges are also available to help customers get the right fit. Buyers on a tight budget will appreciate the affordable pricing. Older cars, trucks, and SUVs often have these as a floor mat option.

Pros:

• Durability that will last for years at a low cost
• Because of the less-than-perfect fit, it’s easier to clean and replace.
• Passengers’ feet are protected by a large backseat carpet.

Cons:

• The general level of protection is lower around the borders, exposing the carpet
• Pre-use ventilation is required.
• Inexpensive price point means they aren’t top of the line

Best for Extreme Weather Conditions: WeatherTech All-Weather Floor Mats

Why We Picked It:

Inexpensive price point means they aren’t top of the line

Pros:

• Because of their low cost, they aren’t of the highest quality.
• Even in sub-zero temperatures, a rubber-like substance is designed to remain flexible.
• Grippy anti-slip nods keep the mats firmly in place.

Cons:

• Stiffer costs
• Time-consuming removal and cleaning is necessitated by a tighter fit.
• Short-term investments are not a good idea

Best Overall: CarCovers.com Platinum Shield Floor Mats

In contrast to comparable items, CarCovers.com’s floor mats are custom-made to match your vehicle. The synthetic leather material is visually sleek and durable. It’s resistant to damage from water, scratches, and punctures, and the unique diamond design makes it easy to clean.

Key Features

• CarCovers.com’s floor mats are custom-made to fit your vehicle, which isn’t the case with other goods on the market. The synthetic leather material looks and feels like real leather, but it is also extremely durable. It is resistant to water, scratches, and punctures, and its unique diamond design makes it easy to clean..
• The diamond pattern
• Memory foam encased in synthetic leather.
• There are numerous color choices available.
• Anti-slip
• Limited warranty for five years

What Customers Are Saying

CarCovers.com goods have more than 21,000 customer evaluations, while floor mats only have a handful. Customers give CarCovers.com items a 4.0 or 5.0 rating more than 98% of the time. Because CarCovers.com is known for its high-quality products and customer service, reviews of Platinum Shield Floor Mats are difficult to find.

Most Affordable: FH Group F11311 Rubber Floor Mat

Four mats are included in this set for the front and rear carpets. Because they are constructed of rubber, they are resistant to liquids and stains, as well as being easily trimmed to fit your vehicle’s specifications.

The FH Group floor mats have the most color options of any of the other mats reviewed here. There are eight colors to pick from if you want to add a little color to your vehicle.

Key Features

• Pieces of 4
• Black, red, blue, beige, purple, pink, burgundy, or gray color
• The color black, red, blue, beige, purple, pink, or burgundy
• Anti-slip
• Trimmable
• resistant to staining
• A 180-day money-back guarantee

What Customers Are Saying

After more than 4,500 customer reviews, this product has an Amazon score of 4.5 stars. As a result of looking at other websites’ ratings as well as Amazon’s own, our team gave it a rating that is only 0.1 star higher than average.

These floor mats are popular because of their low cost; in the past, customers had to pay more than twice as much for just one. With a pair of scissors, most customers are able to trim the front seat mats to their desired length. It has been reported that some customers find the mats to be weak and not as durable as FH Group claims. A number of people have expressed dissatisfaction with Amazon because the company claimed the item would fit their vehicle but it didn’t. However, the majority of these consumers did not even attempt to trim them.

Best For Trucks: Husky Liners SuperCrew Weatherbeater Front & Second Seat Floor Mats

Two mats are provided for the front seats, while a third is long enough to cover both rows in the back. You can cut the edges of the mats with scissors if they are too large.

Lifetime warranties are offered by Husky Liners. This implies you can get a replacement at any time by contacting them.

Key Features

• There are three components to each puzzle.
• Colors that are black, brown, or gray
• Rubber
• Anti-slip
• Guaranteed for the long haul

What Customers Are Saying

Customers on Amazon have given this product an average rating of 4.8 stars out of a possible 5. After incorporating feedback from other online stores, its ranking rises.

Customers mention how they like this floor mat set better than a similar set from WeatherTech. They say that these fit better in their trucks and don’t slip around. However, the few customers that have left negative reviews say the clips that keep the mats in place easily snap when trying to remove them for cleaning.

Armor All 78840ZN 4-Piece All Season Rubber Floor Mat

Customers have noted that this floor mat set is superior to one from WeatherTech in terms of comfort and quality. It’s claimed that these fit more snugly in their vehicles and don’t move around. A few unhappy customers have said that the mats are difficult to remove for cleaning because the clips holding them in place easily snap.

These mats are suitable for use in all weather and all seasons. During the summer and winter, you may count on it to accumulate sand.

Key Features

• Pieces of 4
• Colors that are black, brown, or gray
• Rubber
• Anti-slip
• Trimmable
• All-season
• Resistant to curving, cracking, or hardening
• Warranty of 60 days

What Customers Are Saying

More than 7,300 Amazon customers have rated this product and given it a score of 4.5 out of 5, which is 0.1 stars above the average Amazon rating for the four Amazon vehicle floor mats reviewed in this review. ‘ However, when other big e-commerce websites’ reviews are taken into account, its score rises.

These floor mats are used by customers from a wide range of automobiles. Some people claim that they don’t require much pruning at all. When it comes to the product’s scent, however, there are conflicting opinions. Several consumers claim that they are odorless, while others claim that they have a noxious stench. Customers have expressed their displeasure with the size of the seats in the back of the vehicle.

Motor Trend MT-923-BK Deep Dish Heavy Duty Rubber Floor Mats

Floor mats from Motor Trend protect your carpet from dirt and stains. Heavy-duty, with raised sides that act as a pool to hold liquid inside, they keep liquid from leaking onto the automobile carpet below.

Rubber nibs are also seen on the bottom of the mats. The nibs on these mats prevent them from slipping around since they dig into the carpet.

Key Features

• There are three components to each puzzle.
• Any shade of black, gray, beige, brown, or blue is acceptable.
• Rubber
• Anti-slip
• Trimmable
• Extremely robust
• Resistant to cracking and bending
• Odorless

What Customers Are Saying

In this review, nearly 16,000 Amazon users gave this product a rating of 4.2 stars, which is 0.2 stars lower than the average Amazon rating in this category. Its overall rating has risen marginally, although that is still below the national average.

Customers believe these mats are a more cost-effective option to custom-fitting floor mats. Apparently, it’s done on purpose for you to be able to trim them down. They do not, however, function well for vehicles with curved floors. You can’t bend the mats properly because of the thickness of the mat.

Buying A Car Floor Mat: Factors To Consider

There are a lot of things to consider when purchasing car floor mats.

Material Type

In terms of flooring options, you can choose between carpet and rubber floor mats.

Carpet

Look like your car’s carpet floor mats if you buy carpet floor mats However, if they get filthy, you will be left with a stain rather than the pleasant appearance of rubber ones.

Rubber

Rubber mats are much easier to clean than carpet mats because they are non-absorbent. It’s easy to remove them and clean any dirt or stains because of their material. They also allow you to shave off any excess rubber so that they suit your vehicle better.

Set Type

Sets come in four flavors. The three- and four-piece models were the sole subject of this examination.

• A two-piece set comes with two mats for either the carpet on the two front seats or the carpet on the two back seats.
• To cover the entire backseat carpet, a three-piece set includes a short mat for each front seat and a longer mat for the second front seat.
• In this set, you get four mats by dividing the back seat mat from the three-piece set into two separate mats.
• There are mats for both the front and back seats in this five-piece set. If you drive a truck or SUV, you’ll also get a trunk mat with this purchase.

Grip

A mat that stays in place is what you’re looking for. Ideally, your anti-skid mat should include a clasp or snap that hooks onto your vehicle’s original floor mat or nibs that dig into the carpet fibers of the vehicle.

Thickness

If you’re looking for the best protection for your car’s carpet, you’ll want to invest in heavy-duty floor mats. However, they may not be as appealing to the eye. Consider a thinner mat if you care more about how it looks.

Trimmability

Most of the time, the floor mats you discover for sale aren’t custom-made for your car. As a result, having the capacity to cut the mats to the exact dimensions of your vehicle is a must.

Odor

Some rubber mats are made with a chemical called bisphenol A or BPA. While the FDA has said small amounts of this chemical are safe, it does have a strong chemical smell. If you are sensitive to odors, we would recommend looking for a mat set that says “odorless,” “BPA-free,” or “non-toxic.”

Everything You Need to Know About Car Floor Mats

Bisphenol A, more commonly known as BPA, is sometimes used in the production of rubber mats. A strong odor of this chemical has been declared safe by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). If you’re concerned about scents, search for mats labeled “odorless,” “BPA-free,” or “non-toxic” instead.

As a result, it’s critical to use high-quality floor mats in your vehicle, as the best floor mats are made to stay in place while shielding your carpets from a variety of contaminants. As you can see, automobile floor mats come in a wide range of styles, colors, and materials, and there’s likely a pair that’s right for you and your vehicle. In the event that you can’t find a set that fits your vehicle properly, some companies offer totally tailored mats.

Should I Buy Floor Mats from the Dealer?

Floor mats are an example of an official accessory that comes with a guarantee of fit and, in certain cases, a warranty. Although some of the brands on our list make floor mats for manufacturers, it is feasible to get exactly the same product from these companies. If you buy from a dealership, you’ll likely be limited to a single style or color.

In almost every case, purchasing a comparable product on your own will result in lower costs. There will also be a wide variety of mats to choose from, as well as a variety of patterns and colors. Make them toss in a set before you sign if you’re buying a new car.

What Features Should I Look for in a Floor Mat?

There are a few other aspects of floor mats to consider in addition to appearance and proper fit.

Rims and Ridges

Look for a floor mat with high edges all the way around and pay attention to the rims and ridges. The margins of the carpet will help to keep any liquids from leaking into it. In addition, certain floor mats are designed with high grooves and ridges to divert water away from your feet and into the catch basin from the backside of the pedals.

Under the Mat

The floor mat’s underside is frequently disregarded. To ensure that the floor mat doesn’t get in the way of your driving, it’s vital to check the locking mechanism of the mat. To keep it in place, a hook on the underside of the mat is ideal.

Thickness

It may seem like a trivial detail, but thicker floor mats are better for your feet and absorb more liquids. Plastic or rubber mats, on the other hand, should be purchased with deep grooves that will keep your carpets free of dirt.

How Do You Get the Smell Out of Rubber Car Mats?

Rubber mats aren’t the only source of noxious odors. Carpets and other synthetic fabrics can also have it, but it’s difficult to tell which ones will have it before you buy them. Due to their age, even identical floor mats from the same seller may have various smells, depending on how recently they were made.

With time, you can use the faded scent as a first aid. You can get rid of odors by storing your mats in a well-ventilated area (like a garage, or even under a porch) for a few weeks. To remove volatile chemicals from the surface pores of synthetic materials without having to wait for them to season, a good washing with a cleaner like dish detergent is highly recommended. Take the mats to a vehicle wash and hose them down if they’re made of rubber, which will also help.

It’s a good idea to leave your windows open for a while until the stench dissipates completely. A few low-quality rubbers can off-gas harmful substances due to a lack of regulation on the rubber used in these kinds of items.

How to Clean Your Floor Mats

Remove dust from the mats by smacking or shaking them. When using a vacuum cleaner on cloth or rubber floor mats, you will be able to remove some of the grime that has become embedded in them. The obvious answer is to go outside. Give the mat a couple slams on the ground to get it into shape. Fabric and rubber mats both benefit from this method. Before cleaning the mat, use a scraper to remove any hard-to-remove debris.

Spray the mat with a lot of water. An electric pressure washer is an option, although it is not required. Using a regular water hose is always an option.

Get your chosen granule-based eco-friendly laundry detergent and cover the entire mat with it. Because the soapy water will be traveling right down the drain and into your favorite creek, we suggest using an eco-friendly detergent. Don’t feel like you have to use the entire packet. Just sprinkle enough to cover the majority of the floor mat and you’ll be good to go.

Using a push broom, vigorously scrub the surface. Put one foot on the mat’s edge to keep it from moving for increased stability. Brush in a variety of directions in order to remove all obstinate pollutants. Take your shoes and socks off if you don’t have a push broom or a stiff brush. Instead of escaping your difficulties, we only ask for the opportunity to clean with our feet. Avoid slipping off the mat and avoid rubbing your feet against any hard, abrasive surfaces. Additionally, you’ll be the only one in your enclave with filthy shoes.

Start at one corner of the mat and gradually push the soap over the mat to thoroughly rinse off the soap. Repeat the procedure as necessary until the soapy solution is completely clear.

Repeat the steps narrated above for the rest of your car floor mats.

How to Clean Fabric Floor Mats

In order to install the remaining floor mats, simply follow step 6 again.

Baking Soda is a great alternative.

Cleaning your floor mats with baking soda will help remove stains and neutralize odors like food and pet odors.

You can also use a harsh scrub brush and a solution of baking soda and water to thoroughly clean the matting.

Using Detergent Powder and Shampoo

In order to get your mats clean, use a stiff brush and a mixture of shampoo and washing powder (each tablespoon).

Cleaning the mat can also be done using a deck scrubbing brush, as well as a hard-bristled hand brush.

Do not forget to rinse off any soap residue.

Use of Vacuum Cleaners

There are a variety of carpet cleaners available in the market that you can use to clean your floor mats.

To clean your floor mats, you can choose from a wide range of carpet cleaners on the market.

Alternatively, you can mix a bottle of white vinegar and hot water to spritz onto the mats, followed by a thorough rubbing.

Salt stains can be removed with a mixture of vinegar and water.

Using peanut butter and salt as a pre-scrubbing mixture can help remove chewing gum from your floor mats.

Cleaning with a Steam Vacuum

Your floor mats may be thoroughly cleaned with a power washer or steam cleaning vacuum, much like your house carpet.

At a car wash, you may be able to utilize a power washer if you don’t own one.

Dishwasher Maintenance and Operation

If your floor mats are machine washable, you may just put them in with a regular detergent in the washing machine. If there are any stains to be removed, you should start with a stain remover.

Using a vacuum to dry out

Make careful to vacuum your mats again after they have been cleaned to remove any lingering water and dirt particles.

If you’re using a car vacuum, make sure it’s a wet/dry vacuum to avoid damaging it.

Using an Air Dryer or a Dryer

Once the floor mats have been thoroughly dried using a drier, vacuum, or hanging, they should be put back into your car.

When your car’s floor mats get wet, they can emit a musky, damp, and unappealing odor.

Prior to drying the floor mats, you can sprinkle them with a fresh perfume of your choice.

Don’t dry your floor mats on a high cycle if you’re using a dryer to remove any excess fur from the surface.

Methodology: All-Weather Floor Mats

All-weather floor mats were examined by Forbes Wheels, which objectively analyzed six of the most popular, best-selling and well-made mats. A vast number of manufacturers, mat shapes, groove designs, materials, and color options are available to match a wide range of automobiles. Rating criteria included: long-term usability, watertightness, underneath traction, grooves in the surface, and overall compatibility.

A range of costs from $17 to $160 was highlighted in order to meet the needs of both individuals on a budget and those looking for a high-end accessory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes the best all-weather floor mats?

There are a wide range of all-weather floor mats available to suit a wide range of needs and budgets. There are a number of factors to consider when purchasing an all-weather floor mat, including the price range and how well it can endure the consumer’s lifestyle. Generally, the higher the price, the more durable and protective the material is.

What brand is comparable to WeatherTech?

WeatherTech mats are more expensive to produce because they are a higher-end product. Husky Liners, Intro-Tech, and Rugged Ridge are all comparable mat brands.

How much do custom floor mats cost?

The cost of a full set of custom-fitted floor mats, whether purchased through the vehicle’s manufacturer or an aftermarket supplier, is often greater than $130.

Should I get all-weather floor mats?

Floor mats designed for all-weather situations are ideal for vehicles that are exposed to a variety of rain and snow. Natural and workplace components, such as rocks, sand and dirt, are protected by these mats. Unlike carpet, they’re significantly easier to maintain and keep the interior of a vehicle clean and odor-free. They’re a wise purchase for anyone who do a lot of outdoor activities, have dogs, need to transport food, or need to convey large crowds.

How do I know if a floor mat is suitable for my vehicle?

The floor mat manufacturer’s website is a good place to verify your vehicle’s make, model, and model year.

Which is better: floor liners or floor mats?

All-weather floor liners are thinner and lighter, while all-weather floor mats are thicker and heavier. With fewer and flatter grooves, liners offer a sleeker appearance. In order to provide a more personalized fit and comprehensive protection in difficult to access areas, most require a higher price. Low-cost mats that fit more generically are available in greater numbers.

Are WeatherTech products worth the money?

High-end products like WeatherTech mats and similar ones are well worth the money for those with vehicles that are used to transport large groups or animals—especially if the vehicle is brand new—or for those who live in tough climates with unpredictable weather. These mats have no odor because they are free of harsh chemicals and materials, making them an excellent choice for those concerned about the environment. They may cost twice as much as other solutions, but they have a longer lifespan.