Albuquerque Journal

Protect a car’s carpet

PROACTIVEL­Y PROTECT THE INTERIOR OF YOUR CAR

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Adamaged interior can greatly reduce the value of your vehicle, and your carpet can take the brunt of the abuse. There are several ways to protect it from life’s inevitable messes. Muddy feet, young children and spills are just a few hazards that may damage your carpet. Vehicle after-market retailers offer many kinds of protection for your vehicle’s carpet.

floor mats

Many companies offer laser-cut floor mats that are intended to fit your specific vehicle. Using a universal floor mat may provide some protection, but a custom-fit mat will cover practicall­y every inch of your carpet, from door to door and footwell to trunk. Look for all-weather floor mats. Made of a durable material and designed with high side walls, they will contain water, mud and other hazards that are bound to make it into your vehicle. removing stains The key to eradicatin­g any stain is to attack it as soon as possible. This isn’t always feasible if you’re in a vehicle. Luckily, with a little elbow grease and helpful products, you can usually take care of it later. Pick a carpet cleaner that you feel confident will remove your stain. Then find a good brush; one with soft-bristles will work best. Apply the solution and allow it to soak into your carpet for about 10 minutes before working your brush in a circular motion. Allowing the cleaner to soak will help break down the stain and make brushing it out much easier.

avoiding stains

While it’s not always possible to avoid stains, there are several different ways to prevent them. If you have small children, it’s a good idea to ban eating or drinking on short rides. If snacks and drinks are required for longer rides, buy spill-proof cups. These containers are good at preventing spills that may wind up in your carpet. Be aware of the weather conditions. If you’re expecting rain, plan to park in areas that avoid having to get your shoes wet or muddy. With some ground rules and a little preparatio­n, you can ensure your carpet stays in great shape.

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