The floor liners or mats in your Rivian R1S endure a lot of wear and tear every day. From kids, pets, the market, muddy shoes to beach sand, they all accumulate on them. They quietly handle everything, but if not cared for for a long time, they will quickly start to look old and worn out. The good news is, with the right products and a simple routine, you can keep them looking like new.
Benefits of Cleaning Liners and Resale Value
Floor liners can be considered the first step in protecting your car’s interior. They stop dirt, ice, sand, coffee, or pet hair from reaching the carpet. A clean liner keeps the entire cabin looking fresh, and it’s much easier to clean the liner than it is to remove stains or odors. Not only does it look good, proper care of the liners also increases the resale value of your car. When a buyer sees that the carpet underneath the liner is completely spotless, they know that the car has been properly maintained. Another added benefit is that cleaning your liners is one of the easiest ways to make your car look like new at home.
Know Your Liner Type
Before you start cleaning, it’s important to know what type of mats or liners your car has.
R1S owners typically have three types of liners: factory all-weather liners, which are made of eco-rubber or rubber-like materials and have deep grooves, aftermarket all-weather Rivian R1S Custom Floor Mats or TPE liners, which are relatively stiff, have high edges and deep grooves, and carpet or “luxury” mats, which are usually made with a layer of fabric over a rubber base. This is important to know because harsh chemicals that are safe for rubber can damage the fibers of the carpet, and the harsh rubbing of TPE mats can damage carpet mats.
Tools and Precautions
It’s a good idea to pack a small “liner care kit” for cleaning, which includes mild car wash soap or a mild interior cleaner (safe for plastic and rubber), a bucket of warm water, a soft or medium-strength brush for removing dirt, a small detailing brush for cleaning corners and logos, a few microfiber towels for wiping and drying, and a vacuum cleaner (with a narrow nozzle).
However, avoid harsh household cleaners such as bleach, ammonia or solvents, strong engine degreasers, and shiny or slippery dressings, as these can damage the mats or cause slips and trips.
Quick and Regular Cleaning Routine
For a regular quick cleaning, you can remove the liners from the car and shake or lightly tap them to remove loose dust, sand, and dirt. Then use the narrow nozzle of the vacuum to clean crevices, high edges, and around logos. For light dirt, wipe with a damp microfiber towel, especially where there is a lot of foot or ankle friction. Make sure the liners are completely dry before re-installing.
Deep Cleaning Method for All-Weather Liners
To deep clean all-weather or TPE liners, first
- Remove the liners and rinse them thoroughly with water, using a low-power pressure washer if using a pressure washer.
- Then scrub the crevices, corners, and high edges with a brush using warm water and mild soap.
- Use a small detailing brush for logos and narrow edges.
- Rinse thoroughly until all soap and dirt are gone, as any remaining soap will attract new dirt.
- Blot excess water and allow to air dry in the shade, not in direct sunlight, as this can damage the plastic or rubber. After it has completely dried, you can apply a non-slip protector.
Mat Cleaning Techniques
For a deep clean of carpeted floor mats, first remove the mats and gently shake them to loosen the dust and vacuum from different directions. For coffee or mud stains, spray a carpet cleaner on them and leave them for a while and dab gently with a soft brush or towel, do not rub hard. If the entire mat seems dirty, spray a light coat of carpet cleaner and gently clean with a brush, taking care not to get the mat too wet. Blot with a dry towel to absorb the moisture and dry completely in a ventilated area, as wet mats can cause odors and mold if placed in a car.
How to remove stubborn stains
Take special care for stubborn stains. If there is thick mud, let it dry first, dry mud is easy to brush off, then wash with soap. For winter salt or white stains, clean with warm water and mild soap and rinse twice to make sure the salt is completely gone. If there is food or drink spillage, wipe it off immediately, and when it dries, soak it in warm soapy water and clean it. For pet hair, use a rubber brush or wet gloves to gather the hair in one place and vacuum it, if there is an odor, wash it thoroughly and dry it or use a deodorizing spray for carpets.
Maintaining the carpet under the liner
Caring for the carpet under the liner is equally important. At least once a month, remove the liner and check the carpet underneath, vacuum it and check for moisture, and dry it if it is wet. Never wash the liner with water while it is inside the car, as water can roll in and damage the carpet or car wiring.
Seasonal Protection and Cleaning Frequency
For seasonal care, clean 2026 Rivian R1S Floor Liners quickly during the rainy season or winter to remove any water or salt buildup. After returning from the beach, shake the liner thoroughly and brush out the sand from the corners. If you get mud on the off-road, wash it before it hardens. The cleaning frequency will depend on your usage. For general city use, shake it out once every 1-2 weeks and wash it thoroughly once a month. For family, pets or beach trips, sweep it once a week and wash it every 1-2 weeks or immediately after a dirty trip. After off-road or heavy use, check and wash it after every major trip.
Storage, replacement time and final advice
Store the mats flat or gently rolled up, as folding them too hard can permanently bend them. If the mat tears, leaks, the edges are wrinkled or the bottom grip is lost and they keep slipping, buy new mats. Finally, be realistic. You don’t need to keep your car looking showroom-perfect every week, consistency and using the right products are key. It’s better to clean it regularly with a mild soap than once a year with harsh chemicals. Your goal is to have a clean, safe, and secure interior, not an overly shiny look. By following these simple rules, your Rivian’s floor liners will stay looking like new for a long time without any problems.
