Skip to content
  1. Free shipping Orders over $115Learn More
car carpet cleaning how to

Car Carpet Cleaning: Make Your Carpets Look New Again in 5 Easy Steps

As car owners, we all know the struggle of keeping our vehicle's carpets looking their best. From spilled coffee to tracked-in dirt, it can feel like an endless battle to maintain that fresh, clean appearance. But what if I told you there's a simple, effective solution that can transform your grimy carpets into showroom-worthy condition? In this comprehensive guide, I'll walk you through the step-by-step process I use to deep clean car carpets using the P&S Carpet System – a four-part system that delivers professional-grade results with ease.

Understanding the P&S Carpet System

The P&S Carpet System is a complete solution for tackling even the toughest carpet stains and odors. It consists of four key products, each designed to work together for maximum cleaning power:

By using these four products in a specific order, you can achieve professional-level results without the need for heavy-duty extraction equipment or excessive moisture. Let's dive into the step-by-step process.

Step 1: Prepare the Carpet

Before we start the deep cleaning process, it's important to properly prepare the carpet. Begin by using the RELEASE Vacuum Aid to loosen and lift any embedded dirt, pet hair, or other debris. This pre-treatment helps ensure that you're not just scrubbing the surface and pushing the grime deeper into the fibers.

To use RELEASE, simply spray a light mist over the entire carpet area and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, thoroughly vacuum the surface to remove all the loosened contaminants. This step not only helps improve the overall cleaning results, but it also prevents you from inadvertently grinding in any stubborn stains.

Step 2: Break Down Organic Stains

With the carpet prepped and ready, it's time to tackle those pesky organic stains. This is where the Terminator Enzyme Spot & Stain comes into play. As an enzyme-based cleaner, Terminator is specifically formulated to break down the molecular bonds of organic materials like food, coffee, and pet accidents.

Simply spray the Terminator over the affected areas, making sure to cover the entire surface. Then, use a hand brush or the Interior Scrub Brush to work the product into the carpet fibers. This agitation helps the enzymes penetrate deep into the stain, preparing it for the next step.

At this point, you may already start to see some improvement in the appearance of the carpet, but don't worry – the real magic happens in the next step.

Step 3: Remove Stubborn Stains

With the organic stains broken down, it's time to bring in the big guns – the Carpet Bomber Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner. This surfactant-based citrus cleaner is specifically formulated to tackle the toughest stains and grime, working in tandem with the Terminator to deliver a one-two punch.

Again, spray the Carpet Bomber over the affected areas, making sure to cover the entire surface. This time, however, you'll want to use a more aggressive tool – the Carpet Drill Brush. Attach the drill brush to your power tool and use it to scrub the carpet, working the Carpet Bomber deep into the fibers.

The drill brush is a game-changer when it comes to carpet cleaning, as it can do the heavy lifting for you, saving your hands and arms from fatigue. Plus, the spinning motion of the brush helps to agitate the carpet, further breaking down and lifting out those stubborn stains.

Once you've given the area a thorough scrubbing, take a clean, dry towel and blot the surface to absorb any excess moisture and dirt. You'll be amazed at how much grime comes up on the towel – it's a truly satisfying sight!

Step 4: Finish Strong with the Finisher

With the stains and grime removed, it's time to put the finishing touches on your freshly cleaned carpets. This is where the Finisher Peroxide Treatment comes into play.

The Finisher serves several important functions:

  • Faster Drying: The peroxide-based formula helps the carpet dry more quickly, reducing the risk of mold or mildew growth.

  • Odor Neutralization: The Finisher neutralizes any lingering odors, leaving your carpets smelling fresh and clean.

  • Chemical Neutralization: By neutralizing the chemicals used in the previous steps, the Finisher prevents any wicking or resoiling of the carpet as it dries.

  • Brightening: The Finisher also helps to brighten and revive the carpet fibers, giving them a like-new appearance.

Simply spray the Finisher over the entire carpet area and let it work its magic. At this point, your carpets should be looking and smelling better than ever before.

Optional Step: Steaming for Extra Cleaning Power

If you really want to take your carpet cleaning to the next level, consider adding a steaming step after using the Carpet Bomber. A basic handheld steam cleaner, like the one I use, can provide that extra bit of cleaning power to tackle any remaining stubborn stains or discoloration.

To use the steamer, simply go over the carpet with the triangular brush attachment, allowing the hot steam to penetrate deep into the fibers. The steam not only helps to further break down and lift out any remaining grime, but it also helps to refresh and revive the carpet, leaving it looking and feeling brand new.

Just be sure to follow up with the Finisher Peroxide Treatment to ensure the carpet dries quickly and any chemical residue is neutralized.

Achieving Professional-Grade Results at Home

As you can see, the P&S Carpet System provides a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to deep cleaning car carpets that delivers professional-grade results without the need for heavy-duty extraction equipment or excessive moisture. By using these four specialized products in the right order, you can transform your grimy, stained carpets into a showroom-worthy condition.

And the best part? You can achieve these same stunning results right at home, using just a few simple tools and the P&S Carpet System. No heavy-duty equipment, no excessive moisture, and no hassle – just a straightforward, effective cleaning process that delivers unbeatable results.

Elevate Your Detailing Game with the Right Tools

Of course, to get the most out of the P&S Carpet System, you'll want to have the right tools on hand. In addition to the four core products, I highly recommend investing in a few key accessories:

  • Edgeless 300 Microfiber Towels – These ultra-soft, absorbent towels are perfect for blotting up excess moisture and dirt.

  • Carpet Drill Brush – As I mentioned earlier, the drill brush is a game-changer when it comes to agitating and scrubbing the carpet fibers.

  • Interior Scrub Brush – For those hard-to-reach areas or more delicate surfaces, a handheld scrub brush is an invaluable tool.

  • FUR-EEL Pro II Pet Hair & Sand Remover Kit – This versatile kit includes a variety of brushes and tools specifically designed for removing stubborn pet hair and debris.

With these essential tools in your arsenal, you'll be able to tackle even the toughest carpet cleaning challenges with ease, delivering professional-level results every time.

Conclusion: Elevate Your Detailing Game with the P&S Carpet System

If you're tired of dealing with dingy, stained car carpets, the P&S Carpet System is the solution you've been searching for. By breaking down the cleaning process into four simple steps, you can achieve a level of clean that rivals even the most experienced detailers – all without the need for heavy-duty equipment or excessive moisture.

So why settle for less than perfect when you can have your carpets looking brand new again? Invest in the P&S Carpet System and the right tools, and get ready to transform your vehicle's interior from drab to fab. Your car (and your passengers) will thank you!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the P&S Carpet System and how does it work for car carpets?

The P&S Carpet System is a four‑product kit designed for auto interior carpet restoration. It combines RELEASE Vacuum Aid to loosen dirt, Terminator Enzyme Spot & Stain to break down organic soils, Carpet Bomber to lift stains with a citrus cleaner, and Finisher Peroxide Treatment to speed drying, neutralize odors, and brighten fibers. Used in the recommended order, it delivers professional‑quality car carpet cleaning at home—great for anyone doing a DIY car carpet cleaning or looking for the best car detailing products for carpets.

Can I achieve professional-grade car carpet cleaning at home without heavy equipment?

Yes. The system is designed so you don’t need heavy extraction equipment. Use a hand brush or Interior Scrub Brush for agitation, a drill brush for tougher areas, and the Finisher to speed drying. Optional steaming can boost results and help with stubborn spots, but you can still get strong, professional car carpet cleaning using the P&S Carpet System with common detailing tools.

How do I remove organic stains from car carpets effectively?

Focus on Terminator Enzyme Spot & Stain first to break down organic materials like food, coffee, and pet accidents. Spray the enzyme on the affected area, work it in with an Interior Scrub Brush or hand brush, and let it start loosening the stain. Then move to the Carpet Bomber to lift remaining grime, and finish with the Finisher for odor control and quicker drying. This approach targets typical car carpet stains and aligns with best practices for DIY car carpet cleaning.

What is the best order to use the P&S Carpet System products?

Follow this sequence: Step 1, RELEASE Vacuum Aid to loosen debris; Step 2, Terminator Enzyme Spot & Stain to break down organic stains; Step 3, Carpet Bomber to scrub away stains using the Carpet Drill Brush; Step 4, Finisher Peroxide Treatment to speed drying, neutralize odors, and brighten fibers. If desired, you can add a steam step after applying Carpet Bomber and before Finisher to boost cleaning power and help remove residual grime.

Does steaming or extra steps improve results and drying time?

Steaming can provide extra cleaning power and help lift remaining discoloration, especially on tougher spots. After steaming, finish with Finisher to ensure faster drying and odor neutralization, which helps prevent wicking and resoiling. Overall, steam cleaning car interior is a helpful optional enhancement, but the core four‑step P&S Carpet System already delivers strong, professional‑level results for car carpet cleaning.

TL;DR — The secret to making car carpets look new again is a simple, four‑part system you can use at home: the P&S Carpet System. Start with RELEASE Vacuum Aid to loosen dirt and pet hair, then apply Terminator Enzyme Spot & Stain to break down organic soils like coffee and food. Next, scrub with Carpet Bomber (a citrus-based cleaner) using a drill brush to lift stubborn grime, and finish with Finisher Peroxide Treatment to speed drying, neutralize odors, and brighten fibers. An optional steam step can boost cleaning power, and following this sequence lets you achieve professional‑level results without heavy extraction equipment—giving you a deep clean car carpet and a showroom‑worthy interior in your own garage.