Simple steps to clean and maintain your RV patio mat

Let’s face it: RV patio mats just don’t get any respect. Underfoot, over dirt, sand, even mud, those poor-but-necessary RV accessories can lose their luster. Worse, imagine Bowser snoozing on your RV mat after having a good roll in some creepy stuff he found out in the woods. Here are some RV patio mat cleaning tips from the simple to the esoteric.

RV patio mat cleaning tips

Since RV patio mats can get dirty from general outdoor debris, mud, sand, and moisture, and they can even develop mildew if not dried properly after use, it’s important to clean them up. Most common woven polypropylene mats are designed to be easily cleaned by sweeping or hosing off dirt, and they dry quickly to prevent mildew.

Regular cleaning and thorough drying before storage, especially in wet conditions, are essential to keep them in good condition and prevent odor or damage.

How do they get so dirty?

The most common issue is dirt, sand, and other loose debris tracked onto the mat from people’s shoes and surrounding areas. Rain or muddy conditions can lead to mud and excessive moisture getting trapped on the mat, which can make it difficult to clean.

And we just can’t do with mildew. If moisture is trapped and the mat is stored while wet, it can develop mold and mildew, leading to odors and potential damage.

Spills and stains can be an issue. Accidental spills or even dog slobber can get onto the mat, though many polypropylene mats are stain-resistant.

If they aren’t too bad, here’s quick care and cleaning for it

• Sweep or blow it off: Use a broom or leaf blower to remove loose dirt and debris during or after use.

• Hose it down: For more ingrained dirt or mud, rinse the mat with a hose.

• Wash with a soft brush: For stubborn dirt or mud that has settled into the weave, a long-handled soft-bristled brush can be effective.

• Dry thoroughly: After cleaning, ensure the mat is completely dry before storing it to prevent mildew.

• Store properly: Store the mat in a dry area. Some mats come with bags for storage.

Got a really tough dirt or stain issue?

Here are two, we could call them “esoteric,” mat cleaning suggestions from RVers. The first combines several of the suggestions already listed, all in one easy place: At the carwash.

Yep, the self-serve carwash center can be your dirty RV patio mat’s salvation. Lay the messed-up mat on the pavement, drop in your coins, and let the good times roll. You could start with an overall rinse, move the selector to “soapy brush” and scrub away. Follow up with a high pressure rinse off. We DON’T recommend closing out with a wax job—who knows how that might affect footing in the campground.

Another suggestion we heard was a little tougher. Fill your bathtub with warm water and soap—think Dawn, not Irish Spring. Fold the mat to fit into the tub, and immerse it. In one case, the suggester weighted down the carpet so it could have a good soak, never describing what the weights were. Maybe you have a couple of bowling balls in the closet.

We can’t say that this particular suggestion is for us. The idea of dragging the “cleaned” patio protector out of the tub and out to the drying line brings no happy thoughts. But we might just settle for that car wash trick.

Tips to keep your mat clean

• Choose the right material: Woven polypropylene mats are a popular and effective choice because they are easy to clean, durable, and mildew-resistant.

• Consider the surface: Be aware that even breathable mats can trap moisture on certain surfaces like unsealed concrete or grass, leading to mildew underneath.

• Hang it to dry: Periodically hanging the mat to air dry, especially after rain, will help keep it clean and prevent mildew.

RELATED

• A step-by-step guide to checking and cleaning your RV appliances
• How to clean mineral deposits in an RV toilet
• Your ice maker could be growing mold. Make sure you clean it!
• Gadgets to keep RV black tanks stink-free and clean
• Best way to clean and sanitize RV fresh water tank

RVDT2725