Camry Carpet Removal

[tylerfeltz]

I have a 2002 Camry SE that has lots of coffee and soda stains, I would like to remove the carpet so I can thoroughly clean and dry it. How big of a task am I in for? Is there a better way to thoroughly clean the carpet without chancing mold from not completely drying out?

[Brian R.]

Don't remove the carpet unless you want to clean every square inch (bad smell under the seats or something). Use a scrub brush and carpet cleaning detergent in water. Make the carpet just damp with the detergent solution by spraying the detergent solution on the carpet. Scrub the detergent into the carpet with the brush, then use a wet/dry shop vac to suck out the water and detergent. Repeat if necessary. The second time will not require as much detergent solution as the first. Once the carpet is all the same color (you may need two or three cycles), suck out the detergent one last time and wash/brush one more time with clear water. Leave the car outside in the sun for the rest of the day with the windows open. The carpet will dry without mold unless you leave standing water or a soaked carpet. You don't need to soak it to clean it. Just damp is good enough.

[jdmccright]

If you don't have a wet/dry vac available, grab 4 to 5 old towels, preferably light in color, to use to soak up the water and detergent. Dark colors may transfer their color to the carpet if they aren't compatible with the cleaner you use. Apply detergent and scrub, then use the towel to dry by wiping, then turn to a dry section and blot dry by hand or foot. You'll see the dirt & grime discoloration on the towel...yuck! Hope this helps!