How to remove salt stains from car interior?

Well, winter is almost at an end. I have a significant build-up of
hardened salt crystals embedded in the carpets in my car. What is the
best way to remove this stuff?

 

From http://www.saltinstitute.org no less;

Removing "salt stains" from carpets - "Salt" stains are usually caused
by calcium chloride and magnesium chloride, not sodium chloride,
caccording to the Carpet and Rug Institute. Rock salt has small
amounts of both of these salts imbedded in it. The problem comes with
solubility. Patience and lots of rinse cycles are the key and
sometimes calcium carbonate forms and this is fairly insoluble. Try
to vacuum most of the dry residue off before using cool to warm water
and a very small amount of carpet shampoo. Once the cleaning solution
has been applied, allow time for it to dissolve the deposit. Blot, do
not scrub, the spot. Sodium chloride is more soluble at lower temps
than at higher ones. Then rinse with clear lukewarm water, blotting
up the excess moisture and follow with another water rinse and blot
dry. This should work. If not, try a cleaning mixture of 1/2 white
vinegar to 1/2 lukewarm water, allow to stand 15 minutes and rinse
with clear water.

 

Move south...

Cleburne

 

Cool. I'll check that out.

I'm also hoping for some first-hand feedback. I'd hate to ruin my car's
interior -- I was hesitant to use warm water for fear that it would
simply spread the dissolved salt water and increase the chance of
rusting out the floorboard prematurely.

I appreciate the help.

 

No thanks. I'm unarmed.

 

I always put some cheap rubber mats from Walmart in my cars at the
start of winter. Then again, I'm just a smartarse.

 

I always put some cheap rubber mats from Walmart in my cars at the
start of winter. Then again, I'm just a smartarse.[/QUOTE]

I've got Pant Savers(tm) in my car, but no mat catches everything. And
the kids can't seem to keep their goddamn feet on them. }:O)

 

Your method, is exactly what I have used, and it worked well for me!

--

Jerry G.
=====

From http://www.saltinstitute.org no less;

Removing "salt stains" from carpets - "Salt" stains are usually caused
by calcium chloride and magnesium chloride, not sodium chloride,
caccording to the Carpet and Rug Institute. Rock salt has small
amounts of both of these salts imbedded in it. The problem comes with
solubility. Patience and lots of rinse cycles are the key and
sometimes calcium carbonate forms and this is fairly insoluble. Try
to vacuum most of the dry residue off before using cool to warm water
and a very small amount of carpet shampoo. Once the cleaning solution
has been applied, allow time for it to dissolve the deposit. Blot, do
not scrub, the spot. Sodium chloride is more soluble at lower temps
than at higher ones. Then rinse with clear lukewarm water, blotting
up the excess moisture and follow with another water rinse and blot
dry. This should work. If not, try a cleaning mixture of 1/2 white
vinegar to 1/2 lukewarm water, allow to stand 15 minutes and rinse
with clear water.

 

Sounds like you're talking about underwear...

 

We use a Wet and Dry Vacuum. Various vehicles over many years. Dry vac then
carpet shampoo on the wet cycle.

 

Not to worry-- most bars and restaurants do a weapons check at the door. If
you don't have a pistol, they issue you one.

Cleburne

 

Funny that you mention that -- a friend of mine went on a road trip
through Louisiana and said the same thing after visiting some backwoods
watering hole. }:O)

 

Thanks.

 

But Louisiana is a backwoods watering hole.

If you move to Texas a rifle rack for your pickup is NOT and
option - it's standard equipment.

Top

 

Road salt buildup

As an auto detailer, I could use 'opinions' on how to remove heavy road salt build-ups on auto carpets/floor mats.

 

This can be hard to remove, but you can start by doing the following. To continue these tips go to: http://www.freeholdsubaru.com/blog/...g-salt-stains-from-car-carpet-freehold-nj.htm

Mix together warm water and white vinegar
Vinegar, while carrying a strong scent, is one of the most powerful cleaning agents that you can find. If you don't have any spare white vinegar lying around, you can substitute in dish-washing detergent, but it probably won't be as effective.