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dz63
05-03-2010, 08:07 PM
Hi Guys,

I just purchased a 2002 Camry with a neglected interior. I am trying to remove some rock hard salt and rust stains from a grey carpet under the driver side floor mat. Here is a photo of the mess. The crusted salt is 1/8" thick in some places.
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m39/dz63/Miscellaneous/IMG_2109.jpg

Here is what I tried so far...

1) Chiselled the excess salt off of the carpet and vacuumed it up. It was about 1/8" thick in some places.

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m39/dz63/Miscellaneous/IMG_2116.jpg

2) Spayed an entire can of Salt Eraser on the salt stains and let soak for 20 minutes. Then worked the carpet with a stiff bristle brush.

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m39/dz63/Miscellaneous/IMG_2118.jpg

3) Next, I wet vacuumed with my Bissel Proheat carpet cleaner. Here is what it looked like.
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m39/dz63/Miscellaneous/IMG_2117.jpg

4) Next, I spayed the carpet generously with Folex and used a stiff bristle brush to work it in really good.

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m39/dz63/Miscellaneous/IMG_2120.jpg

5) Finally, I wet vacuumed with my Bissel Proheat carpet cleaner. Here is what it now looks like.
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m39/dz63/Miscellaneous/IMG_2119.jpg

There carpet looks a little bit better, but it is still rock hard, and I can't get the rust stains out with Folex. Is it a hopeless cause? Anybody know what else I could do to remove the rust stains? I could live with the rock hard carpet, if I could at least get the rust stains out. Hoping someone out there knows how to do this and is willing to share their knowledge. Thanks in advance!

Don
CEE DOG
05-03-2010, 08:14 PM
Maybe try steam cleaning
AeroCleanse
05-03-2010, 11:57 PM
I think you'll need to replace the carpet. Or buy floor mats and try and forget about it.
C. Charles Hahn
05-04-2010, 12:52 AM
Turtle Wax PowerOUT! Oxi Carpet Cleaner + scrub brush; then steam the rest of it out.

For any stains that don't come out after that, get some gray fabric/carpet dye paint and blend them in.
dvc61
05-04-2010, 04:52 AM
How about trying "Rust Away" from pro's choice (Pro's Choice Products. The choice of professionals. (http://www.proschoice.com)) Their technical support hotline # is (800) 368-1247. They have a really great line of carpet products and their catalog is like a "how to" booklet.

Doug
Emile
05-04-2010, 11:42 AM
Impressive turn-around. I don't think it's going to get much better than that without a hot water extractor.
bill walsh
05-04-2010, 06:09 PM
i have used clr cleaner on rear carpet in toyota highlander with good results
oldmodman
05-05-2010, 01:45 PM
Rather than being worried about the carpet (which can be replaced or hidden fairly easily), I would check under the carpet for rust damage to the floorpan of the car. If it's badly rusted by salt being carried through the carpet the corrosion would be a bigger concern.
Shane731
05-05-2010, 10:58 PM
Send RaskyR1 (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/members/raskyr1.html) a PM and see what he would do. He's dealt with stuff like that before. See these threads:

Dodge Caliber (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/show-n-shine/17733-rasky-s-ad-dodge-caliber.html)

2000 Chevy truck (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/show-n-shine/17770-rasky-s-ad-black-2000-chevy-truck.html)

Hope that helps! :xyxthumbs:
AV8R
05-06-2010, 10:05 AM
What about something like CLR on a test spot?
richy
05-06-2010, 11:13 AM
Being a Canadian and dealing with our winters, we deal with salt stains a lot. I have a Gaia steamer/extractor and have yet to see any salt stain it would not remove. Did you let the Folex dwell for 10 minutes or so before extracting? Give it time to work. The steamer will make the carpet soft again...it's amazing what it does.
RaskyR1
05-06-2010, 12:37 PM
Being a Canadian and dealing with our winters, we deal with salt stains a lot. I have a Gaia steamer/extractor and have yet to see any salt stain it would not remove. Did you let the Folex dwell for 10 minutes or so before extracting? Give it time to work. The steamer will make the carpet soft again...it's amazing what it does.


Yep. I usually have to go over the salt stains a few times to get them out completely. Having a brush attachment for a DA helps with the scrubbing. As far as the rust stain goes you will need a cleaner made for that type of stain but the crusty salt will just take time with a few repeated applications.


You may also want to PM the OP of this thread as he may have advice on the rust stain.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-101/23899-auto-carpet-mat-cleaning-professional-way.html