Quick Review: Blackfire Mat Cleaner and Protectant

**Desertnate** · 05-08-2023, 08:13 AM

I had a little free time and some dirty all weather mats in all three of our family vehicles, so I drug out the cleaner and all my mats and went to work.

None of the mats had seen anything other than a vacuum cleaner since last fall, so they were pretty dirty. Because of the levels of dirt, I actually hit the MDX front mats and the Weathertechs with the power washer first, but only with water.

What did I think of the product? It's OK. Application is easy. Spray it on a dry mat, scrub with a soft brush, and then wipe off with a MF towel. Cleaning ability is quite good, actually.

Where I struggle with the Blackfire Mat Cleaner, is the appearance after your done. Being a dedicated product that supposedly has a protectant built in (and maybe a bit of a dressing) I was hoping to see some darkening... something. On my OEM BRZ mats that are a very soft rubber, there was nothing to see at all. Ditto for the MDX mats even though they are a harder material, but still on the soft side. The Weathertech liners did look a touch darker, but I couldn't tell if it was something the Blackfire Mat Cleaner left behind, or if it was simply because they were really clean.

I bought the mat cleaner in the first place out of a hope it would offer a little something I wouldn't get using an APC like I have in the past. Now, I'm not sure they do. In a few months, I'll use it again and do a full side-by-side test.

Here are some pictures of the results.

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**PA DETAILER** · 05-08-2023, 09:18 AM

I have been using this also for quite some time.

**waddell64** · 05-08-2023, 10:29 AM

It does a fantastic job of cleaning rubber mats. Here is how I know it is a good product, my wife really likes it and doesn't complain about it taking up garage space. Agree that it might be lacking on the protecting side. It also does not leave your mats slick so your feet don't fly off.

**Silly Rabbit** · 05-08-2023, 10:55 AM

So is this pretty much the same product as Mckee's version? I mean the exact same in a different labled bottle??

**Desertnate** · 05-08-2023, 12:03 PM

Originally Posted by PA DETAILER

I have been using this also for quite some time.

What makes you keep using it? Do you like it better than just a normal cleaning product like an APC?

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**Desertnate** · 05-08-2023, 12:06 PM

Originally Posted by Silly Rabbit

So is this pretty much the same product as Mckee's version? I mean the exact same in a different labled bottle??

It would depend on the age of the McKee's bottle. Many years ago when McKee's was part of PBMG it might have been the same/similar. Since McKee's left the PBMG "family" a few years ago, there is a good chance the formula could be different.

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**PA DETAILER** · 05-08-2023, 12:09 PM

It appears to do a good job. Although I think McKess is better. Strong smell from McKees though. I have the new GRIOTS 3-1 Mat/wheel/tire cleaner waiting in the wings. Interested to see how it does on the floor liners.

Griot'''s Garage 3-in-1 Wheel-Tire-Mat Cleaner

**Silly Rabbit** · 05-08-2023, 12:20 PM

Originally Posted by PA DETAILER

It appears to do a good job. Although I think McKess is better. Strong smell from McKees though. I have the new GRIOTS 3-1 Mat/wheel/tire cleaner waiting in the wings. Interested to see how it does on the floor liners.

Be interested to hear your thoughts on comparing the two when you get it and use it.

**Coatingsarecrack** · 05-09-2023, 02:42 AM

If you have Adam’s Graphene spray coating USE THIS on your rubber/polymer matts. You will thank me later.

I will always have this in my arsenal for this specific reason. Darkens up nice… absolutely no slickness. Only other thing that works ok to make Matt’s look decent is WT protectant.

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