How to Clean & Maintain TPE EV Trunk Mats For Long Service Life
Custom TPE trunk mats are the most popular protective interior accessory for ZEEKR, XPENG, GEELY and AION electric vehicles. Thick automotive-grade TPE material delivers waterproof, anti-scratch and anti-slip performance, effectively shielding the original factory trunk carpet from mud, coffee spills, pet fur and outdoor dirt. However, many EV owners fail to maintain TPE mats correctly, which causes yellowing, edge curling, peculiar odor and accelerated aging after several months of use.
This NiceEVS exclusive maintenance tutorial covers full daily cleaning, stubborn stain removal and long-term storage tips, specially tailored for our model-specific trunk mats. No harsh chemical cleaners needed; all operations can be finished at home with common household supplies, suitable for all LHD and RHD ZEEKR, XPENG, GEELY, AION custom trunk mats from 2023 to 2026.
Daily Light Cleaning Routine (For Daily Mud & Dust)
For daily light dirt including sand, dry mud, leaves and pet hair, follow this 2-minute cleaning process:
1. Lift the entire TPE trunk mat out of the vehicle trunk directly, the anti-slip bottom layer will not stick to the car carpet.
2. Shake off loose dry debris outdoors, use a soft brush or vacuum cleaner to sweep residual dust and tiny hair stuck in the textured surface.
3. Wipe the mat surface with a damp microfiber cloth, no detergent required for simple dust.
4. Place the mat in a cool ventilated place to air dry completely before putting it back into the trunk.
Step-by-Step Stubborn Stain Removal Guide
Different stains need targeted cleaning methods to avoid damaging TPE texture:
1. Mud & soil stains: Rinse the mat with running water, use a soft bristle brush to scrub recessed texture grooves, then air dry.
2. Coffee, juice & beverage spills: Mix mild neutral soap with warm water, wipe stained areas, rinse clean to prevent sugar residue from turning sticky.
3. Engine oil & grease marks: Apply a small amount of dish soap to the stain, rub gently, flush thoroughly with clean water to avoid leaving oil film.
4. Pet urine & odor: Soak the mat in diluted neutral disinfectant for 5 minutes, rinse fully and air dry in shade to eliminate strange smells.
Key Maintenance Rules To Prevent TPE Mat Aging & Curling
1. Avoid strong corrosive chemicals: Do not use bleach, acidic detergent or gasoline-based cleaners, these will break down TPE material and cause permanent yellowing.
2. Do not expose mat to long-term direct high-temperature sunlight: Continuous sun exposure will harden the TPE surface and warp the raised surrounding edges.
3. Take out the mat regularly after outdoor trips: Do not trap rainwater, melted snow or muddy water under the mat for more than 2 days, trapped moisture breeds mildew and odor.
4. Do not place sharp metal objects directly on the mat: Hard sharp edges will scratch the matte anti-slip surface and leave permanent marks.
5. Seasonal storage tip: If you need to store the mat for a long time, clean and fully dry it first, roll it loosely (do not fold tightly) and store it in a cool dry room, avoid heavy compression.
Mistakes That Shorten TPE Trunk Mat Service Life
- Leaving food residues and liquid spills unattended for weeks
- Scrubbing hard with metal wire brushes that scratch the TPE surface
- Drying the mat under blazing hot sun for hours
- Using strong chemical cleaners to remove stains
- Folding the mat sharply and leaving it pressed for months
Benefits Of Regular Proper Maintenance
If you follow the above cleaning and upkeep schedule every 1–2 weeks, your custom TPE trunk mat will stay elastic, non-yellow and odor-free for more than 3 years. The raised barrier edges will not warp, the anti-slip granular bottom remains intact, and the mat will keep a seamless perfect fit with your EV trunk without sliding or shifting. Regular maintenance also prevents mold growth under the mat, protecting your car’s original trunk carpet from corrosion and mildew stains.
Final Tips
We only provide 1:1 OEM custom trunk mats for ZEEKR, XPENG, GEELY and AION EVs, no universal ill-fitting liners. You can check our previous article about How to Install XPENG Full Range Door Anti-Kick Mats (No Residual Glue) to view more DIY interior accessory guides. Shop tailor-made model-exclusive TPE trunk mats at NiceEVS, and extend your mat’s service life with our simple maintenance tricks!
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