Washing the carpet

[Tim]

I'm transfering the carpet from my '88LX to my '91L to make the interior swap a little easier.

In its former life, the LX was a family car and little kids often rode in it. Consequently the carpet is filthy, smelly, and sticky from stuff being spilled on and ground into it.

Instead of steam cleaning it, would it be possible for me to pop the carpet in the washing machine? It would be quicker and easier. Will I ruin the carpet if I do this? Has anyone ever done this before?

I would let it air dry as I imagine the dryer would do some damage.


Regards,

Tim

[mechanicaldj]

if you are talking about the molded carpet,

there is no way you car stick it into the washing machine
it is form fitted with some plastic molded into the carpet

just use a 50/50 mix of Super Clean or Equivalent
scrub hard and rinse really good with a hose and let air dry

or use a industrial carpet cleaner machine

(of course out of the car)

[gomer]

When I've cleaned interiors that were REAL bad I dig out the pressure washer and hang the carpet on the back fence... The carpet in a Festy is super cheap and not at all cushy even when new... why don't you get a few yards of short loop business class carpet and cut a replacement... there isn't much in the way of molding needed for these cars, you can do it easily with a heat gun from the backside...