Archive · 3 Aug 2026
Drivers Use Newspapers Under Car Mats to Prevent Monsoon Damage
When it rains a lot, water can get stuck under the floor mats in a car.
Drivers are putting old newspaper sheets under the mats to soak up that water.
The paper pulls the moisture away, so the metal floor doesn’t rust and the car doesn’t smell bad.
They use about three or four sheets and change them every few weeks or after a big rain.
It’s an easy, cheap trick that keeps the car’s interior looking good.
Drivers place dry newspaper sheets beneath car floor mats to absorb moisture.
Newsprint’s cellulose fibers are highly hygroscopic, pulling water away from the vehicle’s floor.
The absorbent layer prevents rust, mildew, and musty odors that form when water seeps under mats.
Recommended to use 3–4 sheets per mat and replace every few weeks or after heavy rain.
The trick is low‑cost, easy to implement, and helps preserve the car’s resale value.
- Who
- Car owners and drivers
- What
- Placing dry newspaper sheets beneath car floor mats to absorb moisture
- When
- During monsoon or heavy rain, replace every few weeks or after heavy downpours
- Where
- Inside the vehicle, between the floor mats and the car’s floor pan
- Why
- To prevent rust, mildew, musty odors, and protect the vehicle’s resale value
- Technique
- Newspaper under floor mats
- Material
- Newsprint (unbleached cellulose)
- Frequency of replacement
- Every few weeks or after heavy rain
- Benefits
- Prevents rust, mildew, odors, protects resale value
- Recommended sheets
- 3–4 per mat