A protective cover (12) for an automotive carpet mat (14) comprising a shallow tray (16) sized and shaped to extend completely over the automotive carpet mat (14). An assembly (18) is for securing the shallow tray (16) in a hermetically sealed manner to the automotive carpet mat (14), so as to preserve the automotive carpet mat (14) from dirt, wear and tear, to keep moisture out and prevent mildew, while holding mud, sand and liquid spills within the shallow tray (16) from reaching the automotive carpet mat (14) when placed upon a floor (20), in a trunk and in a cargo area of a motor vehicle (22).