The floor mat fasteners for my 2014 CX5 will not budge. I gave up a couple years ago trying to remove them - even with a hammer and punch. The buttons will not depress. It is a pain to vacuum in the front cabin area. Any clues on removing the mats other than destruction? I believe I tried WD40 unsuccessfully.

 

not sure if yours's is the same as mine, but for me I just pull up with the corner of the floor mat- put your hand under to leverage it if u want to the top plastic stays attached to the mat and the bottom attaches to the floor

 

Mine also pop-off/on, there is no "pressing a button" on the mat.
Though I have replaced the OEM with deep style mats (not WeatherTech).

 

Pick up the rear edge of the mat and put your hand underneath to push upward while pressing down on the circle in the center of the hole on top. It should click free. I suppose you could apply a little soap on top beforehand as well.

 

I'm not having any luck with lifting the corners. The carpet beneath is pulling up as I lift beneath the mat. Pressing button/post not helping either. Maybe I'll try a bit of fish soap or just torch the fasteners to oblivion, light the carpet on fire and melt the wiring harnesses, then empty a CO2 fire extinguisher in the cabin.

 

That will work but make sure you make a video, I'm sure we'd all like to see it...probably a tad overkill and a bit expensive though
Have you tried pressing down on the round pin (it is not a button) with a something about the same size or smaller diameter while pulling up at the same time?
The OEM ones and most others are plastic so there should be nothing rusted maybe they were glued down or just so much crap in them they fused?
You could try some really hot water or you could always grind/cut it off and get new ones that attach to the carpet.
This is the OEM part it might help you figure out what to do.

 

Agree with Lobstah. There has to be something sticky. Maybe some wd40 on the top of the plastic fastner to break up sticking.

 

WD40 is a solvent and could damage or discolor some interior material.

It a good idea but use something like a leather conditioner that won’t harm interior materials

 

In his first post on this he said already tried WD40.

 

I'll try the dish soap to soften thdebris - which is likely from the sandy environment from New Mexico, probably hard as concrete. Anybody have a jackhammer?