Think water over the years has leaked out of the side door in my van and got into the foam and whatever is under the mat under my feet in front of van. Could this rust or damage anything important on base of van?
Replace that door seal first!
Other common places are under the wiper scuttle due to leaves and blocked sunroof drain tubes.
Lift the rubber mat up, get as much of the sodden material out and let it dry. Packing with newspaper is a good move.
John