Using area rugs is a great way to add more character and beauty to a room. They add warmth underfoot and help you define spaces. However, they get dirty over time, and cleaning them, especially on laminate floors or hardwood floors, can be a very challenging task.
You need to make sure that you don’t accidentally damage the laminate floor underneath your area rug. In this article, we’ll discuss a step-by-step method to help you learn how to clean an area rug on a laminate floor.
How to Clean An Area Rug on A Laminate Floor – Step by Step Method
We recommend you not to use a carpet cleaning machine, like a traditional carpet steam cleaner or steam mop, to clean an overlying area rug. That’s because the steam cleaners create too much moisture that can damage most laminate floors.
Using the following steps will help you clean an area rug properly, and you also won’t need to go through the hassle of cleaning laminate floors afterward.
Supplies You’ll Need
- Vacuum Cleaner
- Dry Foam Carpet Cleaner
- Carpet Cleaning Brush
- Respirator or Face Mask
- Plastic tablecloth
- Soft Sponge
Step 1: Vacuum Away Dirt
The first step to clean an area rug on a laminate floor is to use a vacuum cleaner to suck away the loose dirt. Start the process on the far edge of the rug and push the vacuum in a straight line. Then pull it back toward you slowly to collect debris.
If your rug is placed in a heavy traffic area, it’ll require two to three passes for full recovery of dirt. For your next row, make sure that you overlap the first one by at least 30 percent to collect all the loose dirt. Repeat this process until you cover the entire rug.
Step 2: Apply Dry Foam Carpet Cleaner
After collecting all the loose dirt, apply the dry foam carpet cleaner to your rug. Before you start, you must shake the can vigorously for 10 to 15 seconds so that the chemicals inside get mixed properly.
Wear a respirator or dust mask and spray the dry foam carpet cleaner on the area rug. Cover the entire surface of your rug with the cleaner and leave it there for 5 to 10 minutes.
Keep in mind that foam carpet cleaners can damage laminate wood floors. So, if you spray it on the floor accidentally, use a damp cloth to wipe it off immediately.
Important Note: Most foam carpet cleaners are flammable, and you’ll need to keep yours away from all fire sources to avoid unwanted accidents.
Step 3: Start the Foam Cleaning Process
Now, grab your carpet cleaning brush and start scrubbing a small part of the area rug gently. Work the foam into the fibers of the rug from all directions to get rid of dirt and debris stuck inside. Then move to the next small section of the rug and repeat the same process. Use the same scrubbing technique to cover the entire rug pad.
Step 4: Dry the Area Rug
Turn on ceiling fans and open windows to increase airflow in order to accelerate the drying process. It can take two to 4 hours, depending on the size of your rug. Be patient and make sure that the rug is completely dry before moving to the next step.
Step 5: Re-Vacuum the Rug
Once the foam has dried thoroughly, vacuum the entire rug again to remove the dried dirt and debris. Use the same technique discussed above to vacuum to collect all the dirt properly.
Step 6: Perform Spot Cleaning
If there are some stubborn stains on your area rug, you’ll need to spot clean them. Add one tablespoon of dishwashing liquid, one teaspoon of baking soda, and a few drops of white vinegar to a bowl containing two cups of lukewarm water.
Now, place a piece of plastic tablecloth under the affected area to keep the moisture from reaching the laminate floor. Dip the sponge into the cleaning solution and start scrubbing on the affected area to clean the stain.
If there’s too much moisture on the rug, use a hairdryer to dry it out before removing the plastic tablecloth. Use the same technique to get rid of all the stains from your area rug and let it dry thoroughly.
Benefits of Cleaning An Area Rug on A Laminate Floor
There are several benefits of cleaning an area rug on a laminate floor, including the following.
Promotes Healthy Environment
Area rugs can get extremely dirty over time, and they can become home to different types of harmful germs. Cleaning your rug regularly allows you to get rid of those germs and improve the overall environment of your house to keep you healthy.
Maintains Rug’s Durability
Maintaining your belongings is the best way to keep them in a great working condition. Cleaning your rug on a regular basis improves its overall lifespan. In addition, many area rugs are extremely expensive, and improving their longevity is also equal to protecting your investments.
Maintains Laminate Flooring
You won’t need to clean laminate floors if you keep your area rugs clean. However, you need to use the right method to clean your rug so that it doesn’t damage your laminate flooring. The step-by-step guide that we have discussed in this article will allow you to carry out the entire cleaning process without damaging your laminate floors.
Makes Your House Welcoming
Everyone tends to like a well-maintained and clean place with a healthy environment. Cleaning your house, including an area rug, will allow you to feel positive, and your guests will also enjoy the welcoming atmosphere of your house.
Final Words
Cleaning an area rug on laminate flooring doesn’t have to be a difficult task. You only need to make sure that you use the right tools and cleaning method. We hope this guide, as already mentioned, will help you understand the right way to clean your area rug efficiently without damaging your laminate flooring. Happy Cleaning!
If your rug is worn out and it is not really viable to clean it, we suggest looking for a new one on rugsource.com. They have a large selection of rugs on offer.
If you have an area rug on a hardwood floor then check our guide on how to clean an area rug on a hardwood floor.