How to Clean Area Rugs Over Piano Finish Laminate Wood Floors

Piano finish laminate is a high gloss, durable flooring that offers the beauty of hardwood without the expense. Like most laminate floors, however, you should not expose it to a great deal of moisture, meaning a traditional carpet steam cleaner for an overlying area rug is not a good idea. Professional dry cleaning is the best option, but you can do it yourself with a few readily available products. Use one of these simple methods to clean your rug with little moisture, but lots of cleaning power.

You Will Need:

• Vacuum cleaner
• Woolite Foam Carpet Cleaner
• Woolite Rug Stick

Steps to Clean the Rug:

1. Before you begin, vacuum the carpet thoroughly to remove the loose dirt.
2. Next, assemble the Woolite Rug Stick. It comes with a trial size cleaner, but for larger area rugs you’ll need a second container on hand to finish the job.
3. Shake the carpet cleaner well before installing it on the rug stick.
4. Install the can on the rug stick, following all product instructions.
5. Begin the foam cleaning process. After releasing the foam, brush in multiple directions work the foam into the carpet fibers. The foam will cause the dirt to release from the fibers, allowing it to be easily removed.
6. Once the foam has dried, vacuum the rug to remove both the dried dirt and foam.
7. Spot treat any remaining stains for a completely clean rug.

You Will Need:

• Baking soda (or a carpet powder)
• A bristle brush
• A vacuum

Steps to Clean the Rug:

1. Sprinkle baking soda or a carpet powder over the rug. Instead of baking soda, you can use Arm & Hammer Extra Strength Carpet Odor Eliminator. These powders absorb dirt and oils, which are then removed when you remove the powder.
2. Use a bristle brush to rub the powder evenly over the carpet.
3. Leave the powder on the carpet for several house.
4. Vacuum up the powder. Be sure to empty the vacuum canister before beginning, as it will quickly fill with the powder.
5. This process can be repeated as many time as needed.

• For best results, shake the can frequently as you work. You can do this by shaking the whole rug stick assembly. It’s not necessary to remove the can first.
• Predictably, the Woolite Rug Stick only works with Woolite brand Heavy Traffic and One Step cleaners. Competitor’s products will not fit.
• These products are available online or at most supermarkets.
• Be careful not to over apply the foam. For heavily soiled carpets, plan on cleaning them twice rather than soaking them the first time. You do not want to get the underlying laminate floor wet.