Using wet vac on rugs - risk of damage to hardfloor underneath?

[MarasmeAbsolu]

We have several very filthy and very large rugs which we need to clean / make good.
I was thinking of using a wet vac (the rental type), but our entire flat has got some lovely hardwood flooring, which I am not sure would do too well if we went ahead with wet vacuuming.

the floor is soft wood, which was recently sanded and vitrified at great cost.
the rugs are cheapish ikea ones.


Would "piling up" the rugs help?
do we need a tarp underneath too?

hope someone with experience can come along!

[peckforton]

When you say vitrified do you mean varnished? In which case it will be waterproof. I have cleaned loads of my rugs over the years and they never get that soaked to wet the floor underneath. If in doubt lay some plastic underneath.

[MarasmeAbsolu]

yes - acrylic varnish.
Thanks - will give it a try, the rugs are just too filthy!