Remember that the antique version of those rugs were used as the floor of Bedoin tents. They are a lot sturdier than you might expect assuming they are hand-knotted and made from color-fast fibers. As @Elmer J Fudd suggested, get a recommendation from your local antiques or vintage rug seller.

This is NOT a suggestion, just some anecdotal evidence, but we washed an antique Persian rug with a hose on the driveway after testing it for color fastness. We did it in the summer so it could dry flat (moved to a dry spot on the driveway). It worked out great.

I'd put it on my driveway too, hose it down with cold water, then apply soap....like Johnson N' Johnson baby soap...and use a push broom to scrub it with....and Natures Miracle. Then rinse with cold water. then set it on 2 x 4's so it can dry & air will circulate underneath it....here in my arrid Summer months...it would be dry by morning. Good as new.

My aunt washed all of her Persian rugs. The color did not run, but I thought they looked a bit matted, like a dog that had been washed and not brushed. I’d go for the professional washing. And I agree with the ”sooner rather than later” comment.

I would still take it to a pro. You say it's your favorite rug. There's no way for you to know how to treat it and which cleaning agent to use.

In my rural area options on certain things are limited, and this is one of them. It's been years since I've even had a woolen coat dry cleaned. I could ask around, and I should do that first. But I have to say I like the idea of washing the rug. It's a little scary--I had no idea that was a possibility--but I could see myself doing it. It is hand-knotted, but I'd have to test for color-fastness.

Thanks for all the suggestions! Now back to my interminable refrigerator thread. 🤪

I got three 19th-century Persian rugs from my inlaws' house . Father-in-law smoked cigars and they reeked badly so I had them professionally cleaned and the smell was gone. All three are in the living room, where pets are not allowed.

Sorry about your dog peeing, but at least it's not a cat. My old Maine Coon has diabetes for which he gets twice-daily insulin shots. He drinks a lot of water and mostly always uses one of the four litter boxes in the basement. But he has had lapses and pees on the old wood floors by our side door. I use a specialty pet cleaner product, but am interested in what others may use.

This is in no way advice for an antique rug, but I’ve hosed off our 8 x 10’s in the driveway with Tide, rinse,then move them to a dry area on the driveway on a hot day and they dry quickly. Odoban is another product people recommend. I’d leave it to the pros in this instance.

Alisande, I try not to buy many 'dry clean only' items since retiring - preferring things I can launder myself these days. But even my small coastal community has two reputable dry cleaning establishments and if it happens to be an item they cannot do themselves, they will send things out for customers, There could be some time involved with shipping back and forth and of course expense, but please call around. You may find a professional who can help you.

I've had my rugs professionally cleaned. There is no place in our smallish city that does it, but a very well regarded place in a city about 40 miles away came and took them to be cleaned and returned them. It was very expensive, but worth the peace of mind that they wouldn't be ruined. Mine had no pet stains, but I am certain they could treat for that. So, I would look beyond your locale and see where the closest rug cleaner is - if they don't pick up and deliver, I would figure out how to get them there myself.

I hope it works out for you. It sounds like a rug worth saving.

I agree with everyone - find a professional service. I had a cheapo hallway runner professionally cleaned. The company I used did a fabulous job, so I am sure your rug is not ruined.

I'll add my two cents to the professional cleaner. I've had a couple of area rugs professionally cleaned and it is well worth the effort and expense. They came back looking almost brand new!!

Twenty years? It's way past time for all-wool, hand-knotted rug(s) to be hand washed, stretched, and let dry. Mine need it every five years -- in our two-adult household with no pets. You'll probably see colors you have forgotten were there. Your rugs will feel like nice wool sweaters.

If indeed there's no place close enough to be affordable, try the DIY. It's the pickup, delivery and spreading that are expensive. You'll save if you can haul rugs yourself. I'd use Woolite; you could ask a rug dealer if there's something elese. Rinse and rinse and rinse. Get new padding.

There are products which treat stains and odors from pets. Here's one I saw on Amazon:

Nature’s Miracle Urine Destroyer Plus Dog, 32 Ounces, Enzymatic Formula, Ready-to-Use

I would put something waterproof under the damaged area and use one of these products. Natures Miracle has been around a long time. Test in a small area first. I usually blot up as much as I can, then use the product as directed, then put a thick pile of white paper towels and pile some bricks or something heavy at least overnight so the towels will draw up as much moisture as possible.

Good luck. Hope your pup is better.

While I have no experience related to this issue, it seems to me that dog-gone useful advice has been offered from people who have.

o j