'Fusty' rug with waterstain, possibly silk, definitely huge sentimental value

[PacificDogwood]

Any ideas how I can make it smell acceptable again?
And get rid of a yellowish waterstain??

It and 2 others were in storage for several years, rolled up and ignored.
I have taken them out yesterday, they all smell kind of mouldy although there is no visible mould, and the smallest one (3x4 ft approx.) also has a waterstain. It is old - used to belong to my grandparents - and possibly silk, not wool like the other 2.

Dry cleaning?
Bicarb of Soda?
Any fancy stuff for the vacuumcleaner??
Any other ideas?

Any thoughts/experiences greatly appreciated.

I would do a colour patch test first - but this old rememdy works to get rid of Pee stains\smell in a mattress - it even worked recently on Cat wee so would definitely work

you soak the whole area in hydrogen peroxide - bought from chemist - you can get different strengths so as its delicate maybe go for a weeaker - lower percentage one

You then sprinkle the whole thing with lots of Bicarb of Soda - leave over night & then hoover thoroughly

The Bicarb draws out the peroxide & brings with it any stains or smell
Good luck :)

Should have said - use a spray bottle to apply the peroxide - so you get good coverage without it been soaking wet

Oh, hydrogen peroxide?
I might try a low concentration on the back of it - it is quite pale/pastelly colours.

Thanks for your thoughts, rockinhippy.
Any body else, perchance?

I would look for a specialist in cleaning valauble rugs. Something like this.

Great link, neversaydie, thanks. That company sounds amazing but are a leetle bit far away and I don't suppose couriering my small rug would make financial sense.

Might ask a local dry cleaner's if they have any ideas.

If you have one of those pile-em-high Persian rug shops anywhere near you, they can usually arrange for a rug to be cleaned or repaired. It's generally fairly reasonable - I was quoted about GBP50 to clean a rather grotty antique rug recently.

Personally I wouldn't go spraying anything on it if it's got sentimental value.

Bright sunlight will kill mould but you would run the risk of fading it.