Mouldy smelling beautiful Berber rugs

[LesLavandes]

All new from Morocco and really beautiful but they have been stored for 6 months somewhere damp although I didn't realise.

They are fine except they stink. I have aired them outside but no change. What can I do to get rid of the smell?

I think you will need to wash it. Have a look at:
www.architecturaldigest.com/story/how-to-clean-a-rug
Dry on the washing line, or hung over something outside - not metal to avoid rust.

Generally hand-made rugs are much more robust than you think. In Azerbaijan I've seen them jet-washed even.

Thanks Filka but they aren't colourfast

You could spray them with white vinegar.
Or you could sprinkle bicarbonate of soda over them.

sprinkle with bio washing powder and hoover off after a couple of hours. then air outside again

restorationmasterfinder.com/restoration/remove-mildew-musty-smell-from-carpet/

From what I'm reading, original Berber rugs should be colourfast, but you shouldn't use chemical cleaners, only water, baking soda and vinegar.
Have a look at
marocmama.com/how-to-clean-moroccan-rugs/
medium.com/@afanasys78/learning-how-to-clean-your-moroccan-berber-rug-73d3daa28613

For mould I don't see how you will avoid water-based washing to get rid of the smell. Shake'n'vac isn't going to kill the spores.

Alternatively....could you make an insurance claim?

BTW, we had a water pipe burst under our floor recently, only noticed when we saw dripping from the ceiling below, having come through a 20cm concrete floor. When we lifted the laminate & plywood floor, much of it had black mould. I stripped all the mouldy wood out, it's impossible to clean and just never goes away.

Good luck.

I have found a well-described article about How To Get Mildew Smell Out Of Hiking Boots. I think it will also helpful to you. Check that article from here. www.bestknowthings.com/how-to-get-mildew-smell-out-of-hiking-boots/

Depending on the value it might be worth getting them professionally cleaned...