Have you ever tried to steam clean an antique rug?
I have not, I feel like it should be done by a professional. 
Well I figured that out. I cleaned mine last night. They are clean but now they smell horrible!
Oh no! Probably tons of years of dirt caked into the rug. Did you use the right cleaner?
probably not. I wish I would have just left them dirty. I have them airing out outside now.
Maybe the dirt adds to the whole antique feel of them. 
LOL, yeah! so true.
I hope you can find a solution that works for you!