Stain Removal on Antique Rugs

It happens. Maybe you have a toddler who likes to run around with crackers in her had, and then proceeds to drop them and smash them into carpets. Maybe you like wine, and accidentally knock over a glass of it. Maybe your dog ate something strange in the garden and decided to re-girft it to you on your antique rug. Or maybe you have a very inconsiderate teenager living in the house who thinks nothing of tracking mud into the house and all over the carpeting.
If these or other accidents and spills happen over your nice antique rug, there are a few home-remedies you can try before having to hire a carpet cleaner.
First of all, you obviously have to remove any excess materials: sop up liquids with paper towels, pick up crumbs with bits of tape (scotch only), pick up clods of dirt, whatever it takes. Then soak a rag in water and place it over the stain to absorb excess material. THen you can try stain or spot removal liquids. These are often made for clothes but can also work on carpets. They also make specialty product for precisely this purpose.
If you don't want to use harsh chemicals in your home for whatever reason, you can use white (clear) vinegar and club soda, whose acidity will help break down the stain. But of course, these materials depend on what kind of material your rug is made out of: cotton and wool will react differently. You should either call the company you bought it from or do a little rug-specific research on the internet to make sure you won't compromise the integrity of the colors or threads of your antique rug.
But don't despair! An accident doesn't mean you have to have an unsightly stain forever. There are definitely actions you can take to mitigate the effects.