How can I get a rug really clean?

Yes, it can be cleaned. On an Internet search, use area rug cleaning (city name). Then contact the ones that come up. They can give you a quote based upon size and material. I found one that can either pick-up or I can drop it off. It’s not cheap, but if the rug means that much to you, it is worth the cost.

You can also vacuum it very well and rent a steam cleaner. They usually have them at grocery stores, or maybe a friend will lend you theirs.

What my mother does is; treats the stains with hydrogen peroxide or stain remover the night before then she scrubs them with a brush and soapy water finally hoses them down and hangs them out to dry. Good as new.
I would not recommend the preceding on expensive,delicate rugs,though.

(*Oh man, your neighbor’s vacuum sucks… that blows !!! )

@Sarah90 HAHA. That sounds like a good method, maybe I’ll give that a go, thanks!

I would get a can of spray foam rug cleaner and take it outside and use the cleaner as directed. Use a scrub brush and really go after it. Use a hose to rinse it very well and then hang it outside to dry.