I have a wool rug that my kids say smells like pee (urine). I've had it professionally cleaned and we keep a gate up so the dog can NOT even walk near the rug. The dog has never been on the rug. It still smells musky at times - very similar to a urine scent. We vacuum the rug often, don't wear shoes in the house, don't spill food - and we don't have accidents on the rug. We live in a low humidity area that is sunny and have lots of open windows.

What can the smell be? It's not a cheap rug but not a hugely expensive rug. It's a good rug. 9x12 about $4000. It's only 5 years old and I certainly don't want to toss it but it smells every so often. We can not pin point the specific area when we experience the smell.

Any guesses on what is causing such smell? And how to get rid of the smell.

Thanks

Did the previous homeowners have pets? Could the smell be coming from the floor under the rug?

I wonder if it was there all along, from the place you bought it. If it was stored in a warehouse, mice might have peed on it. Turn half of it over and peer at the bottom to look for small dark spots. Treat it top and bottom, half at a time, with a deodorizer. I suppose you could have it cleaned but it will be expensive.