If your rug has become sopping wet from plumbing problems, a leaking roof, as a result of firefighting or anything else, you must do the best you can to manage your wet area rugs. Even though the water and the rug are dirty, your priority most likely will be to get the rug dry:

There is good reason an area rug should carpet a room. They’re practical, providing cushion, comfort, and warmth over a concrete, tile or wood floor. But they also provide artistic value to a room’s design. Considered artwork for the floor, which acts as the frame, size does matter — and it’s often a big concern […]

When rugs stay wet too long, they become mildewed and, eventually, suffer dry rot. The classic example is dry rot caused by a potted plant placed on a rug. The typical result is a horribly rotted circular area in a carpet that is otherwise in good condition. Don’t even think about putting a potted plant […]