Renting a Rug Doctor carpet cleaner from Safeway supermarket has always worked for me. I vacuum with a wet/dry vacuum. I then spot treat any problem areas with a cup of water, some Dawn dish soap, and a scrub-brush. After I vacuum those wet spots, I use the carpet cleaner, and I'm always sure to return it before late fees kick in. I once used pro carpet cleaner service that charged thrice a much as renting a Rug Doctor, and gave not a whit better results. Guess paying the extra bucks is okay for them too lazy to DIY it.