First off, don't soak your carpets; they hate swimming. Too much water can lead to mold growth or damage the carpet fibers. Also, avoid harsh chemicals that might be too strong for your carpets – like inviting a bull into a china shop. Avoid scrubbing stains furiously; you're cleaning, not exorcising demons.

You shouldn't need to make more than two passes with cleaning solution (especially if you pre-treated stains) when deep cleaning your carpet. Make additional passes without spray button pressed.

After cleaning the entire carpet, rinse the carpet again to remove any remaining soap from the fibers and refill the machine with only cold water. Let the floor dry for a minimum of 6 hours.

Your carpet is a major part of your home's comfort, and you want it to look its best. People wonder, “How often should you shampoo carpets?” and “Do carpet cleaners get stains out?” Professionals recommend having someone professionally clean your carpets every 12 to 18 months to remove dirt.