Using a carpet-cleaning machine is your best bet for a thorough clean. If you don't own one and don't want to rent one, there's a DIY solution. Sprinkle baking soda over the surface of your carpet. Mix carpet shampoo (that you've color tested) with warm water; then add the mixture to a spray bottle.

I do like to tell people that it's not a bad idea to rinse the carpet they've just cleaned with hot tap water. It's especially important and effective on extra dirty carpets, and it's pretty easy to do.

Based on the weather conditions and the method used to clean your carpet professionally, it can take 3 to 12 hours to dry completely. If you must walk on the wet carpet, it must be light traffic, and wait at least 30 minutes. To prevent dirt and dust transfer, wear white (fluffy) socks or wear shoe booties.

In a bowl or small bucket, mix one part white vinegar with three parts water. Dip the bristles of the scrub brush into the solution and rub them into the carpet. Massage them into the fibers well (without fully saturating the carpet) and follow up with a cloth to help blot excess moisture.