First off, a good vacuum with strong suction is essential; it helps to get all that surface dirt out before you even think about deep cleaning. For stains, a mix of baking soda and vinegar is my go-to, but I always keep a bottle of carpet stain remover on hand for those really tough spots. But if you’re looking for a real game-changer, I highly recommend checking out upholstery & carpet cleaning services in Chicago, like the ones offered by Chicago Couch Cleaning https://chicago-couchcleaning.com/ . They use professional-grade equipment that goes way beyond what you can do at home. I had them come in after my dog tracked mud all over the living room, and they made my carpet look brand new. Plus, they know how to handle all those tricky stains without damaging your carpet.