A clean carpet makes a bigger difference than you'd think. Here's the most effective method, plus the mistakes most people make.
Vacuum the entire carpet in multiple directions to lift dirt from the fibers. Go over high-traffic areas twice.
Spray Vibes Multi-Surface Cleaner on visible stains. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then blot with a clean cloth.
Sprinkle baking soda liberally over the carpet. Let it sit for 30 minutes to absorb odors and loosen embedded dirt.
Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle. Mist over the baking soda and scrub with a carpet brush.
Once the carpet is dry, vacuum thoroughly to remove all baking soda residue and loosened dirt.