Originally Posted by crash_override

Ok well first of all, let me start my saying. Your expectations are the main thing here. Seconded by the nature of the stains. Are they soda, beer, wine, soap stains from self cleaning etc.? Anything red is not going anywhere, forget that. Along with things that contain dyes or tannin acids. These things, if left untreated for an extended period of time, can find their way into tiny micro scopic holes found in carpet fibers (nylon) that are normally called 'dye sites'. This is where they insert the dyes of the carpet to begin with, then they add the stain and dry soil protector apllications, thus filling these dye sites. Now keep in mind these dye sites are meant to retain these colors under extremely excruciating conditions and once you develop
a traffic pattern or just wear in general, you are essentially stripping the protective coating from the fibers, which leaves the dyes sites vulnerable to the extreme abrasion that a sandpaper like substance we like to call soil. Now soil abrades these fibers causing the 'sheen', or shiny appearance of the general area of the carpet to fade, resulting in the faded areas in your walkways we call traffic patterns.

Now back to the stains. Like I said, once these dye sites are exposed with the protective coating removed, foreign dyes and other staining substances can find their way in to these dye sites. Which, like i said are meant to retain what they take in at any cost. If your rug has gotten to this point, then some stains might not be effected by a cleaning at all. But like I said before, your expectations are the most important determining factor here. If you expect it to look new, buy new. But if you expect it to be clean, and livable. Then call Steemer. You can expect to spend anywhere from 120 - 140 dollars american, depending on your area. Thats just for cleaning, as extra products won't be necessary as you are selling the home. They will give you that price over the phone, keep in mind rooms over 330 sq. ft. count as two areas. SS also does all their spot treating for free. So that can save you big money compared to other services.

In conclusion I say, if you want your carpet to look new, buy new. But depending on your stains and what they are (im expecting you to get back with me on this) you may be able to "save" the rug for a fraction of the price.