Best Carpet cleaning method?

[aaroni]

Hi, I am a new poster but have been reading the forums for a long time. I need advice on carpet cleaning. I want something that will suck the nasty stuff back up after making the carpet all wet and soapy. Any comments on a Hoover steam cleaner? Is it better to steam clean? There are lots of stains. The carpet quality isn't that great, but only 7yrs old and we can't replace it yet. It's the upper grade you can choose from when you build a modular. Had it professionally cleaned once but with an active 5yr old and a dog, I need something more convient that I can do myself more often. Thank you, I appreciate your help.