Those old timers in the 1950's knew a thing or two when it came to family-friendly carpet. Those floral designs hid a multitude of sins... I mean stains. There is a pinkish red rose design on a pale grey background that I covet. You've got everything from wine stains to shoe polish camouflaged in that!

Vax. Yep, worth the outlay. The shampooing function requires a bit of fussing around attaching the clear tubing etc and it's slower than the professional guys pace... but it's done the trick for us.