An incompetent carpet or rug cleaning job can result at best in a waste of money, at worst in the destruction of your carpet-with mildew, loosened backing, bleeding dyes, distorted pile, or other problems. Our ratings of 52 area carpet and rug cleaners will help you find a firm to do the work, and our article will tell you how to work with a firm, explain what you can do on your own, and describe problems neither you nor even a competent professional are likely to be able to cure.