Carpet & sofa cleaning!

[flamingnora]

We have a cream carpet, a cream sofa, 2 cats & an 18mo - not a great combo (the sofa was our choice, pre baby - the carpet was most definitely not, but we are now in a rented house and have to live with it!).

Has anyone used a small carpet shampoo-er on carpet & sofas/ Did it work? Was it expensive?

Stains on the carpet may come out with some scrubbing but I fear the sofa is beyond that so should I take off the removable seat covers & take to the dry-cleaners or is that asking for trouble?!

Can anyone recommend a throw that doesn't look too hippy-ish?!

Advise gratefully received!