Carpeting is not a boon. It is full of chemicals, holds mold , mildew and dirt.
Don’t steam it. Rip it up and get the faux new flooring that does not scratch…Pergo or something.
I think I said that in my post 51:
“People with feet should not have wall to wall carpeting.”
But I have used the machine and examined the rug afterwards and found it to be quite clean. In fact back in the 70s, when I was a kid, and before they became readily available, I ran a commercial unit. All it is is a combination pressure washer and wetvac.
In the wintertime, heating systems cause low humidity so the rug should dry quickly. And if you final rinse it with vinegar in the water, it is a very cheap and effective deterrent against mold and mildew.
I just thought it would be something Pat could do herself as a remedy for her immediate problem. Doing a ripout and replacement is a pretty big commitment for a grandma.