I totally get what you meant when they well ..sometimes they just stink

Especially when company is coming over.
I use a steam cleaner for the carpets. We needed it for our big dogs. They are a little pricey but we just bought new carpet and I want to make it last longer.
I also bought a steamer type vacuum thing for my tiles and can be used on hardwood as it doesnt' get really wet and you can control the amount of water to use on the handle. I bought it at Sears for $100 and it only uses water - no chemicals. Just flug it in and start steaming the tiles. Great as you don't kill your back trying to clean the floors. I never found one that could do both carpets and hard surfaces.