Carpet Cleaning with young kids

[chibabymom]

Our carpets are starting to look like they need a deep cleaning. Before kids, I would just rent one of those heavy duty ones they have at the grocery store, dump the chemicals in, and it looked like new. This time, I would prefer to leave the carpeted areas of the house to the professionals. I am not really sure what to look for. Do they all use the same cleaning agents? Should I get the "deoderizer/ protecting agent they all seem to sell? Anyone with any experience in this area, please feel free to chime in.

Thanks!
Chi