[john70t]

I have decent tan carpet, and had quite a bit of construction done.

I tried using the expensive "carpet protector" adhesive plastic rolls, but it didn't protect from rusty screws puncturing and staining. There were grease/rust/dirt stains everywhere with every tear.
That product was way too much money for the application and left a gummy film. Buying reusable canvas dropcloths for everything would have been cheaper and easier.

For cleanup, I rented the $25 steam cleaner rented from the big-box/supermarket.
Pull the machine against the natural lay to get down deep.

The pricey cleaner which was sold with the machine didn't seem to make too much of a difference with the heavy stains. That was good they sold a mild solution.
1). I went over everything with 1/4-1/2 recommended mixture, using hot but not superhot water(remember heat sets the stain). Cleaners can strip the fibers of the factory protectant.
2). I used the concentrated cleaner(Spotshot if necessary) on a wet rag or sometimes directly on stains.
3). I immediately went over everything with water only. Did that a couple times.

If the carpet has been cleaned before, there may be enough dried cleaner remaining to not need it. Just use water.
Plan on a full day, and slide furniture on pieces of heavy plastic fim.