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You can use chlorine bleach to lighten a colored carpet or clean a white carpet. Bleach will naturally lighten your carpet no matter its color; however, there’s no guarantee the color will be even throughout the carpeting.

If you decide to lighten your carpet with bleach, apply it using a carpet cleaner to provide a more even application. After applying it, be sure to suction it out from the carpet fibers and rinse thoroughly with clean water.

To remove odor from a leather couch, let's focus first on what not to do.

A quick Google search may suggest using vinegar to do the job—don't. The acid will dry out anything made of leather. A better DIY option is to sprinkle a little baking soda on your sofa and let it rest for a few hours. Afterward, vacuum it up with a soft-attachment brush. You can also try airing your sofa by opening windows or leaving it outside for a few hours in a clean, dry space.

No, there’s no limit on how much you can tip your carpet cleaning pro. If you couldn’t prepare for your carpet cleaner beforehand, you might feel inclined to give them a large tip for their troubles. However, there's no pressure to tip that much, and most homeowners typically tip 10% to 20% of the total bill. 

Vinegar and baking soda can be effective for removing old carpet stains, although success may depend on the type of stain. There are two common methods for this process.

One method involves combining the ingredients directly on the stain to create a chemical reaction. First, pour a generous layer of dry baking soda over the stain. In a spray bottle, mix distilled white vinegar with 1 cup of warm water and a few drops of liquid dish soap, then spray this solution thoroughly over the baking soda. The mixture will foam as the acidic vinegar reacts with the basic baking soda, which helps loosen and lift the stain. Let this sit for a few hours until it dries, then wipe or vacuum up the residue and blot the area with a clean, dry towel. You can repeat the process if the stain persists.

An alternative method suggests using the ingredients separately. Start by sprinkling baking soda on the stain and letting it sit for 15 to 30 minutes before vacuuming it up. Next, blot the remaining stain with a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water, and then blot the area dry with a clean cloth.