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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.

Most smoke odors will subside over time if you air out the materials holding onto them, but they often won’t completely go away on their own. If you’re dealing with stubborn smoke odors on furniture and building materials, begin by deep cleaning and deodorizing with baking soda or activated charcoal. You may need to repeat treatment. If that doesn’t work, hire a smoke damage restoration company for help.

Unless you have a steam cleaner with an extractor (which is what most professionals use), a steam cleaner only breaks up all the dirt and grime stuck to your flooring and doesn’t actually remove the dirt. After a steam clean, the key to getting rid of dirt and grime is going back over it with a vacuum, mop, or microfiber cloth.

Yes, it’s possible to overdo it with carpet shampoo. This common carpet cleaning mistake occurs when you apply too much cleaning solution. If you oversaturate your carpet with a cleaning solution, it can hinder the drying process. As your carpet finally dries out, it can become discolored or possibly even shrink and tear up from the floor. Plus, over-shampooing greatly increases the chance of mold or mildew growth.