How to Clean and Remove Soot Damage from Your Walls
SootSoot is fine black particles composed of carbon and other ma... More comes from fireplaces, candles, and even house fires, and leaves ugly stains on all materials or surfaces it encounters. Soot’s acidic nature makes it difficult to remove from walls, so removing it requires specific techniques and tools. Do not begin scrubbing without the proper materials or techniques, or you will likely make things worse. If your home is affected by sootSoot is fine black particles composed of carbon and other ma... More, you need to call a fire damage restoration professional that is trained and equipped to clean up sootSoot is fine black particles composed of carbon and other ma... More damage.
How Soot Causes Damage
SootSoot is fine black particles composed of carbon and other ma... More is composed of leftover particles of carbon from incomplete combustion and is a corrosive byproduct of fires. SootSoot is fine black particles composed of carbon and other ma... More and smoke may appear as an oily film or dry powder, and its color ranges from light grey to black. Regardless of how it appears, sootSoot is fine black particles composed of carbon and other ma... More particles are highly acidic, and its electrostatic attraction causes it to cling to walls. SootSoot is fine black particles composed of carbon and other ma... More can spread so quickly because it is four times smaller than a dust particle. Soot’s high acidity levels cause it to quickly leave thick, black stains on affected surfaces.
Affected Surfaces
Soot and smoke particles attach themselves to the following surfaces:
• Hardwood floors
• Wooden furniture and cabinets
• Exposed wood beams
• Ceilings
• Walls (drywall and plasterPlaster is a building material made of lime, gypsum, or ceme... More)
Materials
In order to effectively remove sootSoot is fine black particles composed of carbon and other ma... More stains, you will need the proper cleaning equipment. These materials include:
• Dry cleaning spongeA sponge is a porous material used to absorb liquids or clea... More, also known as a chemical spongeA sponge is a porous material used to absorb liquids or clea... More, a sootSoot is fine black particles composed of carbon and other ma... More remover spongeA sponge is a porous material used to absorb liquids or clea... More, or a wall brite spongeA sponge is a porous material used to absorb liquids or clea... More. These sponges are designed to work best when dry and do not contain any actual chemicals, despite their nickname. They get dirty during cleanup, so simply cut away the stained portion and continue cleaning.
• Degreaser and other household cleaners are often used to remove oilier, thicker sootSoot is fine black particles composed of carbon and other ma... More stains. Degreasers are most effective on painted surfaces and walls, although they work on wood well. However, avoid gritty cleaners because it may scratch the paint and wood.
• Gloves will keep your hands clean and free of stains during the sootSoot is fine black particles composed of carbon and other ma... More removal process. They will also prevent you from smelling like the cleaning solutions you will be using.
• Clean cloths/rags are helpful when applying or removing cleaners. Both dry and wet cloths should be available during the sootSoot is fine black particles composed of carbon and other ma... More removal process, as both have different functions. Dry cloths are better at wiping away sootSoot is fine black particles composed of carbon and other ma... More residueResidue is any leftover material, such as soot, dust, or che... More and wet cloths typically clean sootSoot is fine black particles composed of carbon and other ma... More better.
• Bucket will hold the cleaning agent.
• Vacuum, more specifically a shop vac with a hose, is the best tool for removing sootSoot is fine black particles composed of carbon and other ma... More because it has a large capacity and is designed for high suction. However, a regular vacuum with a wand or hose attachment will also work. You should thoroughly clean the wand afterward if you do choose to use a regular vacuum.
Soot Removal Process
Before you begin, be sure to wear proper attire, a mask, and gloves because sootSoot is fine black particles composed of carbon and other ma... More can irritate your skin and lungs. You must also take care to prevent spreading the sootSoot is fine black particles composed of carbon and other ma... More during the removal process, especially if it covers a large area. Cover any surface or object that isn’t currently damaged by sootSoot is fine black particles composed of carbon and other ma... More and move all furniture into a different room.
First, use a vacuum with an attached upholstery brush in order to remove loose sootSoot is fine black particles composed of carbon and other ma... More particles. Vacuum the affected surfaces and lightly use the brush to remove sootSoot is fine black particles composed of carbon and other ma... More.
Next, use a dry-cleaning (or chemical) spongeA sponge is a porous material used to absorb liquids or clea... More to carefully wipe the remaining sootSoot is fine black particles composed of carbon and other ma... More. Do not wipe with water or sootSoot is fine black particles composed of carbon and other ma... More cleaner first because this will spread the sootSoot is fine black particles composed of carbon and other ma... More and you will be unable to remove it with a dry-cleaning spongeA sponge is a porous material used to absorb liquids or clea... More. Chemical sponges consist of special materials that lift stains from the wall. Once your spongeA sponge is a porous material used to absorb liquids or clea... More is covered with sootSoot is fine black particles composed of carbon and other ma... More, use the clean side or replace the spongeA sponge is a porous material used to absorb liquids or clea... More. Use a wiping motion, not a scrubbing motion, to avoid working the stains deeper into the surface.
Next, use the degreaser to carefully wash the surface. Follow the directions on the label and use the same wiping motion you used with the dry-cleaning spongeA sponge is a porous material used to absorb liquids or clea... More. As your rag or cloth gets dirty, wring it out in the bucket and continue cleaning. Afterward, replace the contents of the bucket with fresh water and use a clean rag to wipe down the walls. Then, use another clean rag to dry the walls and allow it to dry.
Contact Us
SootSoot is fine black particles composed of carbon and other ma... More removal is a manageable job if only a small area is damaged, but a large area can be challenging for inexperienced homeowners. Trains professionals with years of experience in fire damage restoration and sootSoot is fine black particles composed of carbon and other ma... More removal can clean and restore household objects affected by smoke and sootSoot is fine black particles composed of carbon and other ma... More. We will handle the cleanup while you and your family recover from the traumatic event.
About Vince Sandri
Vince Sandri is a content writer and blogger with more than 12 years of experience. His expertise is in creating content related to disaster restorationRestoration is the process of returning a property to its pr... More, including information about preventing and reacting to natural disasters like floodingFlooding is the overflow or accumulation of water in areas t... More, water damage, fire and smoke damage, moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More growth, storm damage and more.
Vince has been the main contributor to RestorationMasterFinder.com since 2014. Over that time, he has written numerous service pages and blogs for disaster restorationRestoration is the process of returning a property to its pr... More providers featured on RestorationMasterFinder.com. Vince has done extensive research and covered a wide range of topics relating to disaster restorationRestoration is the process of returning a property to its pr... More to help homeowners, business owners, and property managers better protect their property. He understands the problems that disasters like floodingFlooding is the overflow or accumulation of water in areas t... More, fire, smoke, and moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More can cause as well as the best ways to respond to these issues to limit the damage.
Vince completed his Bachelor of Arts degree at Aurora University and his master’s degree at DePaul University. He has been writing SEO website pages, blogs, and press releases since 2012. Vince is also a musician and can be seen playing in the Chicago, IL area.
