How to Clean Soot Off Your Walls in 5 Simple Steps

If the area that needs cleaning is several square feet or more, you should use protective gear to avoid breathing soot particles. Don a mask, safety glasses, and gloves (if you use chemicals) for the ultimate protection. You may also want to cover nearby furniture, decorative items, and rugs so the soot doesn’t spread. And, finally, open a few windows for extra ventilation.

Vacuuming is the best first step for cleaning—but tread lightly. Smearing the soot makes cleanup harder. Use the brush attachment or keep the nozzle about a half-inch to an inch away from the soot to suck it away without rubbing it into the wall or ceiling. Don’t forget to start vacuuming from the top down to avoid re-cleaning the same space if the soot transfers downward.

If the soot stain is on a porous surface, like drywall, you’ll want to start the dry method cleaning process with a soot sponge, also known as a dry cleaning or chemical sponge. You can also try dry melamine sponges—you might know them as eraser sponges.

These sponges grab soot particles quickly and efficiently but don’t wet them. Water ruins their cleaning ability and spreads the mess. Use quick wiping, not rubbing, strokes to lift the soot away. As the sponge darkens from the soot, turn it to a clean side or slice away some of the sponge to reveal a fresh surface.

"If a homeowner is unsure whether the surface is hard or porous, it is a good rule of thumb to try a dry method of soot removal before adding a cleaning solution that may spread or deepen the soot stain," says Asya Biddle, Angi Expert Review Board member and manager of The Dustbusters, a family-owned and operated janitorial company in Williamsport, PA.

Try cleaning your nonporous surfaces (glass, tile, some wood) with dry methods first if the sponges don’t scratch the surface. Then, if you need more power, move to wet soot cleaning products. Dish detergent with degreaser fights oily soot stains, but you should avoid soap with granules to prevent scratches. Carefully sponge (you can use a wet melamine eraser sponge, just keep the water clean) or wipe on the cleaning solution. 

• Oil-based wood cleaners work magic on finished wood surfaces. 

• White vinegar and water (one part warm water to three parts vinegar) break down soot stains. Use caution and test a small spot on wood surfaces. Vinegar stains some finishes.  

• Trisodium phosphate solutions (follow the manufacturer's instructions) require protective gloves, but it’s the most effective soot remover product. It's most useful for large soot stains, like on your fireplace. It's a good option if you don’t want to call a fireplace cleaner near you.

After cleaning the soot, you might need to rinse, dry, or re-vacuum the area again to finish the job. If you use a wet method, use soot-free water and clean microfiber cloths to avoid adding soot back to the surface.