To remove soot and smoke from walls, furniture and floors, use a mild soap or detergent or mix together 4 to 6 tbsp.
For supplies, grab a bucket, cleaning solution, degreaser, and a dry cleaning sponge (try Jon Don's cleaning soot sponges). Trisodium phosphate (TSP) is known as the best product for soot removal and can be found at any Home Depot, Menards, or local hardware store.
On items that are washable, please try Dawn dishwashing liquid (the original blue formula). We had an awful soot problem during remodeling an old kitchen with a fireplace, and this is the only thing we found that would effectively clean up the soot.
One of the most common ways to clean up a sooty mess is with an acid or alkaline cleaner. This type of cleaner can be found at any hardware store and should be applied liberally to the affected area. After you have scrubbed the surface, rinse it off with water and allow it to dry.
Vinegar solution.
Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto the soot stains, gently scrub with a cloth or sponge, rinse, and dry thoroughly.
Don't forget special sponges like the Magic Eraser. They're made to fight soot without strong chemicals. Remember, check what your walls or ceiling are made of before cleaning.
The best method to remove the mold is to soak affected plants in a water and detergent mixture. Use 1 tablespoon of household liquid detergent per gallon of water and spray it on the plants. Wait 15 minutes, then wash the detergent solution off with a strong stream of water.
Dishwasher detergent, baking soda, and vinegar are all popular suggestions on the internet for cleaning soot.
It is quite a bit less viscous than Dawn Ultra and the consensus is that it performs much better than Dawn Ultra and is very close in performance to Dawn Pro. Dawn Platinum Power Clean seems to have replaced the original varieties (as of early 2015).
Use a vacuum with a brush attachment to remove as much dry soot residue as possible. Use a dry cleaning or soot sponge and/or Absorene Wall Cleaner to gently wipe away excess soot. Note: Depending on the severity of the soot damage, this step alone may remove most of the soot on the surface.
For soot-covered or tarnished tools, simply wipe down your fireplace tools and accessories with a water and Dawn® Platinum solution. This can help remove grime and soot; regularly wiping down your tools can help prevent the need for heavy scrubbing.
Goo Gone – If the commercial cleaner doesn't remove the entire stain, try using Goo Gone to help break down the stubborn bits. WD-40 – If the soot is accompanied by greasy residue, WD-40 might be the best solution to help break down the gunk and remove the stain completely.
It can be difficult to eliminate the fungal disease, but sooty mold can be washed off plants and surfaces with a strong stream of water or soap and water.
Our top choice for the best mold remover is the Clorox Tilex Mold and Mildew Remover for its overall effectiveness, especially in bathrooms where mold is most prevalent. If you're looking for something made with natural ingredients while maintaining effectiveness, we also recommend the CLR Mold & Mildew Remover.
Treatment: Although not necessary, sooty mold can be washed from the leaves by spraying foliage with a dish soap solution (4 ounces per gallon of water), waiting three to four minutes, and then rinsing the foliage with a strong stream of water.
Vacuum: A professional-grade vacuum with a HEPA filter can remove loose soot particles from surfaces. Avoid using a regular vacuum as it may blow soot back into the air. Dry Cleaning Sponge: Use a dry or soot sponge to wipe surfaces gently. These sponges are specifically designed to absorb soot and won't smear it.
Caution should be used when pressure washing brick with liquid cleaning products, as they can penetrate porous masonry products (including mortar and brick) which can lead to material breakdown and deterioration. Industrial sites like ethanol plants remove soot and other carbon buildup during planned stoppages.
Starting with a white vinegar and water mixture can help loosen up soot residue left behind from the fire. Follow up with an old toothbrush, dip it in baking soda, and scrub away at the tough spots that refuse to budge.