Once the soot has been washed into the walls, the only solution is to repaint. There are cleaning solutions that may work, but typically the finish ends up being dulled and damaged as the final result. Much easier to paint.

You might try mixing peroxide and baking soda into a paste (not too dry). Rub it in and let set for a while. Then wash off with a wet towel. Or try the peroxide cleaning solutions. They may not work but what have you got to loose. They won't harm the paint. Or clorax bleaching cleaner for the bathroom. Can't hurt to try before having to repaint.

Hi Laurie, I used to work doing fire & water damage restoration. We used a product we referred to as a "chem sponge". (You never wet the sponge to clean any surface or to clean the sponge. ) After using the dry sponge, ensuring the area was well ventilated, pilot lights extinguished, then apply oil based Kilz and allowit to thoroughly dry. (The oil based Kilz will not allow soot to bleed through the new paint.) The next day the surface could be painted with any paint that was desired. ...»

DO NOT TO ANY OF THE ABOVE.. Fire restoration sponges are the only way. I know, my elderly Dad did a good job forcing me to find a fix

Hi Laurie, I would also try Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. I've never had an issue with soot, but this product really is magic. I've used it on many surfaces for many types of stains and it's always worked really well. You should be able to find it at any drug store or WalMart.

Good luck!

http://www.mrclean.com/en_US/magic-eraser.do

try magic erasers by.~ Mr clean they work wonderful :)

Pinesol with a no scratch scrubber for pots and pans, put it on and let it work for a minute and wipe!

Damp mop with a soap solution to get the greasy feeling surface soot off, rinse and then prime with oil base kilz to seal the smell in.

Best, Charles

Amonia and water