Asked on Apr 01, 2016

How do I clean soot from walls and ceilings?

Sassy
by Sassy
My old oil furnace backfired and sent black smoke out all of the vents. I need to wash all the walls and ceilings and I only want to have to do it once! Is there a special product that works well?
  5 answers
  • Denise Whitaker Denise Whitaker on Apr 03, 2016
    I don't kno what kind of walls an ceilings u have That being said....I put newspaper all over floor an furniture ...Then I sprayed Dollar Store bathroom cleaner all over affected area an let it drip...Kept doing that that until all soot drips off....u will kno when to start wiping it down...I have popcorn ceilings an this worked for me
    • Sassy Sassy on Apr 03, 2016
      @Denise Whitaker Thank you - I have plaster and lathe, wood paneling and wall board, depending on the room. I don't think I can really wet the plaster and lathe without it falling apart.
  • Carla Wick Carla Wick on Apr 03, 2016
    Try a mixture of Dawn soap and bleach
  • LindaK LindaK on Apr 03, 2016
    I suggest TSP, wear gloves and eye protection. I like to use a clean sponge mop for ceilings, and micro fiber cloths for wall. Then you should probably paint.
    • Sassy Sassy on Apr 03, 2016
      @LindaK Thank you - I may have to try this but I would have to add a respirator since I have asthma. Ugh, I really didn't want to have to repaint!!
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Apr 03, 2016
    Unless you have good ventilation I would not use TSP as it is highly toxic. See if this helps you. homeguides.sfgate.com/rid-soot-marks-walls-27805.html
    • See 1 previous
    • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Apr 03, 2016
      @Sassy sorry to hear of your health issues. Yes it may be a good idea then.I to am not a well individual (assorted issues)but would never recommend that type of a product even when one is healthy.
  • MN Mom MN Mom on Apr 03, 2016
    I would most definitely submit this to your homeowners insurance and have a professional clean it. There are some things you can do easily and others that are best to leave to a professional who has the proper products and experience to do the work correctly.
    • Sassy Sassy on Apr 04, 2016
      @MN Mom Thank you - after just doing a bit of scrubbing in the bathroom, I'm quite convinced this is the way to go!!