How to clean smoke damage on walls and ceiling

Question

Seems to be some yellowing and dark marks left after a small fire. Some areas look surface-level but others seem baked in, so what do I do here?

Joey · Answer

I clean smoke damage from walls and ceilings using eco-friendly methods that are safe for both people and the environment. 
First, I remove loose soot with a dry microfibre cloth or vacuum with a soft brush attachment to prevent smearing. 
I then clean the surface using a natural solution made from warm water, white vinegar, bicarbonate of soda, and eco-friendly washing-up liquid to break down smoke residue and nicotine stains.
 The area is wiped gently in sections and dried with clean cloths to avoid streaking. 
Finally, I help neutralise lingering smoke odours using natural deodorisers such as bicarbonate of soda and ventilation. This approach effectively removes smoke residue while avoiding harsh chemicals.
Joey @ Eco Clean Exeter

Rhys · Answer

Hey!

Making an assumption that you've removed as much dry soiling as possible (hoover, dusting etc) as any liquids on top of soot / ash will make things worse.

A few items to try:

Mild Solution

-  Sugar soap or a mixture of warm water and dish soap. If this isnt working you can try a stronger solution such as;

- TSP (trisodium phosphate) Mix 1 TSP into a gallon of warm water. TSP is highly effective at cutting through the greasy film left by smoke. Wearing rubber gloves and goggles, wet a sponge in the TSP solution. Working one section a time, wipe wall/ceiling vigorously with the sponge, then rinse thoroughly with a new cloth and clean water. Continue until entire area has been washed and rinsed. You may have to repeat the wash/rinse several times, depending upon the severity of the soot buildup and charring. Be careful not to over saturate your walls, or let the water seep between your walls and baseboards, or you may cause damage to the drywall.

Finally, use a stain blocking primer before painting. Always found BIN Zinniser to be excellent.

Helen · Answer

Start by dry-cleaning the surface: use a vacuum with a brush attachment or a dry (chemical) sponge to gently remove loose soot without smearing it. Next, prepare a mild cleaning solution using warm water and a few drops of dish soap; for stronger residue, add a little vinegar or baking soda, or use a degreaser like sugar soap. Using a soft sponge, wipe the walls and ceiling in small sections, working from top to bottom. Avoid soaking the surface—keep the sponge damp, not wet. Rinse with clean water as you go. To tackle lingering smoke odour, ventilate the room well and place bowls of vinegar or baking soda around to absorb smells. If stains remain after cleaning, apply a stain-blocking primer before repainting to prevent them from bleeding through. Always test a small hidden area first and wear gloves and a mask for protection.

How to clean smoke damage on walls and ceiling

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