How to Clean Smoke Damage From Walls

Smoke can leave a thin residue on items it comes in contact with.

Smoke damage can occur from a variety of ways. Cigarettes and fires are the two most common causes of smoke damage to your walls. Removing smoke and soot from your walls is a relatively simple process if performed correctly. As long as the smoke damage is only on the surface of the walls, you can usually remove it with a few household items.

Things You'll Need

• Rubber gloves
• Trisodium phosphate
• Water
• Sponge

Instructions

1. Open all doors and windows in the home to allow for proper air circulation.

2. Remove any paintings, pictures, mirrors or other decorations from the wall.

3. Equip yourself with rubber gloves.

4. Combine 1 tbsp. of TSP---trisodium phosphate---to 1 gallon of water.

5. Saturate a sponge in the mixture. Wring out the excess mixture from the sponge.

6. Wipe the walls with the sponge. Start at the bottom and work upwards. Work in small sections at a time.

7. Rinse the sponge in the clean water when it becomes dingy. Reapply the mixture.

8. Continue washing the walls until all smoke and soot is gone.

References

• University of Florida: Handling Smoke Damage after a Fire -- Getting Soot and Smoke Out
• Creative Homemaking: How to Clean Smoke Damage from the Kitchen
• University of Missouri Extension: After the Fire is Out: Cleaning Household Textiles and Clothing