Things You'll Need
Drop cloth
5-gallon buckets
Trisodium phosphate
Bleach
Long-handled spoon
Lint-free cloths
Soft towels
Cornstarch or baking soda
Upholstery brush attachment
Vacuum cleaner
Dry-cleaning solvent
Kerosene provides an alternative way to heat your home and lower your utility bills. However, improper use of kerosene heaters will produce soot, which will cover walls and furniture. If left untreated, the soot will leave permanent discolorations on the surface. Once you have removed the soot, take the necessary precautions to keep the kerosene from producing the greasy, black residue in the future. Keeping the wick of the heater lower and using high-quality kerosene will reduce the chance of soot.
Walls and Wood Furniture
Step 1
Wait 24 hours to let the soot dry before attempting to remove it. Protect the floor near the wall or furniture you are cleaning with a drop cloth.
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Step 2
Pour 1 gallon of lukewarm water in a 5-gallon bucket. Mix 6 tablespoons of trisodium phosphate and 1 cup of bleach in the water with a long-handled spoon for several seconds until combined. Add 1 gallon of cool water to another bucket.
Step 3
Moisten a lint-free cloth in cleaning solution and gently scrub the walls and wood furniture. Rinse the cloth in the bucket filled with water when soiled.
Step 4
Repeat Step 3 until you have removed all traces of the soot from the walls and wood furniture. Rinse the surface clean with a damp cloth and dry with a soft towel.
Upholstery
Step 1
Cover the soot with cornstarch or baking soda. Let the powder absorb the soot for one hour.
Step 2
Connect the upholstery brush attachment to the vacuum cleaner hose. Turn the vacuum cleaner on and suck up the cornstarch or baking soda with the brush attachment.
Step 3
Add several drops of dry-cleaning solvent to a white cloth. Blot the soot stain vigorously with the cloth until you have removed soot stains.
Step 4
Pat the upholstery with a clean cloth damp with water to remove the dry-cleaning solvent. Pat dry with a soft towel.
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