Soot is the black, powdery or greasy residue left when things burn. It clings to walls, ceilings, furniture and fabrics, it is acidic enough to stain and etch surfaces over time, and it contains fine particles that are not good to breathe. Removing it properly is the first step in getting a home back after a fire.
Sifixit is a free referral service. Call the number on this page and you will be connected with an independent fire damage restoration provider where one serves your area. Calling costs nothing and you are never obliged to hire anyone.
Where soot hides
Soot does not stay in the room where the fire was. Check these places.
- Ceilings and the upper parts of walls
- Around vents, outlets and light switches
- Inside closets, cabinets and drawers
- On window sills, blinds and curtains
- Inside heating and cooling ducts
- On electronics and inside appliances
What to do right now
Wear gloves and a well fitting mask around soot, and keep children, older people and anyone with asthma away from affected rooms.
- Do not wipe soot with a wet cloth, which smears it deeper
- Do not use household cleaners on soot stains
- Keep the heating and cooling system off until the ducts are checked
- Cover clean furniture so soot does not settle on it
- Take photos for your insurer
- Call a fire damage restoration provider
Kinds of soot
Dry soot
From fast, hot fires burning wood or paper. It is powdery and can often be removed with dry cleaning sponges.
Oily soot
From burning plastics, rubber or fuel. It is sticky and smears easily, so it needs special cleaners.
Protein residue
From burned food. It is often hard to see but leaves stains and a strong smell.
Ash from wildfires
Fine ash that blows in from outside and settles on every surface and inside ducts.
How professionals remove soot
- The provider tests surfaces to identify the type of soot.
- Loose soot is lifted with dry cleaning sponges and HEPA vacuums.
- Walls, ceilings and cabinets are cleaned with products matched to each surface.
- Ducts are cleaned and filters replaced.
- Stubborn stains may be sealed with a stain blocking primer before painting.
- Belongings are cleaned on site or packed out for specialist cleaning.
Why soot should be removed quickly
- Soot is acidic and can permanently stain paint, grout and plastic
- It can pit and discolor metal fixtures
- Fine particles can irritate the lungs
- The longer soot sits, the harder and more costly it is to remove
- Smoke odor stays until the soot is gone
Questions to ask before you hire
- Which type of soot is in my home, and how will you clean it?
- Will you clean the ducts as well?
- Which surfaces will need sealing or repainting?
- How will you clean electronics and belongings?
- Will you document the damage for my insurance company?
Frequently asked questions
Can I clean soot myself?
Light, dry soot in a small area can sometimes be lifted with a dry cleaning sponge. Oily soot, large areas or soot that keeps returning needs professional cleaning.
Is soot harmful?
Soot contains fine particles that can irritate the lungs, especially for children, older people and anyone with asthma.
Will paint cover soot stains?
Not on its own. The soot must be cleaned first, and stains usually need a stain blocking primer before painting.
Does insurance cover soot cleanup?
Soot from a fire in the home is usually covered along with other fire damage. Document everything and call your insurer early.
Learn more
Our main fire damage restoration guide covers the wider picture, including what affects the cost and when to call a professional.
Sifixit is a free referral service and does not provide home services. Calls may be answered by a partner call center or connected directly to independent local providers, who are solely responsible for their work, pricing, licensing and insurance.