Clean Up of Smoke Stains in the Ceiling

With more direct exposure to flame, soot deposits adhere to the ceiling, leaving gray or black residue.

1. Start by removing furniture from the floor under the area to be cleaned.
2. Spread a plastic drop cloth under the stain and the surrounding area to prevent splatter damage from chemicals or paint.
3. ALWAYS WEAR APPROVED SAFETY GLASSES when working overhead, especially with the use of chemicals!
4. USE PROTECTIVE GLOVES when working with TSP or other irritants and be careful to keep it off of your skin.
5. Begin by briskly brushing the smoke stain with a stiff brush. Be sure to remove all loose material.
6. Mix a solution of ¼ cup TSP with one gallon of very warm water. Apply to the stain with a sponge as many times as necessary to thoroughly remove any remaining residue.
7. Rinse the area well with a clean sponge and warm water until all of the TSP solution has been removed. Allow to dry completely.
8. Once the area has dried, prime the spot with your sealer. Use a paint roller brush for best results.
9. Allow the primer to dry completely.
10. Use a clean roller brush to paint the surface to match the rest of the ceiling. Apply a second coat if necessary.

If you have a textured ceiling then vacuuming with a dusting attachment maybe your only option, spot cleaning can even be a challenge depending on how loose the texture is, you can try dry methods of cleaning like brushing with a soft brush or if it is the type of textured ceiling that isn't too loose a soot sponge can be effective as well.  A soot sponge is a hard rubbery sponge which can be found at any janitorial supply store and is effect way to clean delicate surfaces, as the dirt transfers to the sponge you just clean the sponge and continue.  In my case when I moved into my 20 year old house the ceiling were visibly yellowing and the best course of action was to pant the entire ceiling. So cleaning your ceiling can be a challenge depending on the type of ceiling and how dirty it is.

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