What Is Smoke Damage on Walls?

What Does Smoke Damage Look Like?

Smoke damage to walls can show up as:

• Dark stains or streaks

• Sticky soot

• Smelly odors

• Yellow or brown patches

• Peeling or bubbled paint

Sometimes, it even gets into your floor, furniture, and laundry.

Is Smoke Damage Bad for Your Health?

Yes! Smoke damage can be bad for your health. Breathing in smoke, soot, or chemicals from fire can cause:

• Coughing or trouble breathing

• Eye irritation

• Allergies or asthma

• Headaches

That’s why wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves, masks, and goggles is important when cleaning.

How to Get Ready for Smoke Damage Cleaning

Before you clean, make sure you:

1. Wear PPE – gloves, mask, safety glasses

2. Open windows for fresh air

3. Move furniture away from walls

4. Lay down towels or plastic to protect the floor

5. Unplug electronics nearby

How Do You Remove Soot from Walls?

Soot is greasy and sticky, so it needs special cleaning. Here’s how to remove soot from walls:

Step 1: Use a Vacuum

Use a vacuum with a soft brush. Gently vacuum the wall to lift off loose soot. Don’t rub, or it can smear!

Step 2: Try a Dry Sponge

Use a dry cleaning sponge (also called a soot sponge). Rub lightly in one direction to lift soot without smearing.

Step 3: Make a Cleaning Mix

Mix warm water with:

• Soap or detergent

• Or use vinegar

• For tough stains, add a little bleach (but be careful!)

Cleaning Smoke Stains on Walls

Here’s how to clean smoke stains on walls step-by-step:

Step 1: Wash the Wall

Use a sponge or cloth dipped in your cleaning mix. Scrub gently in circles. Change the water often to keep it clean.

Step 2: Rinse

Rinse the wall with clean water and a fresh towel to remove soap.

Step 3: Dry the Wall

Use a dry towel or fan to help the wall dry. This keeps mold from growing.

How to Clean Cigarette Stains or Tobacco Stains on Walls

Cigarette stains and tobacco stains can turn walls yellow and make them stink. To clean them:

1. Use a soap and vinegar mix

2. Scrub with a sponge or brush

3. Rinse and dry

4. Repeat if needed

You might need to repaint the wall to fully remove stains and odor.

What About the Odor?

Smoke odor can stay in walls, floors, and air. Here’s how to fight it:

• Use baking soda to soak up smells

• Run a fan or air purifier

• Wash curtains, rugs, and laundry

• Clean air vents and filters

• Use odor-blocking paint on walls

Can Smoke Damage Lead to Mold?

Yes. If water is used to put out the fire, it can cause water damage. This may lead to mold on drywall, wood, and floors.

Water damage restoration experts check for hidden mold and fix any soft or smelly spots.

Should You Paint Over Smoke Damage?

Don’t paint over smoke or soot without cleaning first. Paint can peel or bubble later. Clean the wall, then:

1. Use stain-blocking primer

2. Use odor-sealing paint

3. Let it dry fully

What About Soot on Furniture and Floors?

Soot can settle on furniture, wood floors, and even your laundry. To clean it:

• Vacuum soft furniture like couches

• Use soap and water on hard surfaces

• Wash clothes with vinegar or baking soda

• Dry everything fully

When to Call Smoke Damage Restoration Pros

Sometimes it’s best to call experts for smoke damage restoration or fire damage restoration. Call a pro if:

• The damage is large

• You smell smoke after cleaning

• Walls are soft or cracked

• There’s water damage or mold

• You feel sick from the smell

Does Home Insurance Cover Smoke Damage?

Your home insurance may cover:

• Fire damage

• Smoke damage

• Water damage restoration

• Soot damage cleaning

Call your insurance company to check your policy. Take pictures of the damage and save receipts from cleaning.

Best Tools and Cleaners for Smoke Damage Cleaning

You might need:

• Vacuum with brush

• Dry cleaning sponge

• Soap, detergent, or vinegar

• Bleach (use safely)

• Paint and primer

• Gloves and mask

• Towels and laundry supplies

Keep Smoke Damage From Happening Again

Here’s how to keep your home safe:

• Don’t smoke indoors

• Clean fireplace chimneys often

• Keep stoves and ovens clean

• Use smoke detectors

• Blow out candles before bed