Michigan State University Extension
Home Maintenance And Repair - 01500188
06/24/03
Cleaning Sooty walls
Increased use of wood stoves and fireplaces and some
return to coal stoves, may result in increased deposits
of smoky, sooty soil on walls, and ceilings near the
stoves. This soil is greasy, and therefore an alkaline
cleaner works best to remove it. A stronger solution is
usually needed than for normal soil, but too strong a
solution can damage the wall finish.
On painted walls and woodwork, a solution of one
tablespoon of trisodium phosphate (TSP) in 1 gallon warm
water, applied with a sponge should remove this soil.
Rinse well with a sponge dipped in clear water. Wiping
off excess water with absorbent cotton rags (which can
be laundered and reused many times) leaves the surface
cleaner. Change washing and rinse waters often.
If this solution does not remove the sooty soil, a
little more TSP can be added but try not to get much
more than 2 tablespoonsful per gallon. Too much TSP will
dull the surface of paint, or actually remove paint.
TSP is sold in paint stores used by professional
painters, and is actually used in stronger concentrations
to remove paint or dull the surface gloss of enamel
before repainting.
Alkalis that may be added to warm water for removing
these greasy soil deposits include ammonia, washing soda,
and laundry detergent (low sudsing types are easiest to
rinse off). Try a small amount first, and only increase
the concentration if the soil is stubborn, remembering
too strong a solution will remove some paint. Wear rubber
gloves to protect your skin. Avoid spilling on other
surfaces in the room and wipe up promptly if spills do
occur.
Cleaning off such soil is best done as an annual
chore, in late spring, after the heating season is ended.
Then walls will stay clean longer.
This article was written by Anne Field, Extension
Specialist, Emeritus.
This information is for educational purposes only. References
to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not
mentioned. This information becomes public property upon
publication and may be printed verbatim with credit to MSU
Extension. Reprinting cannot be used to endorse or advertise
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Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in
cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Thomas G. Coon, Director,
MSU Extension, East Lansing,MI 48824. This information is for educational
purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.
This file was generated from data base 02 on 02/04/08.
Data base 02 was last revised on 06/24/03.
For more information about this data base or its contents please contact
strausc@msu.edu .