Sponges That Are Used for Cleaning the Walls After a Fire

About Soot

• Soot is unburned carbon or a carbon residue left after a fire or a smoke puff from the fireplace. Made up of fine, black particulates, it has an oily texture that settles and adheres to walls, ceilings and floors. Wiped with just soap and water, soot will smear and may be absorbed into the latex walls. Once absorbed, soot stains permanently.

About Chemical Sponges

• Because of their soft surface, dry chemical sponges remove loose soot and smoke from latex-painted walls, ceilings, lampshades, floors and many other porous surfaces. They are commonly used by fire restoration companies and while many sizes are available, on average they come in a 3- by 6-inch rectangular block. The sponge is used dry and without cleaners or solvents. According to Baneclene.com, a single dry chemical sponge on average can clean the soot from a 12- by 20-foot wall.

Reuse

• Though many manufacturers of dry chemical sponges caution users not to wash or wring out the sponge, there are reusable and washable brands. Some sponges must be disposed of after the rubber is filled. Other brands, according to Baneclene.com, are washable and reusable. When the sponge is filled with soot, wash in warm, soapy water, dry complete and save for another time. Before you reuse the sponge, make sure it's completely dry.

Instructions

• Remove any dry, loose smoke residue with an industrial vacuum cleaner. Cover all floors and furniture with a drop cloth. Beginning with the ceiling, wipe surfaces, even acoustical tiles and blown textured ceilings, with the dry chemical sponge. When the ceiling is clean, move to the walls. Once soot is removed with the dry chemical sponge, surfaces should be wiped down with a microfiber cloth and a warm solution of citrus cleaner or degreaser. Once washed, surfaces should be rinsed and dried.