Removal of Chimney Soot From Carpet

Soot Removal Preparation

• Before you begin removing the soot, you will want to prepare yourself, depending on the size of the job. Put on old clothes to protect your clothing from soot stains. Since removing soot can stir up particles that get into the air, protect your eyes with goggles and your lungs with a paper mask.

Vacuum Method

• To remove soot with a vacuum, hold the vacuum nozzle a few centimeters above the carpet and move it back and forth to suck the soot up. You should never use a vacuum attachment brush or vacuum the carpet directly as this will only grind the soot deeper into the carpet. Once you have vacuumed up as much soot as possible, pat the area with a dry, soot-removal sponge to soak up any additional residue. Never use a wet sponge as water will permanently set the stain.

Baking Soda Method

• Sprinkle baking soda over the stain. You can also use corn starch if you do not have baking soda on hand. Let it sit for a few hours, and then vacuum the baking soda and soot using the nozzle of a vacuum held slightly above the carpet. You'll need to pat the stain with a clean white cloth dipped in dry-cleaning solvent until the solvent is dissolved into the carpet. Continue blotting until the stain disappears.

Odor Removal

• You may find that even after the soot is removed from the carpet, a lingering odor remains. You can fight the odor by placing odor-absorbing materials near the site of the soot stain. Fill a small plastic container with charcoal or white vinegar and leave it near the stain for a few days, which will soak up the odor in most cases. If the odor continues to linger, consult a professional who specializes in soot damage.