Fire & smoke damage
Soot cleanup
Soot cleanup removes the oily or dry carbon residue left by fire, furnace puffbacks or candles, using dry chemical sponges and HEPA vacuums before any wet cleaning. Wiping soot with water smears it into surfaces and can make stains permanent.
Soot type matters: dry, powdery soot from fast fires cleans differently than the greasy, wet residue from smoldering fires or burned food.
Acidic soot discolors grout, metal fixtures and vinyl within days, so early cleaning reduces replacement.
What you can expect
- One call connects you with an independent restoration company that serves your ZIP code.
- Fast call-back during business hours
- Serving All 50 states + D.C.
- Photo and moisture documentation for insurance
Soot cleanup at a glance
- Category
- Fire & smoke damage
- Emergency service
- Scheduled visit
- Typical first step
- Test
- Area
- All 50 states + D.C.
Signs you need soot cleanup
- Black webbing in corners (soot tags)
- Gray film on walls and ceilings
- Black streaks around vents
- Discolored grout and fixtures
How the work is done
- 1
Test
The soot type is identified on each surface.
- 2
Dry removal
HEPA vacuuming and dry chemical sponges lift loose residue.
- 3
Wet cleaning
Surface-appropriate cleaners remove the remaining film.
- 4
Seal and paint
Stain-blocking primer where residue remains.
What affects the cost
Prices depend on the job, so restoration companies quote after an assessment. These factors drive the number:
- Area affected
- Soot type
- Contents cleaning
- Duct cleaning
What to do right now
Safe to do yourself
- Keep the HVAC off
- Avoid touching soot-covered walls
Call a professional if…
- Soot covers more than one room
- Soot is greasy
Soot cleanup questions
Can I clean soot myself?
Small, dry soot spots can be lifted with a dry chemical sponge. Larger or greasy soot needs professional cleaning to avoid smearing it permanently.
Where this service is available
Available in all 50 states and D.C. These cities have their own local pages:
Related services
Fire damage restoration
Fire damage restoration secures the property, removes debris, cleans soot from surfaces and contents, removes smoke odor, dries water left by firefighting, and repairs the structure.
Learn more
Smoke odor removal
Smoke odor removal works by cleaning the residue that causes the smell, then neutralizing what's left with thermal fogging, hydroxyl generators or ozone, and sealing surfaces that still hold odor.
Learn moreWater, mold or fire damage? Get the right crew on it.
One call connects you with an independent restoration company that serves your ZIP code. Fast call-back during business hours.