How to Clean Soot Off of Ceiling Joists

Clear all furniture and other items from the area underneath the joist you plan to clean. Lay drop cloths on the floor to catch the soot as it falls. Place a step ladder beneath the ceiling joist. Make sure the ladder is stable and secure before you climb it.

Brush the ceiling joists with a cleaning brush or the brush utensil on a vacuum cleaner. This will dislodge a large amount of soot, and loosen up even more. Run a vacuum with a nozzle attachment over the joist. Vacuum up as much of the soot as possible.

Prepare a solution of one part ammonia and one part warm water in a bucket. Dip a sponge in the solution. Rub the ceiling joist with the sponge. This will dislodge much of the soot. Clean the sponge in the ammonia water regularly to prevent redistribution of the soot on the joist.

Dispose of the water and ammonia solution. Clean the bucket and the sponge thoroughly in fresh water. Pour 1 tablespoon of trisodium phosphate into the bucket, and add 1 gallon of warm water. Dip the sponge in the solution, and rub the ceiling joist with the damp sponge until it is clean. Dry the joist with a towel.