How to Remove Smoke Discoloration From Walls

Whether it comes from heavy cigarette smoking, a faulty fireplace or a house fire, smoke clings to walls and causes discoloration. Smoke from nicotine-based products leaves a yellowish cast on the walls; fireplaces and house fires can leave soot stains. Painting over smoke discoloration may not be successful over the long term, as the stains can eventually bleed through the paint. Walls should be thoroughly cleaned before being primed and repainted.

Dry chemical sponges
Bucket
Ammonia
Detergent
Sponges
Safety goggles
Protective gloves
Stepladder

Instructions

- 1
  Put on gloves and use a chemical sponge to clean soot stains. Washing sooty walls with water will result in smearing the soot rather than removing it. Chemical sponges are waterless sponges made from rubber or a synthetic material and are available online or at home improvement stores. When the surface of the sponge becomes saturated with soot, shave off the top layer and continue working. Change sponges if necessary until all soot is removed.
- 2
  Put on safety goggles. Mix together 1 cup of ammonia with 1/2 cup of detergent and 3 gallons of water.
- 3
  Scrub the walls with a large household sponge, working from the top of the wall down to prevent dirty water from dripping onto areas that have already been cleaned. Work in one small area at a time, not more than 4 feet square.
- 4
  Rinse the walls with clean water and allow to air-dry.

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