Soot from a fire or even a fireplace can leave unsightly stains on your favorite furniture. The best way to remove stains depends on the material used, but a few tricks can help restore the original look of any wood furniture, leather or fabric sofas.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Treated wood
Step 1. Clean the wood with a HEPA vacuum cleaner or a lambswool brush
These products allow you to effectively collect the dry top layer before deeper cleaning of the wood.
The HEPA technology is a filter for highly efficient dust separation. Typically, you can find the appropriate indication on the packaging or in the user manual. Smoke and grime leave harmful particles in the air, and a HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaner picks up more of these particles than a conventional vacuum cleaner
Step 2. Sponge the wood with a melamine sponge
Scoop up soot with even strokes until the surface of the sponge turns black. After that, turn the sponge over and use the rest of the sides until the sponge is completely black. Then carefully cut the dirty surface with a knife to create a new clean layer. This prevents the soot from rubbing back into the wood.
- Proceed with caution. If pressed too much, soot particles can penetrate the wood grain.
- Use a dry sponge to pick up plaque without rubbing it into the wood.
Step 3. Use a wood cleaner for oily deposits
Run your finger over the smoked surface. If it is oily, oily smoke affected the wood. In this case, strictly follow the directions on the packaging of the wood cleaner and wash the entire surface with a cotton cloth. Buy the product at a hardware store.
Step 4. Brush along the grain with a steel wool
Soft steel wool ("0000") removes stubborn plaque. Do not apply excessive force and move along the grain of the wood to avoid damaging the finish.
Look closely at the fine lines on the wood to determine the direction of the grain. The direction of such lines will be the direction of the fibers
Step 5. Use a mild solution of degreaser and water
If you are having trouble removing greasy soot, dilute a small amount of degreaser in a large bowl or bucket of water and scrub the wood surface. Then rinse thoroughly with a damp cloth and dry with a soft towel.
Step 6. Polish the wood with a degreaser
Apply a small amount of polish to an old rag or paper towel and gently sand the wood.
Method 2 of 4: Raw Wood
Step 1. Apply odor remover to the wood
Select a spray designed to eliminate the penetrating odor of smoke and spray a thin layer onto the surface.
Step 2. Vacuum up dry plaque
If possible, use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter for deeper cleaning. Hold the hose slightly above the surface and treat soot areas. This method will allow you to collect the maximum amount of soot and particles that are in the air. You can also use a lambswool brush.
Step 3. Remove plaque with a melamine sponge
Collect the soot perpendicular to the surface of the wood and turn the sponge over when it turns black. Carefully cut away the darkened layer of the surface of the sponge with a knife to create a clean new layer.
Step 4. Apply degreaser
Dilute a small amount of degreaser with plenty of water and use a spray or spray bottle to evenly treat the wood. Then wipe the surface with a nylon brush. Then rinse off the product with clean water.
You can also spray on the degreaser using an old window cleaner or other spray bottle. After use, rinse the container thoroughly with soap and water
Step 5. Sand the remaining stains
Untreated wood is more malleable, so soot gets inside quickly. If other remedies do not help, sand the stain with fine-grained sandpaper.
- Do not use sandpaper with treated wood to avoid damaging the finish.
- Usually, sandpaper will not remove serious dirt that has penetrated deep into the fibers.
Step 6. Call a specialist if you need help
If wood furniture still smells of smoke or looks dirty, contact a professional furniture cleaning service.
Method 3 of 4: Leather upholstery
Step 1. Vacuum up the soot with a flat brush
Hold the brush above the surface of the skin to avoid pushing the soot into the material.
You can use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter, but this is not necessary
Step 2. Clean the upholstery with a soft cloth and leather soap
Moisten a rag, apply a small amount of soap and lather a little. Wipe the leather surface gently without applying excessive pressure. Use a clean, damp cloth to pick up plaque.
Then treat the fabric with a leather conditioner. Apply a small amount to a tissue and gently spread over the skin in a thin, even layer. Leave to soak for two hours or overnight
Step 3. Remove the smoke smell with water and vinegar
Stir two spoonfuls of vinegar and water in a medium bowl. Soak a cloth in the solution and scrub the leather surface, then wipe with a clean, damp cloth.
Step 4. Sprinkle the surface with baking soda if the smell persists
Baking soda absorbs smoke odor well, so sprinkle a thin, even layer of baking soda on your skin and leave it overnight. Vacuum up the baking soda in the morning, but do not brush against the surface. Repeat the entire process if necessary.
Step 5. Call a specialist to cleanse severely damaged skin
If the smell does not go away, then you should contact the skin cleaning and restoration service. For example, steam cleaning can save damaged upholstery that cannot be cleaned on its own.
Method 4 of 4: Fabric upholstery
Step 1. Vacuum up the soot with a regular brush
Do not use a flat brush to prevent the soot from penetrating deeper into the fabric. Hold the brush above the surface just above the soot spots.
You can use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter, but this is not necessary
Step 2. Sprinkle the surface with baking soda
Leave for 24 hours, then vacuum up and repeat if necessary. The baking soda will absorb the smoke smell.
Step 3. Wash the removable pillows and covers according to the manufacturer's instructions
You can wash them in cold water, but it's best to read the directions on the label. Use liquid detergent, powder, and bleach as needed.
Sometimes, it takes several times to wash the covers to get rid of the dirt completely
Step 4. Treat furniture with a smoke odor remover
Strictly follow the directions on the packaging and apply a small amount of spray to the upholstery. Wipe with a damp cloth.
Step 5. Contact a specialist
Call the dry cleaner for recommendations or find out if fabric upholstery can be salvaged.
Advice
Take action as soon as possible. The sooner you get down to business, the less soot will be absorbed into the surface. Surface plaque can be removed with a brush or vacuum cleaner, but if it penetrates deep into wood and fabric, then the task becomes much more difficult. The longer the soot remains on the furniture, the deeper it penetrates
Warnings
- Cover clean areas with plastic wrap to protect them from soot when cleaning.
- Use disposable gloves, goggles, and a respirator to protect your skin, eyes, and lungs. Chemicals in soot and cleaning products can cause irritation. Choose clothes that you don't mind getting dirty.
- Improper cleaning can cause irreparable damage to the furniture. If you do not know how to safely clean a piece of furniture, then it is better to immediately contact a specialist.