If you shake the fabric too vigorously, you also risk grinding the soot into the fabric – ultimately making it harder to clean.
Try not to spread the stain further or grind the soot into the fabric with your hands. Try to let the cold water do its job and avoid touching the soot during the process.
If the soot-stained items can be bleached without being ruined, add a few drops of bleach to the detergent/water mixture.
Make sure that you have done all you can to minimize the soot stain before you actually wash the fabric. Using several methods together will be much more effective at removing the stain than just attempting one method. Don’t put the fabric in the dryer until you have checked to make sure the soot stain was completely removed. Otherwise, this could permanently set the stain in the fabric.
You can also use cornstarch as an alternative for baking soda.
For most fabrics or upholstery, you should try to vacuum up as much of the soot as possible first. This will help prevent the soot from settling onto other surfaces during cleaning and help permanently remove the soot from the area.
Keep blotting the soot stain with the washcloth until it is diminished to your satisfaction, while occasionally rinsing out the cloth with cool water and dipping it back in the cleaning solution.
You may need to repeat this process several times. Work on one section at a time so that you can scrub and clean as you go. Be sure to use rubber gloves when handling the cleaner because it is quite harsh and can damage your skin.
Start from the bottom and work your way up. This can be very effective in preventing the soot from transferring onto other surfaces, which could cause the mess to get bigger or even create a permanent stain.
Try to use rubber gloves (like the dishwashing gloves) to protect your hands. You should also wear long sleeves and pants while cleaning up soot to help protect your skin even more.
You can purchase dust masks at any home improvement store and even most larger grocery stores. If you can’t find a dust mask, use a bandana or t-shirt tied around your head to cover your mouth and nose.
If possible, try to clean up sooty items outdoors. But if you must clean it inside, open all the windows you can and take frequent breaks.
You should be able to rent a low-pressure sandblasting machine at any major home improvement store. You can also hire a professional to do this kind of cleaning.
Professional cleaners can make the hassle of cleaning up the soot much easier to handle, but they can be a bit pricey. Consider price checking several places before deciding on a service.
