Careful cleaning prevents sooty mess

Several days ago I received a call from a family member who was totally frustrated at trying to clean soot covered walls. She had just spent three full days and nights trying to get her walls clean. She said every time she tried to wash the walls, she would end up with long black streaks covering her freshly washed walls. The following information was provided to her:

A. Wipe down and vacuum all vertical and horizontal surfaces before using any liquid. Note: When soot becomes wet, it turns to ink.

B. To clean up soot, a dry sponge, usually a 50-inch sponge made of virgin rubber is used. An art eraser can also be used as well to remove surface soil.

C. Once surfaces have been wiped down with a dry sponge, wash the walls using a wall mop. Use cold water with 1/2 cup of clear laundry soap.

D. Since drips or runs can cause clean walls to look filthy by leaving marks. Always start washing and wiping at the bottom of the wall first and work your way upward.

In closing our conversation, I told her that if she intended to paint after cleaning the walls — she should first seal the walls with a good primer, and then finish the job with two top coats of her favorite color paint

If you are allergic to any of the above products, please don't use them. Always test fabrics and paints before using any chemical compounds. Please remember to wear rubber gloves to protect your hands and eye protection for your eves. If you would like to share a cleaning idea or concept with the reading audience. Call Ed at NWES (255-2266 or send them to the Bonner County Daily Bee. 310 Church St., Sandpoint, ID 83864. Attn: What Would Ed Do?

Copy written by Edmond F. Madan, certified executive housekeeper, Northwest Environmental Services.