Removing Fireplace Ash & Soot from Carpets

A fireplace brings many benefits, but an occasional drawback is ash and soot in carpeting and rugs near the fireplace. Felgemacher Masonry & Chimney of Buffalo and Rochester, NY, would like to show you how to effectively deal with this drawback.

Prevention

The best way to deal with the problem of ash and soot leaving the fireplace is to keep it from happening. Consider using one of the many handsome fireplace screens that are available to block not only ash and soot but also sparks and embers.

If downdrafts are blowing debris out of your fireplace, a top-sealing damper can make a huge difference. Also, ensure that the fireplace has sufficient drafting air by turning off exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathrooms. Crack a nearby window, if necessary, to bring in more air.

Cleaning ash and soot out of carpets

Here are some easy steps to follow.

Step 1: Vacuum

Using only the suction function – not a brush – gently vacuum up as much of the mess as possible.

Step 2: Prepare the area

Dampen the stained area with a wet sponge, going a few inches beyond the visible stain. You want to get the area wet, but there’s no need to douse it. This is just preparation to help loosen the stain.

Step 3: Baking soda

Put some baking soda in a cup and sprinkle the soda over the stained, dampened area. 

Step 4: Give it time

Let it sit for about an hour, then vacuum up the baking soda as before, with suction, not a brush.

Step 5: If you still see a stain

Most of the time, the first four steps will remove the soot and ash stain. If they don’t, do this: Apply baking soda again, and this time, use a spoon or similar implement to scrape and agitate the soda so that it mixes well with the damp, stained area. Again, let the treatment sit for about an hour, and then vacuum as before.

A few notes

The effectiveness of this ash and soot stain removal method may vary depending on the color, age and style of your carpet or rugs. In certain situations, you may have to be a little more aggressive with your agitation during step 5.

When you use the baking soda method for the first time, it’s a good idea to spot test a small patch of carpet in an out-of-the-way area, just to make sure your carpet isn’t negatively affected by the baking soda.

Professional help for tougher chimney cleaning

Cleaning ash and soot out of carpets and rugs is pretty easy if you follow the above steps. Cleaning flammable creosote and soot out of chimneys is a job for professionals.

If it’s been more than a year since your chimney was properly swept, call Felgemacher today and get the job done safely and correctly. Reach a certified chimney technician by calling (716) 907-4914 in the Buffalo, NY, area or (585) 308-4914 in and around Rochester, NY.