How to Clean Candle Soot From Your Walls—and Prevent It In the First Place

Whether you’re unwinding after a long day or setting the mood for a dinner party, candles and incense are undeniably charming elements of a well-curated home. However, after the glow fades and the last wisps of smoke disappear, you may notice something far less charming: soot marks on your walls.

Soot can build up over time from burning candles, incense, or even fireplaces, leaving unsightly black streaks that stubbornly cling to your walls. But with the right tools, you can restore your walls to their pristine state—and prevent it from returning the next time you light up those wicks.  

What Is Soot and Why Does it Appear?

Soot, that fine, powdery black residue, is a byproduct of incomplete combustion. To explain simply, when a candle burns and the wax does not fully vaporize, some of it turns into particulate matter, which then settles on nearby surfaces like walls, ceilings, and furniture. The same thing happens when incense burns or if you have a fireplace. 

Over time, this can lead to unsightly stains that may be a little more difficult to clean than other everyday messes. The good news is that the process to clean it up is straightforward—once you know how.

How to Clean Soot Off Walls

Soot stains are an unfortunate side effect of the ambiance created by candles and incense—but they can be successfully removed by following the simple steps below.

Materials Needed:

• Duster or vacuum with brush attachment 
• Dry cleaning sponge
• Degreasing dish soap
• Microfiber cloths
• Sponge or soft brush
• Old towel or dropcloth

Instructions:

1. Prep Your Space: Before cleaning, lay down an old towel or dropcloth to catch any drips or dust.
2. Dust the Area: Soot is a fine powder, and it will be easiest to clean up if you dust the area first, says professional cleaner and owner of Kleaner Image, Dawn Arias-Spinelli. Start at the top of the wall and work your way down to avoid pushing soot further into the porous surface of the paint; if you have a vacuum with a hose or dusting brush, time to put it to use.
3. Use a Dry Cleaning Sponge. These specially designed cleaning tools are made of vulcanized rubber and are great at grabbing onto soot particles. Wipe the (dry) sponge along where the stubborn soot appears. “Be sure not to rub too hard, as this may spread the soot around,” says Arias-Spinelli.
4. Mix a DIY Cleaning Solution: If your dry cleaning sponge doesn't work, you can try a gentle cleanser made from mild dish soap and warm water. Ensure the dish soap is a degreasing formula—the key cleaning agent here.
5. Scrub Away the Soot: Dip your sponge or soft brush into the cleaning solution and scrub the soot stains in gentle, circular motions. “Avoid soaking walls which can absorb moisture,” notes Arias-Spinelli.
6. Blot Dry: Once the soot is gone, dry the walls gently with a clean, dry microfiber cloth, blotting away any excess moisture. 

How to Prevent Candle Soot From Staining Walls

Cleaning soot from your walls is definitely doable, but preventing it in the first place is even better. Here are a few preventative measures that'll allow you to enjoy the flickering glow of your candles and incense without the aftermath.

• Opt for Cleaner Candles: Choose candles made with high-quality wax (such as beeswax or soy) and wicks made from cotton or wood. Other options, such as candles made with paraffin wax, tend to produce more soot.
• Ventilate Your Space: When burning candles or incense, always make sure the area is well-ventilated to prevent soot from accumulating.
• Trim the Wick: Keep candle wicks trimmed to about ¼ inch to prevent flickering, which produces more soot. A steady, even burn is much cleaner.
• Use Soot-Free Incense: Some incense brands burn cleaner than others. Look for those labeled as soot-free or low-smoke for a cleaner burning experience.