Cleaning and Stain Removal - cleaning gas fireplace soot

I have a vented gas fireplace. It produces a soot deposit on the brick face and on my walls and ceiling. I just painted two years ago, and my walls are "dirty" already. I would like to clean the soot from the painted walls and rough brick face. I also need to clean the wood mantel. Can anyone give me good suggestions for cleaning these area? Would i be beter off just repainting?

I have another question. I have the fireplace vent opened to the suggested opening. Should I just open it more fully, and forget about the heat loss. This was a woodburning "Heatalator" that was converted.

Soot is best removed with a special sponge called a dry sponge. It works like a magic eraser to remove soot from surfaces. Because soot is oily, using water or water-based cleaners make for cleaning nightmares. Do not wet the dry sponge. You can get the dry sponges at janitorial supply stores and home centers.

Your gas fireplace should not be producing this amount of soot. I am moving your post so that gas fireplace experts can address this issue. Manufacturers of gas fireplaces recommend a annual professional servicing and cleaning. Too, you should have a carbon monoxide detector. Never leave the gas fireplace running unattended.