Cleaning and Stain Removal - Dry cleaning sponges for soot from fire

Has anyone tired to clean smoke damage off of walls? The walls were previously painted with semi-gloss. We've tried just washing with water and a degreaser, but that's mostly just smearing the soot around. Someon suggested trying a "dry sponge".

I researched the sponges on the internet and there are lots to choose drom...some with "chemicals" that can't be washed (you're supposed to just keep cutting the dirty part off), some natural "vulcanized" sponges that you can wash (wait to dry, then reuse) and some that just don't give all the specifics. Does anyone have a particular brand or product that really works?

Thanks, Jerolyn

cant really go into brand names...but when you search look into web sites that cater directly to fire and smoke restoration

the ones i have used...you use dry and do not wash

Does anyone know where I can obtain these in Sydney NSW Australia?

just open your favorite search engine and put in dry cleaning sponges or chemical sponges find the one that fits your needs and check into shipping..i did a quick search and found a ton within seconds

I would add that any soot that can't be removed, should be coated with a solvent based primer before repainting. That will lock in both the odor and the stain preventing the stain from bleeding thru the next coat of paint and the odor from reappearing during periods of high humidity.

Been there, done that. No-one seems to supply Australia.