How To Remove Soot From Metal

Soot is an accumulation of mostly carbon-based material that results from the burning of wood or other materials. It is a common byproduct of fireplaces and it needs to be regularly removed to keep fireplaces and ovens operating properly. Soot can bake onto metal over time, which makes it more challenging to remove. The sooner you can remove soot buildup from metal, the simpler it should be to clean off.

Step 1

Mix several drops of dishwashing liquid into a bucket of hot water. The dish soap assists in breaking up the soot and removing it from the metal.

Step 2

Dip a scrubbing sponge into the soapy water and scrape it back and forth over the soot deposits. This breaks off the majority of the soot from the metallic surface.

Step 3

Spray any remaining soot deposits with a combination of warm water and white vinegar mixed in a spray bottle in a half-and-half solution. White vinegar is slightly acidic and this helps break up the soot and cleans the metal effectively.

Step 4

Run a nylon scrub brush against any stubborn soot to remove it from the metal. Avoid using a metal scrub brush since this can result in scratching.

Step 5

Buff the metal with a damp rag to remove any remaining soap or vinegar and then dry it with a dry rag.