To purchase Motsenbocker's Lift Off #1, click here.
NEW Method!
Motstenbocker's Lift Off #1 is a a new biodegradable and water based product and is designed to specifically remove stains such as: coffee, tea, juice, soda, sauces, ketchup, mustard, blood, grass, pet stains, liquor, chocolate, jelly, barbecue and soy sauce and red wine. It can be used on: carpets, fabrics, rubber, metal, formica, tile, vinyl, wall coverings, clothes, furniture, plastic and delicates. It works better than existing products; it works in the same reactionary time; it is safe on all surfaces; it costs the same or less than other products; it is safe for the user and again, it is water based and biodegradable!
Old Method
Soot (small spot) : Sprinkle table salt on the area generously. Allow the salt to settle for at least 15 minutes then vacuum.
Soot general fireplace area
It is important that you carefully plan your clean up procedures in this process, especially when cleaning up soot, smoke residue or ashes from your fireplace. Soot, a carbonized deposit, can stain very quickly if liquefied through liquid chemical removal. Therefore, you want to remove as much smoke residue as you can through a dry method. Be aware that India ink, a permanent dye, is nothing more than carbon black mixed into a solvent medium. So be careful.
Your first step is vacuum, sweep, or wire brush the entire fireplace and surrounding affected area out. Be sure to use a quick 'flicking' motion with a brush and duster. Also,keep the vacuum head about 1/4 inch away from surface to avoid scratching. Wear old clothes, rubber gloves, a baseball cap, a disposable paper dust mask (available at any hardware store) and safety goggles during this process, especially when removing any loose particles. DO NOT RUB! If you start wiping down or rubbing this type of soil off with rags, the black pigment will smear and spread beyond your wildest imagination. Be sure to place newspapers under affected surfaces during this process so excess soot can fall on it and be disposed of easily.
Dry removal method requires buying a "professional" chemically treated soot sponge, available at janitorial supply stores (see links from this website). This tool is a 2" x 3" x 6" "special" dry chemically impregnated sponge which scoops up and absorbs dirt and soot into it's pores. Use until the sponge gets filthy dirty and then switch wiping area to a cleaner part of sponge. When it's filthy on all sides, remove surface layer by shaving dirty level with a razor blade to expose a new sponge surface. Do Not wring out sponge with water or clean it or you will ruin the chemical treatment. When finished remove the newspapers carefully.
After you have removed as much of the smoke residue dry with both vacuuming (dusting or brushing) and the dry, chemically treated sponge, then put down a plastic drop cloth and wash these same surfaces with a warm, mild solution of a water soluble citrus cleaner degreaser. Apply liberally, according to directions, onto surface and agitate with a hard bristle scrub brush. Be sure to use a plastic drop cloth under work area to avoid staining of unaffected areas. Wash and wipe down surfaces with a regular, wet sponge. Wash and wipe down surfaces with a clean, terry cloth towel. Then, rinse with water, and wipe dry again. If necessary, you may want to repeat "wet" procedure. After drying, you may wish to further "lighten" up brick work by dabbing onto the stone with a clean "normal" sponge a weak dilution of a bleach dilution mixed at 1 part bleach with 4 to 6 parts cool water. Bleach contains optional brightener and may bring out the accent of the brickwork even better.
Note: Always test an inconspicuous area for colorfastness, etc. before treating the exposed area. Also note that certain stains are permanent For more cleaning and stain removal tips and hints, please visit our cleaning community forum where experts are ready to help answer your questions.
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Questions of a Do It Yourself nature should be submitted to our
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