What are "soot tags?"

1/3/2024 (Permalink)

As fire restoration & remediation specialists, SERVPRO of Jonesboro pros are used to seeing the unique and often creepy appearance of soot tags.

We all know what soot is: black smudge that often follows a fire, big or small, inside your home. You may have seen it after a candle loses its flame or the last ember dies out in your fireplace. However, when cleaning up an emergency fire’s aftermath, you may notice a strange string of web-like chains across your wall.

At first glance, it may look like you might have a spider infestation on your hands. For those with arachnophobia, don’t worry—these soot webs are actually strings of carbon and tar released from a fire called “soot tags.” To help ensure you understand how to clean up a soot-related mess, here’s a quick digest of everything you need to know about these fake spider webs or soot webs:

What are soot tags?

As fire restoration and remediation specialists, SERVPRO® of Jonesboro professionals are used to seeing the unique and often creepy appearance of soot tags. More commonly called “smoke webs” or “smoke cobwebs,” these patterns occur in low circulation areas after a fire. As the heat circulates into colder spaces, soot particles follow in chain-like formations and create webbed structures. 

How should I clean up soot tags?

Cleaning up after a fire can be tricky, and you probably want to get started right away. Still, the most critical thing to remember is to wait until professionals have cleared the space before entering.

Spending any amount of extended time in an area that’s recently had a fire can expose you to lingering soot and smoke. These particles can cause long-term damage to your health, among other concerns. Those with compromised immune systems or respiratory issues should take extra care to avoid these spaces.

After a fire, SERVPRO® of Jonesboro team members will work with firefighters and other professionals to determine when it is safe for you and your family, colleagues, or friends to reenter a building. A thorough inspection by professionals before cleanup begins will help give you the peace of mind that the environment is safe and ready for entry.

Now it’s time to get rid of those pesky soot webs. In many cases, it’s recommended that you enlist the help of professionals to get rid of your soot damage—but we’ll get to that in a moment. For a small, soot web, try the following:

- Basic cleaning: use a mixture of dish soap, warm water, and a soft sponge to gently work away the soot webs. Soot tends to feel greasy, and excess agitation can cause more damage or stains.

- Melamine sponges (Magic Erasers®): known as the magic tool of cleaning, melamine sponges are an inexpensive tool that helps remove tricky stains.

-  Remember to gently scrub as you clean: any harsh chemicals or movement can create an even greater problem.

When should I call professionals for help?

If the methods mentioned above aren’t doing the job, consider calling in the professionals. At SERVPRO® of Jonesboro, we offer comprehensive fire damage cleanup and remediation to get you back in your home or space as quickly as possible.

SERVPRO of Jonesboro
3025 Peabody Drive | Jonesboro, AR 72404
870-604-4725 Office | www.SERVPROjonesboro.com