The other day we found black soot like stuff on the walls. We have no fire place and with a/c and heat is ok.?

Question

no one that i have ask about this know what it is. the woman of the house burns candles. Non smoking household. we can wash the walls and it just makes it worse. any info into what this might be will really help thank you.

Answer 1

Are you sure it's not black mold?  That's dangerous stuff.

Answer 2

Yes, the candles are the most likely source. It's called ghosting.

Here's a video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOBsaFbxD...

There are other possible sources listed here: http://www.buildingscienceconsulting.com...

Answer 3

Sounds like it is from candles.  Partylite candles burn clean, a bit more expensive but worth it for candles that are hung on a wall or next to a wall.

Answer 4

Could be black mold.  Does it seem to be concentrated in certain areas, especially near walls that would be moist or wet (pipes behind them?)?  Not sure if there is an easy way to test for this stuff.  Check for wet walls or carpet.

Answer 5

It sounds like the candles - or more specifc - the non-trimming of wicks that caused this.  Wicks will produce soot if they are not kept trimmed and that could be exactly what the problem is.

Cleaning it may not be working due to the products you are using to clean them.  You should try just plain vinegar and water or try to Magic Erasers by Mr. Clean - they are miracle workers!   The other thing you can do, and I know this sounds wierd, but use a bleach/water solution and mop your walls down.  Just use a mop and mop the walls like you would the floor - it really takes a lot of energy but works great!

I hope you find a solution to getting it off the walls!

Answer 6

can be mold & certain types dangerous – (see Our Dream House turned into a Nightmare – LH Journal Aug./02 – for example. house had to be evacuated, was condemned) –

in ‘airtight’ homes danger of mold build-up i.e  MYCOTOXINS –

symptoms you describe are similar,

worst-possible-scenario, still a possibility --

EPA has suggestions www.epa.gov

(edit)

others jumped to same conclusion -- & OK you clarified situation (by-the-way is Bleach test (whatever it is) adequate?) –

about candles, if you’re sure this is a factor – don’t get it, why not just switch to ‘smokeless’ candles – there are such things -- & see if condition improves or disappears?