Soot and Smoke
Absorbents with solvents.—First brush the stain; then sprinkle with an absorbent powder—French chalk, cornstarch, corn meal, or salt. Work the powder around until soiled and brush it off. Then if the material is washable, sponge or wash with soap and water. If water harms the cloth, first use an absorbent; then sponge the stain with one of the grease solvents—carbon tetrachloride, Stoddard solvent, or gasoline.
Another method is to make a paste by mixing an absorbent powder with carbon tetrachloride or other solvent, spread it on the stain, then brush it off when dry.
To remove the odor of smoke from a garment, have it dry-cleaned.