Assess the Damage

• If the damage is on a painted surface, a simple cleaning may resolve the problem. Semigloss latex paint may keep the soot or odor from soaking into the wall. If the surface is wallpapered, the damage may have permeated the paper and need removal.
  
  

Products for the Job

• There are many products available for cleaning the wall surfaces and, according to Winsol.com, "different materials and degrees of damage don't all require different products, just a change of technique or dilution to safely clean the surface." A standard product for removing smoke damage to walls is TSP, or trisodium phosphate cleaner, and is sold in most hardware stores, home improvement centers or paint supply stores. A wall sealant may also be necessary if the damage is extensive. Be sure to get a sealant, not a regular primer or paint. You will also need gloves, sponges, buckets, paint rollers and covers. Finally, use a standard citrus-based cleaner on switch-plate covers.
  
  

Prepare the Surface

• Remove any wallpaper that has smoke or odor damage according to the TSP product instructions. Clean regular painted walls with the TSP product, and allow it to dry. Assess if the cleaning was enough to remove the odor and soot. Following such cleaning procedures, AllanIndustries.com reports that most light smoke damage can be returned to its original appearance.
  
  

Seal If Necessary

• Once the wall is cleaned, determine if the odor and discoloration are still present. Heavy damage may require sealing the wall completely, locking the odor and damage beneath the sealant. Apply the product according to the instructions and let dry. Check for any bleed-through areas before proceeding.
  
  

Refinish

• Repaint or repaper the walls as desired. Clean or replace the outlet and switch-plate covers