Black marks in my living room

[Digger5560]

Hi I live in a timber park home that we completely refurbished 7years ago new internal walls , plasterboards,plaster ,roof insulation etc . In the last 2weeks the ceiling is showing black marks where the trusses are , black marks above each radiator , also the dry wall screws that we used for the plasterboards have black marks on them . We put Xmas decorations up for Christmas on the external walls 3 weeks ago now we have taken them down you can see black marks showing where they had been. We have 2 window sills with ornaments on when we move them again showing marks where they have been. The living room where the problem is is next to the kitchen that has no problems ,we are really stumped as the cause any help would be appreciated.

 

[JP_]

photos?

 

[JohnD]

Do you have a woodburner? Or candles? Or smoke cigarettes? Or have a heater with a faulty flue?

 

[Digger5560]

I'll post photos , only 1 small candle makes sense your ideas . Not best pics but hope you get what it's like .

 

[foxhole]

Dust

 

[Digger5560]

Think it's a bit more than dust tried 3 different cleaners inc bleach

 

[JohnD]

bleach does not wash off dirt

a detergent like sugar soap will take some of it off and make the water black, but you'll find it leaves a dirty smear. After cleaning you can repaint. It is likely to leave a permanent stain on some plastic and paint that will not clean off.

particles, especially from a fire, flame or smoke (includings candles, fags, barbecues, yellow gas flames and nearby bonfires or diesel engines) will stick to surfaces especially if they are cooler than the air. That's what your looks like. It shows a shadow mark on a ceiling where the joists are, because the difference in insulation changes the plaster temperature. It is also noticeable above radiators or TVs due to the convection currents. That's what yours looks like.

You can get an electrostic air purifier with fan that traps these particles, you will be astonished at how black the filter gets.

If you have a gas heater, or any kind of burning stove, throw it away or have it safety checked.

If you can find a persistent draught, it might be carrying dust in. You often see black marks round door frames, or in carpet where there is a draught under the skirting or from a crack in the floorboards.

 

[Digger5560]

Hi JohnD we've just come to the same conclusion as you we think it's the grill in the kitchen next to the lounge that as the problem, didn't think it was the kitchen as no problem there but when we open the window and door when grilling it's probably been blowing the smoke into the lounge and over time as show its self .The air purifier looks a good idea and will definitely look that up , many thanks JohnD for your help and everyone else

 

[JohnD]

or a kitchen extractor.