Soot damage can come from many different sources. You do not need to have a fire to sustain soot damage. Your heating system, burning too many candles, cooking, and fireplaces are just a few things that can cause soot damage. If you suspect you have soot damage DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CLEAN IT YOURSELF. There is an extremely detailed process to cleaning soot properly. Of not done the right way, you could spend months or even years chasing it, smelling it and seeing it. Remember this one very important rule of thumb. If not cleaned properly, soot will only get worse over time.