FAQs
Q. SOOTSOAP is black. Will this stain my towels?
A. It’s true – our product is uniquely black in colour. This is due to the charcoal content, one of our key ingredients that makes SOOTSOAP detox and deodorize so well. Charcoal is an amazing absorbent, but it also can stain if not rinsed thoroughly.
We have found that when rinsed thoroughly both from your own skin and hair, as well as the sink or tub so that no residue remains, this will not be an issue. However, just like when you leave toothpaste in the sink without rinsing it, it could leave a mark if not washed away completely. If you do get residue on linens, make sure to put it in the laundry right away and it should wash clean. When in doubt, use darker linens following your SOOTSOAP showers.
Q. What makes SOOTSOAP different from other detoxifying products? Why Charcoal?
A. SOOTSOAP is formulated specifically for the needs of firefighters as part of the personal decontamination process. It has been developed to specifically target polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), “which can cause DNA mutations and cancer, and other harmful chemicals found in smoke” (University of Ottawa 2017).
Activated charcoal, one of our key ingredients, is well documented to absorb these aromatic structures, including naphthalene, pyrene, phenanthrene and fluorine among others. How does it work? Charcoal is heated in the presence of a gas that causes the charcoal to develop numerous internal spaces, or “pores”.
The result is a massive increase in the surface area of the absorptive surface that is capable of extracting poisons within a molecular weight of 100 to 1000 Daltons. Because of its absorbent superpower, activated charcoal is used in a variety of medical applications (most notably to treat poisonings and overdose following oral ingestion), in drinking water treatment systems, in environmental applications, and even in gas masks.
When combined with our other detoxifying, antioxidant, antibacterial and deodorizing ingredients in our proprietary formulas, you are giving yourself the best natural defense as part of the personal decon process.
SOOTSOAP is also all natural and our products are 100% biodegradable. We believe in eliminating chemicals, not adding to them.
Regardless of the decontamination product you are using, please ensure you are showering immediately after exposure to these contaminates. Even soap and water will give you a better chance of staying healthy than not employing a post-exposure decon procedure at all.
Q. How do I get a sample for my hall or my Health & Safety Committee?
A. We are happy to provide free samples to Fire Halls in Canada and the US. We just ask you to cover the shipping fees – the rest is on us, because we know that once you try it, you will love it.
To request a sample, please click on “Contact Us” at the top of this website, and then select “Hall Sample Request”. Please fill out the form and we will get back to you to confirm order details. Limit 1 sample kit per Hall. Each sample kit includes 5ml samples of both our Shampoo and our Hand & Body Soap, Safety Data Sheets (SDS) on each product, a Product Sheet, and contact information should you have further questions or would like to place a direct order.
If you are a Municipality or City interested in a bulk order, please contact us at info@sootsoap.ca and we will forward our Municipal pricing and finalize your order.
Q. I’m not a Firefighter. How do I get samples?
A. Our 3-Piece Carry Kit was developed for specifically this purpose! This kit contains our Shampoo, Hand & Body Soap and our Odour Spray for fabrics in a handy 60ml small format perfect for your toiletry bag for your locker, gym bag or car.
Q. I would like to place a bulk order.
A. Wonderful! Please contact us at info@sootsoap.ca and we will process your order directly.
Q. Does SOOTSOAP help with the smell of skunk?
A. We get this question a lot. Incidentally, one of our customers actually did wash their pet and themselves with SOOTSOAP and let us know (with excitement) that it eliminated the smell in one wash. Though we cannot recommend use of SOOTSOAP on animals due to their sensitivity to certain essential oils, and because we have not fully tested our products for this purpose, it is a great indication of the power of our products as odour removers! SOOTSOAP has been incredibly effective against smells of fire/smoke, sweat, gas/fuel, dirt, chemicals… let us know what you’ve washed away with SOOTSOAP!
If it works on skunk, imagine what it can do for you! #onewash
Q. Is SOOTSOAP Shampoo safe for colour-treated hair?
A. SOOTSOAP Shampoo is SLS (sodium lauryl sulphate) free and does not strip healthy oils or colour from your hair. Our deep cleaning ingredients, including Charcoal, which can absorb more than 100x its weight in impurities, help keep your hair pores and follicles clean and shiny, and growing healthily. It can also help with dandruff!
That said, if possible, we do suggest waiting a week or so after colouring to allow your hair’s pH levels time to balance out before scrubbing up with SOOTSOAP Shampoo.
Q. I love SOOTSOAP – do you have any other products I can try?
A. We have several products in the works that we will be launching in the near future! Sign up for our newsletter and we will let you know as soon as they’re ready!
Q. My package hasn’t arrived.
A. Oh no! We do rely on the services of the Canada and US Post and sometimes these things do happen. Please message us at info@sootsoap.ca and we’ll get it sorted stat.
Q. I am interested in distributing your products.
A. We love partnerships. Please contact us at info@sootsoap.ca. We would love to chat!
If you have any other questions or comments, don't hesitate to reach out to us at info@sootsoap.ca.
