How to Remove Volcanic Ash from Vehicles Without Scratching Them

Volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau covered vehicles across Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang and Bekasi. The material is not ordinary dust that drivers can simply wipe away.

The ash contains hard, abrasive minerals and fragments of volcanic rock. If people rub it directly while it is dry, the particles can scratch a vehicle’s clear coat and glass. Yannes Martinus Pasaribu, an automotive expert at the Bandung Institute of Technology, also warned that ash mixed with water, dew or drizzle can leave residue that creates corrosive conditions on the bodywork.

The first rule is to avoid dry wiping. Drivers should not use a rag, duster or dry cloth immediately, because rubbing the particles against the surface can act like sandpaper. Instead, they should use a continuous stream of running water, starting at the roof and moving downward, to flush the ash away completely.

Windshield wipers should remain off while the glass is dry or covered in ash. Drivers should lift the blades before rinsing and clean them with water before using them again. Once the heavy deposits have gone, the vehicle can be washed with standard car shampoo, rinsed again and dried with a clean microfiber towel.

If a vehicle has not yet been exposed, parking it in a covered garage or structure can help protect it. A cover should only go on a clean vehicle. Placing fabric over ash-coated paint can create friction and cause scratches.

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The particles can contain hard, abrasive mineral materials and volcanic fragments. If wiped or rubbed directly when dry, they can cause fine scratches on the clear coat and glass.