How to clean wildfire ash off your car
When smoke drifts over the Peninsula, a gray powder can settle on every car. The first rule: rinse, never wipe it dry.
Why wildfire ash on your car needs a gentle hand
Wildfire ash on your car is a fine powder that can include tiny gritty particles. During wildfire season, smoke from fires elsewhere in California can carry it over the Peninsula and leave a layer on cars parked outside.
Ash can become slightly alkaline when it gets wet. Morning dew followed by sun can leave a film that is harder to lift than the dry powder.
Ash events can come and go over several days, depending on wind direction and the marine layer. It is often wise to rinse after the heaviest fall rather than every morning.
How to remove ash safely
Water first, with plenty of it, before anything touches the paint. Follow any local air quality guidance about when to be outdoors.
Keep windows and the sunroof closed during ash days, and set the air to recirculate while driving if your car allows it.
- Rinse the car gently top to bottom to float ash away.
- Rinse again, paying attention to the windshield cowl and seams.
- Wash with pH-neutral car shampoo and a soft mitt after the ash is gone.
- Dry with clean microfiber towels.
- Inside, vacuum slowly rather than brushing ash around.
What not to do
Never wipe dry ash off with a towel, duster or your hand. It acts like fine sandpaper. Do not run the wipers on a dry, ash-covered windshield.
Avoid leaving ash on through several damp mornings, and avoid dish soap.
When to book NOVA
An Exterior Detail begins with a careful hand wash that is ideal after an ash event. If ash got into the cabin through vents or open windows, a Full Detail cleans both inside and out.
NOVA makes no health claims about ash removal and does not offer odor treatment for smoke smell. Fine swirls from earlier dry wiping will not come out with a wash, and NOVA does not do multi-stage paint correction.
If ash got into seat fabric or door pockets, NOVA vacuums and wipes surfaces as part of the Interior Detail.
The package we suggest
Exterior Detail. Prices depend on the car and its condition, so we text you an exact price before anything is booked. Not sure? Text a photo and we will suggest one.
Questions
Can I wipe ash off with a microfiber towel?
Will ash damage my paint?
Can NOVA remove smoke smell?
Should I wait until the ash stops falling?
How do I request a visit?
More answers on the FAQ page.
Request a detail
About a minute online, no card needed. We text you to confirm the day, arrival window and price.