How to Clean Ash & Soot on a Car

Brush fires are often fueled by nature itself, especially in dry and parched land areas. Once contained, many people not only find themselves with damaged or destroyed homes, but also vehicles in dire need of attention. Mechanics recommend that owners immediately have the car's air and exhaust systems professionally cleaned to avoid breathing in harmful fumes. The cleanup of ash and soot from fires is something you handle on your own.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Long-handle brush
• Soft mitt
• Towel
• Sponge
• Formulated car wash soap

1. Dust the car off. Starting from the roof and working your way down, use a long handle brush to knock or rub off the flaky substance. You may find that you will have to do this two or three times to really get the bulk of ash and soot off the vehicle.

2. Continue to wipe away layers of ash and soot by wetting the vehicle thoroughly, again starting at the top of the roof and then moving along the sides. Ash and soot can settle into cracks and crevices, so be sure to check the lights, door frames and other similar areas.

3. Once you are done rinsing away the loosened substance, grab a bucket of warm water. Add formulated car wash soap to the water and wash the vehicle with a sponge or a soft mitt. A towel is fine, but make sure the fibers are soft as soot can make the paint a bit vulnerable and hard surfaces rubbing against it in the cleaning process could cause paint chips. You may find that this step will need to be repeated two or three times to assure you really get the areas around your lights, door and window panels clean.

4. Once the car is cooled down from the warm water wash and is completely dry, apply a coat of car wax and wipe off (per the instructions) with another soft cloth.

Tips & Warnings

• Auto clubs and mechanics suggest that vehicle owners who live in areas where brush fires or other smoke damage is prevalent should consider buying a vehicle cover or place the vehicle in a garage.