This Is the Safe Way to Clean Volcanic Ash off Vehicles

Residents of the Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang and Bekasi (Jabodetabek) area have been startled to find a fairly thick layer of volcanic ash clinging to their vehicles. Although it looks like ordinary dust, this material has characteristics that are far more dangerous to vehicle surfaces if not handled correctly.

Automotive expert Yannes Martinus Pasaribu of Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) has warned that volcanic ash contains mineral particles and fragments of volcanic material that are hard and abrasive. This sharp quality is what risks damaging the vehicle’s protective layers.

“The particles can contain mineral material and hard, abrasive volcanic fragments. If wiped or rubbed off while dry, they can cause fine scratches on the clear coat and the glass,” said Yannes, quoted on Tuesday (8/9/2026).

Beyond its scratching effect, Yannes explained that a further threat arises when the ash comes into contact with small amounts of water, such as dew or drizzle. If left adhering for a long time, the deposits can create corrosive conditions that damage the vehicle’s paint and glass surfaces.

To minimise the risk, here is a step-by-step guide for handling vehicles exposed to volcanic ash:

For owners whose cars are already covered in ash, Yannes stressed the importance of using large quantities of water. The first step is not to touch the car body with a cloth, but to douse it with running water to dislodge the sharp particles.

Once the ash deposits have been fully removed, only then should the vehicle be washed using a dedicated car shampoo. Drying is best done with a microfibre cloth to preserve the smoothness of the clear coat.

“What must be avoided is wetting the ash slightly and then letting it dry again on the vehicle’s surface. Using enough water to rinse away all the particles is in fact the safest method,” he asserted.

Given that volcanic ash behaves differently from ordinary road dust, careful cleaning is the key to ensuring the vehicle does not suffer permanent scratches that often only become visible once the car’s surface is completely clean.