I live in Trabuco Canyon, and the high winds have (again) stirred up the ash from September's Airport Fire that caused evacuations in my area. These winds cause the fine ash to land everywhere--this will be the third time I've tried to deal with it, including what's blown in through vents in the garage. This is exactly the advice I was looking for; thank you. Unfortunately, gardeners all around us will still be "mowing and blowing." So bad for all of us!
So so glad you're safe! How terrifying and devastatingly sad this is! This is a great guide. So many things I wouldn't have ever thought of. I'm sure so many will find it helpful. Hang in there, stay safe, & big hugs!
Thank you so much for this article. Wishing you, yours and all my fellow Angeleno some respite. And praying to the skies for a good rain very soon. Question about the laundry— if they are not work clothes but just clothes you walk around outside in… must the same precautions be taken? I mean just to walk the dog or walk to your car.
Lastly, what do you suggest for couch that are indoors? My doors and windows have all been shut since the start except when using the front door. So I pray any contamination is minimal, but I do have a dog that goes all over the couch after a walk. We do wipe her down after each walk, but my father has been doing it (as my contamination ocd doesn’t allow me to go outside) and he only wipes her paws hap hazardly.
This is a GREAT question! Yes, sweeping is best and misting the ash with water will be helpful in preventing a plume from forming when bristles meet bristles. Under normal circumstances, artificial turf should be swept with either a power broom or a stiff bristle push broom, however, in the case of toxic ash cleanup, avoid the use of power brooms, because the force of the motorized mechanical action will send plumes up. So, for this, stick with a manual broom, try a few gentle passes, assess if there's plume, and mist if there is.
If you're really struggling to remove the ash with a manual broom, you can use a HEPA vacuum. Just empty and clean it immediately after the ash cleanup, wear your PPE while doing so, and bag up and dispose of the ash immediately.
Quick question - do you have any information on furniture exposed to toxic ash and debris?
My mom was evacuated in the eaton fire and the Santa Ana winds blew the doors of her house open...They've been open for 4 days and the house is filled with ash and debris from the Eaton Fire. Wondering if her upholstered sofas, mattresses, and chairs are hazardous?
The furniture will definitely need to be cleaned. The first step is to vacuum it thoroughly with a HEPA vacuum — no other vacuum is safe for toxic ash cleanup because the fine particles make their way through standard filters and back out into the air. After vacuuming, dispose immediately of the ash collected in the vacuum and clean the vacuum. Wear protective gear throughout this process.
There is more information here about indoor toxic ash cleanup that will be helpful:
I don't know how available they will be given the scope of the fires, but there are also companies that do this sort of professional cleaning. Depending on her coverage, your mother may be able to make an insurance claim to cover the cost of this type of cleaning, so that may be something to look into as well.
I'm also in the LA area, away from the fires thankfully but have noticed tons of ash build up in my patio. I'm glad you provided these tips as I see other outlets saying to clean up but not going into detail how
I did have a question in regards to gloves and cleanup after. Are there any specific gloves you used for cleanup, and what wipes did you use to clean your shoes?
You can wear regular rubber household/dish gloves, or disposable gloves (just make sure they're sturdy enough that they won't tear). Gardening or outdoor work gloves are fine too, just wash them along with your contaminated work clothes.
For wipes, really any cleaning wipe is fine — Clorox wipes don't contain bleach so they won't cause color loss, just FYI!!
Thank you so much! Super helpful, esp the Clorox wipes. I have the store brand disinfecting wipes but going to make the switch. Thank you so much for your help again! 🙏
How lucky we are to have you. Thanks so much for writing this and for publishing so quickly.
I live in Trabuco Canyon, and the high winds have (again) stirred up the ash from September's Airport Fire that caused evacuations in my area. These winds cause the fine ash to land everywhere--this will be the third time I've tried to deal with it, including what's blown in through vents in the garage. This is exactly the advice I was looking for; thank you. Unfortunately, gardeners all around us will still be "mowing and blowing." So bad for all of us!
Glad you're safe. Stay that way please.
So so glad you're safe! How terrifying and devastatingly sad this is! This is a great guide. So many things I wouldn't have ever thought of. I'm sure so many will find it helpful. Hang in there, stay safe, & big hugs!
Thank you so much for this article. Wishing you, yours and all my fellow Angeleno some respite. And praying to the skies for a good rain very soon. Question about the laundry— if they are not work clothes but just clothes you walk around outside in… must the same precautions be taken? I mean just to walk the dog or walk to your car.
Lastly, what do you suggest for couch that are indoors? My doors and windows have all been shut since the start except when using the front door. So I pray any contamination is minimal, but I do have a dog that goes all over the couch after a walk. We do wipe her down after each walk, but my father has been doing it (as my contamination ocd doesn’t allow me to go outside) and he only wipes her paws hap hazardly.
Thank you! Our Astro turf is full of ash - do we sweep and spray like on a hard surface?
This is a GREAT question! Yes, sweeping is best and misting the ash with water will be helpful in preventing a plume from forming when bristles meet bristles. Under normal circumstances, artificial turf should be swept with either a power broom or a stiff bristle push broom, however, in the case of toxic ash cleanup, avoid the use of power brooms, because the force of the motorized mechanical action will send plumes up. So, for this, stick with a manual broom, try a few gentle passes, assess if there's plume, and mist if there is.
If you're really struggling to remove the ash with a manual broom, you can use a HEPA vacuum. Just empty and clean it immediately after the ash cleanup, wear your PPE while doing so, and bag up and dispose of the ash immediately.
Wondering the same
Thank you so, so much for this!
Quick question - do you have any information on furniture exposed to toxic ash and debris?
My mom was evacuated in the eaton fire and the Santa Ana winds blew the doors of her house open...They've been open for 4 days and the house is filled with ash and debris from the Eaton Fire. Wondering if her upholstered sofas, mattresses, and chairs are hazardous?
The furniture will definitely need to be cleaned. The first step is to vacuum it thoroughly with a HEPA vacuum — no other vacuum is safe for toxic ash cleanup because the fine particles make their way through standard filters and back out into the air. After vacuuming, dispose immediately of the ash collected in the vacuum and clean the vacuum. Wear protective gear throughout this process.
There is more information here about indoor toxic ash cleanup that will be helpful:
https://cdphe.colorado.gov/iaq-fires
https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/fire/cleaning-up-after-fire.html?srsltid=AfmBOoo0v12YdLTxq87j-6EhOvrhIt6FW-9hE0OdWUvy-H7KIjAoaaYL
I don't know how available they will be given the scope of the fires, but there are also companies that do this sort of professional cleaning. Depending on her coverage, your mother may be able to make an insurance claim to cover the cost of this type of cleaning, so that may be something to look into as well.
Thank you so much for your reply! I will pass this information along to her.
Glad to hear you are safe!
I'm also in the LA area, away from the fires thankfully but have noticed tons of ash build up in my patio. I'm glad you provided these tips as I see other outlets saying to clean up but not going into detail how
I did have a question in regards to gloves and cleanup after. Are there any specific gloves you used for cleanup, and what wipes did you use to clean your shoes?
Thank you so much!
You can wear regular rubber household/dish gloves, or disposable gloves (just make sure they're sturdy enough that they won't tear). Gardening or outdoor work gloves are fine too, just wash them along with your contaminated work clothes.
For wipes, really any cleaning wipe is fine — Clorox wipes don't contain bleach so they won't cause color loss, just FYI!!
Thank you so much! Super helpful, esp the Clorox wipes. I have the store brand disinfecting wipes but going to make the switch. Thank you so much for your help again! 🙏