SAN DIEGO -- The county of San Diego and the Automobile Club of Southern California issued suggestions Wednesday for cleaning up the ash that has fouled homes, yards and vehicles throughout the county.

"Since the automobile is the second largest purchase after a home, motorists can ensure the value of their vehicle by maintaining its finish," said Dave Skaien of the auto club. "It's especially important to remove ash and soot from vehicles as soon as possible."

County officials were concerned that runoff water filled with ash would clog storm drains and pollute waterways and asked residents to to minimize the impact by taking the following steps:

• Determine if ash and debris can be contained and cleaned up without water
• Where it's practical to do so, wash ash and debris into landscaped areas
• Use a damp mop to clean ash and debris from small areas
• Dampen accumulated ash and debris and scrape or vacuum it up using a shop vacuum with adequate filtration
• Take vehicles to a car wash or wash vehicles over a vegetated area, such as a lawn
• Redirect downspouts to landscaped areas when cleaning off roofs
• Use a high efficiency HEPA-type vacuum to clean indoor carpets
• Use a damp cloth to pick up dust from smaller surfaces, such as counters
• Use a damp mop for nonporous surfaces like tile or vinyl floors

The County Department of Public Works Web site has more information about post-fire cleanup.

Cleaning your vehicle, said Skaien, could require more than one wash, since so much ash has fallen.

"Motorists may have to repeat washings to keep ash from collecting on the vehicle and scratching and damaging the paint," Skaien said.

Other auto-club tips:

• Keep the car indoors if possible
• If the car has been kept outside, use a car duster to gently remove the soot and ash
• Clean the headlights and taillights well in order to provide maximum visibility.
• Wet your vehicle down before cleaning it, then use warm water to wash it
• When the fires have been put out, inspect and repair your air filter. A mechanic should perform the same operations for ventilation filters inside the vehicle
• If you yet to change the wipers for winter, do it now. Make sure you have windshield fluid before you use the wipers, otherwise you might scratch the windshield.
• Keep the windows closed to prevent ash and soot from entering the vehicle
• Recirculate the air in the car until the fires are out. After they're extinguished, reset them so that they use fresh air and clear out any lingering odor of smoke (and use an air freshener)
• Vacuum the car -- and use a dust mask when you do
• Wax your car after it's been washed