Icelandic eruption!

The recent eruption of the Iceland Volcano, Eyjafjallajokull, has caused hardship for many around the world. In Iceland around 800 people were evacuated from their homes partly due to mud slides and flooding caused by the melting of the glacier which sits over the volcano.

Volcanic ash hurled into the atmosphere resulted in all flights being grounded in parts of Europe due to safety concerns leading to worldwide disruption of travel plans and commerce.

Whilst a previous volcanic eruption in Iceland left washing in Scotland covered in ash, this time the ash cloud is so high in the atmosphere that we are told that there is no immediate danger to the kilts and sporrans drying on Scottish lines.

The last time this volcano erupted was in 1821 and scientists are keeping a close eye on a neighbouring Icelandic volcano which may decide to go up in sympathy. In case the wind changes and ash starts to settle we thought we would give you a few top tips on how to clean up volcanic ash.

Firstly, if there is a danger of ash settling, close all your doors and windows. Volcanic ash consists of particles of rock and glass and is not easy to clean up once it gets into homes. The particles are so fine that the slightest air movement can send them dancing back into the air. After the Mount St Helen’s volcano erupted in 1980, street cleaners found that the best way to clean the ash from the city streets was to firstly spread damp sawdust on the streets and then sweep up the combined mixture. However, we wouldn’t recommend that you go round spreading sawdust over your home and do take care as wetting volcanic ash can result in it setting into a concrete like substance. For this reason it is best to vacuum the ash up using a soft brush attachment such as a curtain or fabric brush.

Because the particles are so fine and also abrasive we recommend that you wear a dust mask when cleaning up volcanic ash. If you wear contact lenses either take them out or wear goggles to protect your eyes. Before you start shut all the doors in your home and clean room by room. Do expect to have to go over some rooms twice.

For the outside of your house, if possible gently brush down windows before washing them. This will stop the smears caused by ash setting in the water. If you have any appliances outside, such as lawnmowers then make sure you clean them before use. Volcanic ash is abrasive and can damage engines.

There is one piece of good news. Volcanic ash is very fertile and great for the garden. In addition you won’t lose any produce. Fruit and vegetables are safe to eat once you have washed off the ash: the International Volcanic Health Hazard Network (IVHHN) says so and with a name like that we are inclined to believe them.