Noob Question - California Dusters

[gohawks63]

Hi all, I've know about this site for a while, but finally got around to registering.

Quick question around California Dusters

I currently own a '06 Carbon Gray Acura RL. First non-white car I've owned in over 10 years. I love the color, but as I expected, the dark color requires a little more caution than does the white that I've been accustomed to.

My question is specific to California Dusters. What is the general thought about them (I did a search and couldn't find anything)? Obviously you shouldn't use them on a dirty car, I'm speaking specifically about a clean freshly waxed car that may have a thin layer of dust on it.

Are they safe? Do I need to worry about fine scratches? I love the deep color of my car and don't want to see any of those weblike scratches.

[Eliot Ness]

Originally Posted by gohawks63

.......I'm speaking specifically about a clean freshly waxed car that may have a thin layer of dust on it.......

You should be OK if you follow three simple rules:

1. Don't use it on a car that is hot (or wet/damp)
2. Use it only to remove a very light amount of fresh dust
3. When you use it, just barely let the fibers touch your paint..... don't use any pressure, and I like to shake it out fairly often.

Like a lot of items some members swear by the CD's and others hate them. Personally I haven't had any problems using one occasionally just for very light dust. I'd say try it a few times on just one section and inspect it carefully when finished for any signs of marring.

When finished just shake it out real well (outside and away from the car) and store it in the bag that it came in.

I also think you're supposed to let it sit on some newspapers for a few days to absorb any excess wax before you use it.

There have been a lot of threads on this subject if you want to do a search, but here is a fairly recent one:

http://autopia.org/forum/showthread.php?t=71825

Edit: If you haven't bought one yet, I would recommend the OXO Duster, I like that design a little better and it uses a finer cotton yarn in the mop head.

[GregCavi]

I will never use them or recommend them for use on vehicle paint. I have seen the fine micro marring that they can cause and just don't see them as safe.

Greg

[Super_Herb]

Originally Posted by Eliot Ness

Like a lot of items some members swear by the CD's and others hate them. Personally I haven't had any problems using one occasionally just for very light dust. I'd say try it a few times on just one section and inspect it carefully when finished for any signs of marring.

+1

I haven't had any issues with using them for years on multiple cars. Just follow Eliot's advice on how to use 'em. I use mine quite frequently on my garaged car.

I figure it this way, is the car going to look better with a layer of dust on it, or potentially some very fine micromarring that is difficult to even see in the sunlight? I wish I had the time to wash my car every single time it got a layer of dust on it, but I don't. The slight risk of the duster is worth the long term enjoyment I get out of keeping my car dust free and shiny for a week versus 1 or 2 days. My usual polishing routine once or maybe twice a year takes care of any minor marring I may be getting from the duster long before it becomes truly noticeable to me........and way, way before it becomes noticeable to the general public.


Just remember the golden rule.....car dusters are for dust, not dirt.

[abbeysdad]

I bought one before I realized how nearly pointless they were.

IMO, I think your better off with a good QD spray (and you need to be careful with those too!) and an MF towel. Even with light dust, I feel this is better.

[z06meister]

Originally Posted by Eliot Ness

You should be OK if you follow three simple rules:

1. Don't use it on a car that is hot (or wet/damp)
2. Use it only to remove a very light amount of fresh dust
3. When you use it, just barely let the fibers touch your paint..... don't use any pressure, and I like to shake it out fairly often.

Like a lot of items some members swear by the CD's and others hate them. Personally I haven't had any problems using one occasionally just for very light dust. I'd say try it a few times on just one section and inspect it carefully when finished for any signs of marring.

When finished just shake it out real well (outside and away from the car) and store it in the bag that it came in.

I also think you're supposed to let it sit on some newspapers for a few days to absorb any excess wax before you use it.

There have been a lot of threads on this subject if you want to do a search, but here is a fairly recent one:

http://autopia.org/forum/showthread.php?t=71825

This is what I do and have not had a problem.

[Heikes]

Just do not use the California Squeegee. Works great until you get a little dirt on the blade that you can't see and you scratch the heck out of your hood.

[Wise 85]

I would be 'lost' without one,having used the California Duster for more than 15 years,i have never caused marring to the paint of any car that i have used one on.

To me,if it is used correctly,and stored correctly when not in use,it is the only safe way to remove light dust without marring.I could never bring myself to use any detail spray and a towel to remove dust on any car,without first using my duster.

To use them properly,you don't apply any pressure to the surface,only the 'tips' of the cotton strands touch the paint.Make one pass,then shake out,then another and continue.I allways shake out the duster before,during and after use,i constantly shake it out after each pass i make on each and every panel.