can you wash the cali duster?

97FLAIRSIDE

I like blue! :oP
I searched here and went to there site but could not find any directions on keeping it clean. Is it possible to wash the california car duster since it has the baked on wax? Mines getting pretty dirty.
 
My first CCD had instructions with it that said the CCD didn't need to be washed, but if you did wash it, use Woolite as the detergent.

That duster is now about 15 years old, almost totally black, never been washed and still works great.
FWIW, I have 2 of the original wood handle CCDs and 1 of the "Super Duster".
Personally, I see no reason to wash them. It's almost like the dirtier they get, the better they work.

Charles
 
Had mine for 6 years now never washed it. My neighbors who see me washing the truck all the time bought me a new one, and it says right on the package, "the dirtier it gets the better it works".
 
when would be a good time to use this thing? Just when its got some dust or something? Isnt that what a QD is for? Help me out.
 
I wont use it for anything heavier than pollen, and then I QD after. Or if there is just a light dust. Anything more then I get to wash it. Nothing better than a little alone time with my baby.
 
matthiasj said:
when would be a good time to use this thing? Just when its got some dust or something? Isnt that what a QD is for? Help me out.
Yes, just when it is dusty.
Yes, that is what a QD is for.
I use it a couple of different ways.
1. When I'm short of time, I will sometimes use just the CCD. To most people the car looks good.
2. I quite often go over a dusty car with the CCD before I use a QD.
I feel more comfortable using the QD when there isn't a whole lot of dust and the CCD removes most of it. May not help, but it makes me feel better.:)

Charles
 
I've used my CCD for over a year & it's plenty dirty!! But I don't plan on washing it. :nono

I use the CCD BEFORE I QD to get most of the loose dust off the surface of the car, then S & W with a plush microfiber & top with S & G. :drool
 
Car Duster:
The best known brand (California Car Duster) it can be used to remove pollen or light dust without causing scratches by applying very little surface pressure with the duster, dusting with long strokes in one direction only. Shake the duster occasionally to ensure any particles picked up will drop out rather than come to the surface while you’re using it. It important to use the duster only for the removal of dry surface dust, if the vehicle has oily road film, road tar, damp pollen or dust, etc the vehicle surface should be washed

Dust build-up-with low humidity conditions friction on the paint surface will cause static electricity (this is exacerbated by the use of polyester (nylon) Microfiber) resulting in dust attraction to the paint surface. Rinsing the surface with water or applying a quick detailer (QD) or use the CCD as stated above to remove dust

When the duster is first purchased it should be wrapped in newspaper (48 hours) to remove any excess paraffin wax, the duster should not be washed, the dirtier it gets the better it works (I've been using mine now for almost five years without it being washed)
JonM
 
I couldn't live without one, I lump it right in with PB S&W. I use the CD then S&W and finish up with QD for a just washed look.

I only use it when the cars is dusty not after a rain type of dust more along the pollen, blowing dust types that seem to just sit on the top of the car.

As for washing it I've had mine for 5 years and have never washed it, still works like a charm
 
I have had mine for over a year and it works like a charm. Where i live the trees release a lot of pollen and it's very annoying so i just bust out my duster and in no time the truck looks good again
 
I have had one for over a year now and I was going to wash it but my buddy told me not too. But to me its sounds weird, the dirtier it gets the better it works? But if your using it to pick up pollen and dust and whatever else comes up with it, arent you rubbing all that dust and pollen all over your paint surface again and again? Wouldnt the dirtier it get cause the dirtyness to scratch the paint? Its like going through a carwash, your car is getting hit with the fibers that are holding all the dirt from everyone elses car, therefore scratching your car? Im not saying that it should be washed and it works worse when its dirty, Im just asking how can it get dirtier and work better? But I have no complaints with mine, works good every time I use it.
 
Wow! This is an INTERESTING thread. "Good question!" I thought as I read the OP's title. My 6 month-old CCD has a smidgen of dust on it, and I was worried about it getting too dirty to continue using on my car. Now I'll dust my car with abandon! :lol

Charles
 
My Duster has been invaluable these last few weeks durring this unbelieveable pollen season (at least here in NJ).

It's an indispensible tool along with QD and MF towels. (How did we get along without these years ago?)

The only problem I've encountered with the Duster is using it on a hot surface. It does seem to leave a trace of, and I'm going to guess, parafin wax, but that is quickly removed when I follow with a QD.

Mine is 2 yrs old and never been washed.
 
Thanks guys for the feedback. Didn't know that the dirtier it gets the better it works. I've only used it for pollen and thats it. Car sits under a tree all night so its covered when i go out. Best purchase i've made in awhile. Usually would just s&w it to get pollen off, not anymore.
 
Nice product to have around but unless your vechicles are garage queens and not daily drivers, it works great for removing clean dry dust, post polish dust, etc. I think your environment, weather, and geographic location have a lot to do with the products success. I can't agree with dragging a dirty treated mop (essentially what it is) over a surface repeatly without some microscopic damage occuring. Once the vechicle is driven and exposed to the environment dirt is dirt and further compounded by humidity, mositure, and industrial fallout. There is a place and function for CD, but it wasn't meant to be a cleaning tool. Nothing really beats soap and water but if your car is "CLEAN" they work great to an extent.
 
Ive had mine for about 5 years and a few of months ago i got some oil in it somehow(so it was leaving little smudges). So I ended up washing it and it still works perfect. like everyone is saying its one of the best tools I own. I let it dry on paper towels for 2 days. So yes you can wash it.
-Corey
 
Since this thread had peaked my interest in one of these things, I decided to get one. I happened to be in Advance Auto Parts last night, and came across one. It was $9.98. Just wanted to pass it on to anyone who may be interested in trying one out.
 
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