california duster?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 32
Likes: 2
From: Massapequa NY
california duster?
Does anyone use the "California duster"? I hate opening up the garage to find that layer of dust that accumulates afetr sitting for a few days. I dont cover it in the warmer months so I can just get in and go. And I can't wash it anymore than I do...neighbors think I'm nuts already. The car is black so I'm worried about wiping her down and causing surface scratches. Any better ideas?
Racer
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 489
Likes: 6
From: Brockton MA
I personally wouldn't use one. With a light dust I use Adams waterless wash or detail spray. If its bad you have to wash. I have a 2012 black Silverado and it stays dirty more than I like, better dirty than scratched/swirled!
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 4,496
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From: Walhalla South Carolina
I use one similar, not the calif. duster but another brand evertime I drive my vette. I love it. Lightly go over car and it removes any dust or pollen. No scractchs at all, my vette is silver gray so it isn't as ampt to show like a black or red color would.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 414
From: Pittsburgh suburbs Pa.
Nothing wrong with California dusters. I've used them for many years on all of my black cars and they work great. I'm particular about the finish on my car and they don't do any damage. What you don't want to do is wipe down the paint with a rag or a towel when it is dry. That will scratch the paint. Thats why the duster is different. It is not just a rag, it is treated to pick up the dust with very little pressure and then you shake it out as you use it. They are only intended to remove light dust as you described and not to clean a dirty car with mud on it. You have to use common sense. Buy one and use it as directed . You will love it. I use as little of water on my car as possible . The water is what eventually destroys your car.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 187
Likes: 1
From: Sioux Falls SD
I also use the California Car Duster on both my black cars. My Street Rod is really bad for showing scratches as it has single stage paint on it. No Clear coat. But I also use a little Endust for Electronics on the duster so it don't leave a line of dust at the end of where I used the duster. Just takes a little spray on the duster and it gets it all. Leaves no residue either. 
Pro
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 666
Likes: 2
From: western springs illinois
Does anyone use the "California duster"? I hate opening up the garage to find that layer of dust that accumulates afetr sitting for a few days. I dont cover it in the warmer months so I can just get in and go. And I can't wash it anymore than I do...neighbors think I'm nuts already. The car is black so I'm worried about wiping her down and causing surface scratches. Any better ideas?
Quick and easy so I don't have to put on the cover every day
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
Likes: 1,074
From: Wisconsin
Love it. After a cruise, dust it off and sometimes quick detailer spray. If it has been idle for awhile I give it a quick dusting and I'm ready to go. Used a California duster for ten years on my C3. I put 40K miles in ten years and I think I only washed the car two or three times and it always looked like a showcar. Make sure the car has a few coats of wax to reduce swirl marks and it makes the dust come off easier.
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Le Mans Master
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From: Wisconsin
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 6,683
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From: Memphis Tennessee
Began in 1994 and still use the SAME duster today.
Lightly dust, let the strings "hang" to do their job. Removes dust and loose particles.
Then follow with a "detailer" product and microfiber towel.
Mine is garage-kept and never sees rain, so when I arrive back home, I go through the process. Looks clean and new, ready to make the next trip.
Good luck
Lightly dust, let the strings "hang" to do their job. Removes dust and loose particles.
Then follow with a "detailer" product and microfiber towel.
Mine is garage-kept and never sees rain, so when I arrive back home, I go through the process. Looks clean and new, ready to make the next trip.
Good luck
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I also use the California Car Duster on both my black cars. My Street Rod is really bad for showing scratches as it has single stage paint on it. No Clear coat. But I also use a little Endust for Electronics on the duster so it don't leave a line of dust at the end of where I used the duster. Just takes a little spray on the duster and it gets it all. Leaves no residue either.
I've been using a California Duster for many years and it works great for a quick touch up to the car. Never had on cause any paint scratches or swirl marks.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
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From: Wisconsin
I just threw it in the wash. Seems to still work just fine. I think there is some special procedure, but I lost the instructions years ago.
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Nothing wrong with California dusters. I've used them for many years on all of my black cars and they work great. I'm particular about the finish on my car and they don't do any damage. What you don't want to do is wipe down the paint with a rag or a towel when it is dry. That will scratch the paint. Thats why the duster is different. It is not just a rag, it is treated to pick up the dust with very little pressure and then you shake it out as you use it. They are only intended to remove light dust as you described and not to clean a dirty car with mud on it. You have to use common sense. Buy one and use it as directed . You will love it. I use as little of water on my car as possible . The water is what eventually destroys your car.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2013
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From: Windsor CA
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I have the wood handle one that I have used on my show cars for 16+ years and have been thinking recently about getting a new one as it seems to leave a bit lately. Would like to hear if ther is away to wash it to work better again, I think they are loaded with parafin wax or something that helps pick up the dust but not leave any of the wax as long as you don't use it on a hot car.