Dusting
Former Vendor
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,943
Likes: 2
From: Orlando/Oviedo FL
I would recommend using a high quality, plush microfiber towel over a duster any day. Previously I have written a long (8k words) explanation why, but in this case, I'm going to try to keep it short. (I'm off to a bad start, already!).
Let's just look at the dirt and what is happening to it as it is removed.
With a duster you are using a piece of yarn that has been treated with parrifin wax. The parifin wax acts as an adhesive that grabs the dirt. The problem is that the wax doesn't act as a lubricant, so you are essentially 'dry-wiping' dirt (stuck to yarn) across the surface. The idea that the dust is some how sucked safely off the paint by the yarn and wax isn't true.
With a quick detail spray, you are using a lubricant that is designed to encapsulate the dust, as well as reduce the friction the towel gliding over the paint. This is a huge advantage (and presents a significant reduction in abrasion) when compared to dry mopping the surface. Furthermore, the microfiber material itself should be functionally less abrasives than yarn, particularly yarn that is covered in dust and dirt.
Just like dusting the car, using a qd is remove dust requires specific technique. You wouldn't use pressure when using the duster, so don't use pressure when using a qd. Instead give the section of paint a mist or two of product, than lightly wipe over the surface (using no more pressure than you would with a duster) to encapsulate and remove the dust. (Again because you are using a softer material and lubricant your chances of marring the paint are reduced).
Now using a second towel (or flipping the first over) lightly buff the section to a high gloss shine. Yes it is more time consuming then using a duster, but with the benefit of using a specific lubricant and a softer, cleaner media you greatly reduce the chances of marring from dry mopping.
Let's just look at the dirt and what is happening to it as it is removed.
With a duster you are using a piece of yarn that has been treated with parrifin wax. The parifin wax acts as an adhesive that grabs the dirt. The problem is that the wax doesn't act as a lubricant, so you are essentially 'dry-wiping' dirt (stuck to yarn) across the surface. The idea that the dust is some how sucked safely off the paint by the yarn and wax isn't true.
With a quick detail spray, you are using a lubricant that is designed to encapsulate the dust, as well as reduce the friction the towel gliding over the paint. This is a huge advantage (and presents a significant reduction in abrasion) when compared to dry mopping the surface. Furthermore, the microfiber material itself should be functionally less abrasives than yarn, particularly yarn that is covered in dust and dirt.
Just like dusting the car, using a qd is remove dust requires specific technique. You wouldn't use pressure when using the duster, so don't use pressure when using a qd. Instead give the section of paint a mist or two of product, than lightly wipe over the surface (using no more pressure than you would with a duster) to encapsulate and remove the dust. (Again because you are using a softer material and lubricant your chances of marring the paint are reduced).
Now using a second towel (or flipping the first over) lightly buff the section to a high gloss shine. Yes it is more time consuming then using a duster, but with the benefit of using a specific lubricant and a softer, cleaner media you greatly reduce the chances of marring from dry mopping.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 8,744
Likes: 2
From: The King of Bling
St. Jude Donor '10
I have been using the California duster for years. First. my Calif Duster is 20 yrs old and they do not make them like they used to but the new Mega Duster comes close.
I have NEVER experienced any damage or swirls from my duster but I use common sense and the strands of the duster barely touch my paint when I dust my car. I also only dust it if it just dust from sitting in the garage and occasionally after a "short" ride.
The whole key to not doing any damage with a duster, washing or any type of dirt removal is common sense. Unfortunately it is hard to put that into writing but I am here to say it can be done.
I see people using the full weight of the duster at shows all the time and I cringe when I think about what they are doing. It is no wonder the CD gets a bad rap. But to be safe you cannot go wrong with a ful wash but that takes a lot more time than a quick dust or QEW. If the dust is bad my next plan of action would be to QEW and of course if in doubt, WASH it.
I have NEVER experienced any damage or swirls from my duster but I use common sense and the strands of the duster barely touch my paint when I dust my car. I also only dust it if it just dust from sitting in the garage and occasionally after a "short" ride.
The whole key to not doing any damage with a duster, washing or any type of dirt removal is common sense. Unfortunately it is hard to put that into writing but I am here to say it can be done.
I see people using the full weight of the duster at shows all the time and I cringe when I think about what they are doing. It is no wonder the CD gets a bad rap. But to be safe you cannot go wrong with a ful wash but that takes a lot more time than a quick dust or QEW. If the dust is bad my next plan of action would be to QEW and of course if in doubt, WASH it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,909
Likes: 4
From: Ponte Vedra Beach / London State: Dazed and confused
To remove light, dry surface dust without causing scratches apply very little surface pressure, use a California Ultimate Premium Car Duster ( that uses 100% cotton fibres and paraffin wax to attract dust) or the Zymol® Natural Wool Duster (uses static to attach the dust to the fibres to assure that dust is lifted and removed, not just pushed around) or long nap micro fibre towel and Optimum (OPT) No Rinse Wash™ (which uses a surfactant to encapsulate the dust and polymers to ensure surface lubrication) to ensure the dust lifted from the paint surface will remain in the nap and not on the towel surface thereby avoiding surface marring.
Using long strokes, maintain very light surface pressure and use in one direction only.Shake the duster or towel occasionally to ensure any particles picked up will drop out rather than come to the surface while you’re using it.
Use a product that contains a surfactant; this will lessen surface scratching as they ‘lift’ dust etc into the media used avoiding surface friction (use a solution of Optimum™ no-rinse (ONR) diluted 1:20 / distilled water in a fine mist spray bottle) or Optimum ™ Instant Detailer.
FWIW- I've not heard of a QD that encapsulates dust, although I agree that surface lubrication is very important when removing dust to avoid surface marring
Last edited by TOGWT; May 5, 2011 at 06:49 AM.
