How to remove dust on a daily driven car
- Thread starter bluefire
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2black1s
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- Jan 23, 2015
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Many will cringe at the idea of dragging a car duster across their finish but I'll tell you that I've been using the California Car Duster for more than twenty-five years on all of my vehicles, including my current black Chevy Truck and two black Harleys, without any ill-effects.
You do need to use a little common sense. It's designed to effectively remove light dust and it does a great job at that. Anything beyond light dust and you're asking for trouble. Even light dust that has been exposed to morning dew, or such, and is therefore a little "stuck" to the surface is pushing the limits.
But for simple removal of dust that is just loosely sitting on the finish, the California Car Duster works great.
I've never tried any other brands.
Even when I'm wiping down using a Quik Detailer, I'll typically "dust" the surface with the California Car Duster first, then proceed to the Quik Detailer. I feel that the duster is safer to remove the loose dust than is the Quik Detailer.
You do need to use a little common sense. It's designed to effectively remove light dust and it does a great job at that. Anything beyond light dust and you're asking for trouble. Even light dust that has been exposed to morning dew, or such, and is therefore a little "stuck" to the surface is pushing the limits.
But for simple removal of dust that is just loosely sitting on the finish, the California Car Duster works great.
I've never tried any other brands.
Even when I'm wiping down using a Quik Detailer, I'll typically "dust" the surface with the California Car Duster first, then proceed to the Quik Detailer. I feel that the duster is safer to remove the loose dust than is the Quik Detailer.
FUNX650
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- Dec 1, 2010
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•How to safely remove dust from a DD?
•If the amount of dust is at the point where it
could be safely removed with a car-duster...
Then, IMHO:
-the mere act of just driving the vehicle back
and forth between its appointed destination(s),
-should cause more than enough of a change between
the atmosphere's laminar flow to a more turbulent
flow state...enough to safely remove the dust from
the vehicle. :xyxthumbs:
•That alone would be reason enough to preclude
my use of a car-duster; because (once more IMHO):
-At some level (even if it's microscopic) car-dusters
WILL scratch your vehicle. No two ways about it!
•Then again:
-My definition of safely removing dust may
be entirely different than other people's.
Bob
•If the amount of dust is at the point where it
could be safely removed with a car-duster...
Then, IMHO:
-the mere act of just driving the vehicle back
and forth between its appointed destination(s),
-should cause more than enough of a change between
the atmosphere's laminar flow to a more turbulent
flow state...enough to safely remove the dust from
the vehicle. :xyxthumbs:
•That alone would be reason enough to preclude
my use of a car-duster; because (once more IMHO):
-At some level (even if it's microscopic) car-dusters
WILL scratch your vehicle. No two ways about it!
•Then again:
-My definition of safely removing dust may
be entirely different than other people's.
Bob
conman1395
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- Nov 23, 2013
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I've seen car dusters work, but they don't every time.
What I have seen work every time on a dusty car is the use of a waterless wash.
D114 is cheap amd perfect for this task, but it's nice to use something that may be antistatic such as the Blackfire Waterless wash (haven't personally tried it... Yet [XMAS)]).
Unless it's a car you're taking to the show though, I don't care enough to take the time to do the process of removing the dust. I just drive.
What I have seen work every time on a dusty car is the use of a waterless wash.
D114 is cheap amd perfect for this task, but it's nice to use something that may be antistatic such as the Blackfire Waterless wash (haven't personally tried it... Yet [XMAS)]).
Unless it's a car you're taking to the show though, I don't care enough to take the time to do the process of removing the dust. I just drive.
2black1s
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I'm sure we all have differing definitions...
Airflow alone will not always remove the dust. Some agitation is usually necessary. The duster provides the agitation. Similarly, when washing, water-flow alone will not always result in a "clean" surface. Again, some agitation is usually necessary. Your wash mitt or whatever you use provides the agitation.
As for scratching, that possibility exists with any method, or anything, that touches the finish. This is where "common sense" and your own experience with whatever method you prefer comes into play. My experience with the duster has never resulted in "unnecessary" scratching, and certainly no worse than some other more universally accepted cleaning methods.
I don't expect to change your mind. Like you and I both agree... "Different definitions"...
I just wanted to share my experience with the California Car Duster and that is, when used appropriately, it it a safe and effective tool.
7PaintGuns
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- Oct 6, 2015
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I have to agree with this. The way the wind comes off of my CTS coupe always leaves a ton of dust on the rear end, even after a short drive just after a wash. I store my California Duster in the open air on a hook so the threads don't get smashed down. I only use it if the car has stayed relatively clean and just barley touch the paint surface with the strands. If you buy one, let it sit on some newspapers for 3 or for days to soak up the extra paraffin wax.
7PaintGuns
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I don't think any one would argue with that! I'll have to take a few pics of my car post drive, after a wash. It's amazing how dusty the back of the decklid and bumper get in such a short time.
2black1s
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I will LOL. Not argue, but discuss this point. As I stated in my first post, I will typically use the duster as a prelude to a Quik Detailer. I feel that provides the best results and minimzes the potential for scratching.
FUNX650
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- Dec 1, 2010
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YIKES...You agitate dust with a car-duster?!?!
Contrary to your above "dry agitation" example...
This type of "wet agitation" is a universally accepted,
as well as a: safe practice.
:wow: ..."Way different definitions".
Bob
2black1s
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Look at my opening statement in this thread... "Many will cringe..."
I knew there would be some very polarizing opinions on this topic.
FUNX650
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2black1s
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Thanks! :xyxthumbs:
FUNX650
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cardaddy
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Back in the 'old days', as in when I was operating tow trucks with and without custom paint jobs I kept the California Car Dusters in all the trucks. However... that was then. 
I've found that you can get a really light weight duster, of the microfiber variety (like from Lowes, Home Depot, Wal Mart or insert big box store name here.), spritz it with just a smidge of QD spray, and ever so lightly flick it on the surface and it's about the most damage free method you're going to get.
The reason I don't like the California duster these days is they are PARRAFIN embedded cotton threads. Last thing I need on my LSP, or especially a coating is paraffin wax! Not too bad when it's cold, but in the summer, on a hot surface, you WILL get residue on your paint.
Do a Google search for Microfiber duster and you'll get 400,000 results.
This one is from Home Depot (close enough to what I've been using).
Something like this works better than you think. Plus.... when it gets dirty, you just throw it away.
At the very least, it weighs almost nothing, which is a HUGE benefit in and of itself.
By 'flicking' it (as I described) you can see that it's just a matter of a twist of the wrist. Never actually "rubbing" the surface with so much as the full weight of the duster. Rather just lightly letting the edges touch the surface, while turning it as you go.
It ends up touching the surface with less pressure than any other method period.
That includes anything you could do with a microfiber towel in your hand as well.
Speaking of microfiber towels... My next 'duster' of choice is a 500GSM Korean edgeless, open all the way up, lightly misted with something like WG Instant Detail Spritz, (or whatever your favorite is) then LIGHTLY pulled across the surface (with one edge being held above the surface) which will work like a charm. 
I've found that you can get a really light weight duster, of the microfiber variety (like from Lowes, Home Depot, Wal Mart or insert big box store name here.), spritz it with just a smidge of QD spray, and ever so lightly flick it on the surface and it's about the most damage free method you're going to get.
The reason I don't like the California duster these days is they are PARRAFIN embedded cotton threads. Last thing I need on my LSP, or especially a coating is paraffin wax! Not too bad when it's cold, but in the summer, on a hot surface, you WILL get residue on your paint.
Do a Google search for Microfiber duster and you'll get 400,000 results.
This one is from Home Depot (close enough to what I've been using).
Something like this works better than you think. Plus.... when it gets dirty, you just throw it away.
At the very least, it weighs almost nothing, which is a HUGE benefit in and of itself.
By 'flicking' it (as I described) you can see that it's just a matter of a twist of the wrist. Never actually "rubbing" the surface with so much as the full weight of the duster. Rather just lightly letting the edges touch the surface, while turning it as you go.
It ends up touching the surface with less pressure than any other method period.
That includes anything you could do with a microfiber towel in your hand as well.
Speaking of microfiber towels... My next 'duster' of choice is a 500GSM Korean edgeless, open all the way up, lightly misted with something like WG Instant Detail Spritz, (or whatever your favorite is)
then LIGHTLY pulled across the surface (with one edge being held above the surface) which will work like a charm. 
LSNAutoDetailing
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- Jun 21, 2014
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On my garage queen after a show I will use the Metro Vac & Blow with one of the blower nozzles. It generates enough airflow to remove dust. This works in combination with the fact it has PBL Diamond Coating which actually "helps" keep the dust and debris at bay.
As others have mentioned D114 is a good Solution as well
Daily drivers get no such pampering as I live in New England and keeping dust off, even in good weather is a losing battle to Mother Nature (and Boston Drivers). Sadly the DD's just take what is dealt and we sort it out during the next detailing.
I envy those that don't have to deal with 5' of snow per year and "Nor Easters".
As others have mentioned D114 is a good Solution as well
Daily drivers get no such pampering as I live in New England and keeping dust off, even in good weather is a losing battle to Mother Nature (and Boston Drivers). Sadly the DD's just take what is dealt and we sort it out during the next detailing.
I envy those that don't have to deal with 5' of snow per year and "Nor Easters".
conman1395
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- Nov 23, 2013
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What you described with the Korean towels is how I sometimes remove excessive compound dust.Back in the 'old days', as in when I was operating tow trucks with and without custom paint jobs I kept the California Car Dusters in all the trucks. However... that was then.
I've found that you can get a really light weight duster, of the microfiber variety (like from Lowes, Home Depot, Wal Mart or insert big box store name here.), spritz it with just a smidge of QD spray, and ever so lightly flick it on the surface and it's about the most damage free method you're going to get.
The reason I don't like the California duster these days is they are PARRAFIN embedded cotton threads. Last thing I need on my LSP, or especially a coating is paraffin wax! Not too bad when it's cold, but in the summer, on a hot surface, you WILL get residue on your paint.
Do a Google search for Microfiber duster and you'll get 400,000 results.
This one is from Home Depot (close enough to what I've been using).
Something like this works better than you think. Plus.... when it gets dirty, you just throw it away.
At the very least, it weighs almost nothing, which is a HUGE benefit in and of itself.
By 'flicking' it (as I described) you can see that it's just a matter of a twist of the wrist. Never actually "rubbing" the surface with so much as the full weight of the duster. Rather just lightly letting the edges touch the surface, while turning it as you go.
It ends up touching the surface with less pressure than any other method period.
That includes anything you could do with a microfiber towel in your hand as well.
Speaking of microfiber towels... My next 'duster' of choice is a 500GSM Korean edgeless, open all the way up, lightly misted with something like WG Instant Detail Spritz, (or whatever your favorite is)
"What he said" works for me - and my black Mercedes.