California duster
 

After reading hundreds of search result posts, I bought the California duster.

Every time I wash and detail the car, it's got dust on it after only a few days in the garage. I've been blowing it off with my air compressor but that's not 100% effective, as well as being a hassle. It's an unfinished garage; my plan is to drywall it off next summer and hopefully that will help reduce the dust problem.

In the meantime, I'm hoping the California duster will be worth it's purchase price at least. What I can't find in the searches is whether leaving it sitting on the newspaper an extra day or two before first use will lessen the chances of paraffin streaks?

Any other duster tips?

I thought it was only safe for the interior...

I've read posts for both uses, but only one that mentioned "scratches". It's marketed for exterior use.
I thought the poster mentioning scratches might have mistaken paraffin streaks for scratches.

Here's a thought, I'll test it on my wife's car...

let it soak in newspaper for a long time. long time as in... 1-2 weeks. changing out the newspaper when the paraffin builds up on it. then when you use it, shake it off often. the original california car duster does not scratch.

We left it out 2 days before using it repeatably at car shows. We figured if it's safe for all the classic antiques it's safe for any car.

Lol. We call it the "California Car Scratcher", original or otherwise.:icon_no2:
It scratches all cars, but dark ones show it the most.
Even with very fine dust, it will leave a swirl in its path.
Its a necessary evil at car shows, but expect to need a compounding after using it for a day or two.
Here in Phoenix, your car is covered with a fine, brown dust 3 or 4 minutes after you wash it, regardless of where it is parked.

I'm assuming, MM, that any scratches are the result of grit on the dusting strings? Wouldn't frequent shaking-out tend to keep that to a minimum? I mean, even a brand-new microfiber cloth immediately picks up grit when used. Kind of unecconomical & impractical to clean the car with a "one-wipe, then wash the rag" philosophy.
I just tried it on the windows only, and it did a terrific job on those. Then I shook the sh*t out of it and set it back on fresh newspapers.

I've had one for all of my cars. I really like it to clean up pollen and other dust on the car. Since you're wiping the car down with a brush, and essentially rubbing any debris into the paint, it will inevitably scratch- no matter what you do.

I don't show my cars, I'm just obsessive about keeping them clean and in good condition. The California Car Duster has never scratched or damaged any of my vehicles in a way that was noticeable. I don't know of a better, practical option if you're trying to get dust off your car without washing it.

The company (and others) also make a small "mini duster" for the interior. I had one of these and wasn't a fan- it left small strands of the red brush all over the interior. Now I use one of those detailing pencil/brushes for the switch gear and a cloth for the dash.

When I first got the duster I thought it was retarded for leaving grease streaks all over my car. Then I read about leaving it in the newspaper to condition it and noticed it also said that on the directions:banghead:

Since then it has worked like a charm. Ive noticed if you don't use it for a couple of days its a good idea to leave it in the newspaper overnight.


my .02

Perhaps detail spray would help to prevent any possible scratching?

Yeah but if your car is pretty dusty then your S.O.L. so the spray stuff would be no bueno in that case.

To save some money and time get the duster. Just make sure to condition it properly.

Car covers work magic too

I know the feeling about dust though. A couple lots over they've been tearing down a house and digging out for a new foundation. Kicks up dust something fierce. I come out to my car and it has so much dust on it that I took it for a spirited spin around the block and half of it was gone. Car cover is a good idea though...

I have a cover and it's a pain in the garage because there isn't much room to get around the car on the passenger side. Much easier outdoors, but then securing the cable lock can be a chore, especially if the ground is wet or cold. Bitch, bitch, bitch, LOL!

I got the duster because it seemed like a quick and easy way to get a layer of dust off between washes, but I'll keep an eye on things and inpsect for scratches. If it indeed does scratch, out it goes. Stay tuned.

LOL.. If you scratch your car with a california Duster you dont know how to use it.. I have owned many vehicles and never had any problems with scratching using them what so ever. The only thing that pisses me off is when it gets old and you start getting red crap all over your car.. Then i just go out and get another one.. But other than that. They work very well between washes and No problems with scratches.

Good to know, WL. And they are pretty inexpensive so a new one is no big deal.

I never had a problem with mine.

If you have thick dust then you have to wash it.

You have to be be pretty anual to think it leaves scratches. And if it did tleave something you can see either you don't know how to use it or the scratch is so fine that it will come out with normal care.

If the duster leaves scratches just think what happens when your pants or shirt or jacket rubs against it.

I'm surprised no one has mentioned the OXO Car Duster. I was a big fan of the California (Mini) duster but found the OXO much better. I can't really say much about the yarn/thread scratching in comparison with the California but it's been very good to my 8 so far :)

The OXO has an all-rubber handle and for me, that makes all the difference; they've really made it idiot-proof ex. you're drinking coffee and dusting your car's roof at the same time and your hand slips!

I remember someone mentioning here that he made the switch and the difference was like "night and day". It comes at a premium and is not available at local stores from what I've seen but when we're this paranoid about caring for our paint, its worth it. http://www.autopia-carcare.com/inf-quick.html (scroll about 3/4 down the page)

Oh for the Zaino users, in case there's some small swirls caused by regular detailing and dusting off, a coat of Z5 will get it back flawless again

I use the OXO car duster myself and love it. Currently my car is parked near a construction site (not by choice) and the duster works wonders.

I used to use the California Duster on my black car and it worked really well, but sadly it does scratch the finish. When you're draging anything on the surface of your paint, you have to expect that to happen.

The Duster itself may not scratch the finish, but the dirt and dust being dragged will scratch.

very true. duster works very good to take off the thin layer of dust.

they have those static ones, they works pretty good also. kinda just sucks the dust on to the duster.

I've been using this for years on my black RX-8. The duster will not scrach the paint, but the dust you're dragging can and most likely will leave very fine scratches.

It's a necessary evil of owning a car. Just make sure to use some good wax or polish and you can conceal most of them.

Love the Cali duster, especially in Spring pollen season. A light touch and you'll be fine. I have the large exterior one and the triangular small interior also. Well worth it.

I've owned the same California Duster for 6 years - mine has a wooden handle! I swear the dirtier it gets the better it is. Just be sure that you are using the duster for just light dusting. When it's time for a wash - wash the car, don't just dust it. Use common sense and you'll love the Cali Duster like me.

When I fist got it I left if on newspaper for 1 week while changing it's position every day.

Since I first started this thread, I've picked-up the interior duster also. Love them both. No scratches detected so-far, thanks to judicious use.