Do "dusters" leave marks?

[mcditalia]

Anyone purchase one of those car "dusters" to clean between washings? I purchased one reluctantly the other day because I thought it would mark up the paint by dragging dust particles around, but they are advertised as not scratching up the paint. I can't really tell, but I think it's making new swirl marks. Anybody have any experiences with these dusters?

 

[Ken]

When you first get your duster, you should follow the instructions to air it out for twenty-four hours or so to allow some of the excess wax to breath, then, if used in a cool, shaded area and not in the sun on a hot metal (or fiberglass) surface, it should not leave any swirl or any other kind of marks. Also, I never use it on glass, it just smears it.

You can allow the duster to get as dirty as can be, that is, it can be black and still function as designed. I also buy no other duster than the original California Car Cover car duster.

 

[Ctfoodguy2000]

I agree with Ken 100%; surprise:L :L Part of the first 24 hours is to let it sit on newspapers; just follow the directions!

 

[rwd]

I'm not really sure about them, but maybe mine was made on Friday or something. I do agree with Ken about their usage, however. Also, be sure to shake it before and after use.

I've had one in newspaper for months, and it still stains the newsprint and streaks the paint with excess paraffin. The residue comes off easily enough with a towel and/or detailing solution, but not without additional rubbing on what was an already dusty car. I'm not sure that's good.

Even if they didn't streak, I'm not fully comfortable with the theory of having something that has dust and other particles of who knows what on it moving over the paint. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but now I'm only using small ones on the wheels and interior.

Sometimes, I'll use the big one as a fan to induce air to move something off the surface, but that's about it.

I know they can be washed in Woolite, but I'm not really willing to use them on paint at this point.

That said, a lot of people love them, and I've only seen one or two comments like this one. FWIW.

 

[Ken]

... be sure to shake it before and after use.

Good point! I forgot about telling him that.

... one in newspaper for months, and it still stains the newsprint

If it is stored in its bag, it will retain that moisture for years.

... rubbing on (what was an already dusty) car. I'm not sure that's good.

You are correct in not rubbing the surface of the vehicle with the duster; it is a duster, not a polisher.

... they can be washed in Woolite

Usually not necessary unless it somehow gets extremely dirty. I wouldn't use it again if it ever got greasy; I'd just buy a new one and start over. As a matter of fact, I have a spare in my garage just in case.

_ken

 

[rwd]

FWIW, I had never put mine in the bag until I gave up on using it almost a year later- and then just to keep it from getting contaminated. Beforehand, it was 'stored' in newsprint that was replaced when it became saturated, and that was often.

I didn't feel comfortable putting any pressure whatsoever on it. Basically, I just used the tips. Even so, at the end, I was still getting some streaks, and the sides and rear of the car really accumulate more dust than I am comfortable taking off with it.

Another duster, another car, another color, another garage, other usage, other roads... anything will change the equation.

I agree that most people never wash them, although I have no idea what the implications may or may not be.

I just basically resigned myself to letting the thing get dusty and washing it when I couldn't stand it any longer. That's a bit disappointing, because the thing retains water in millions of places.

I've had good luck on the tires and interior, however.