The California Duster

[whitenemesis]

Does anyone use one of these?

California Car Duster with Plastic Handle - Car Duster - CaliforniaCarDusters.com

Does it work better/worse than detailer spray and a microfibre cloth?

I'm not sure I like the statement "The dirtier it gets the better it cleans" :shock:

 

[Will]

I'm sure they work well enough, but long term you'll end up with severly scratched paintwork if you use it on a regular basis.

If a car is dusty or dirty, it needs to be washed using lots and lots of clean water as a solvent to remove the particles effectively by rinsing away. That device will collect particles but they are still going to be stuck to the duster and you'll be dragging them over the clearcoat - this cannot be a good thing.

Quick detailer and a clean microfibre would be a better option but IMHO still not a good solution for regular cleaning

Will

 

[whitenemesis]

I tend to agree Will, I only use Quick detailer to finish off after waxing or if the car has just been standing and is "dusty". I wash my cloths after each use.

That California duster is never cleaned.. But it seems from the adverts and testimonials many many people swear by them?

 

[Will]

I think I need to sort out a proper RO-water washing system. I reckon I could wash the car in just a few minutes more than a Quick detail and microfibre and there would be no water marks at all (you don't theoretically need to dry the car at all afterwards!)

Silly question - but surely a weekly wash and QD once-over keeps the car pretty clean? The wheels will obviously still be dirty even with that duster thing or a QD wipe down

 

[trapperjohn]

I think my Mum had one of these things years ago. It was called a Ninette, or something similar. It was used to dust off furntiure.
The California Duster is not something I would use on a car kept to the standard of whitenemesis's. Now my old things is a different matter, but I still would not use it.

 

[whitenemesis]

I think I need to sort out a proper RO-water washing system. I reckon I could wash the car in just a few minutes more than a Quick detail and microfibre and there would be no water marks at all (you don't theoretically need to dry the car at all afterwards!)

Silly question - but surely a weekly wash and QD once-over keeps the car pretty clean? The wheels will obviously still be dirty even with that duster thing or a QD wipe down

I QD the wheels as well

This is all only during the (rare) dry spells we have. Should it rain I always wash etc..

 

[whitenemesis]

I think my Mum had one of these things years ago. It was called a Ninette, or something similar. It was used to dust off furntiure.
The California Duster is not something I would use on a car kept to the standard of whitenemesis's. Now my old things is a different matter, but I still would not use it.

This is the one. I remember my Mum having one too!!

Car Valeting and detailing products used by the professionals to out shine the competition - Car valeting and detailing products - the professionals choice - from MH Textiles

 

[Will]

Drive quickly and blow the dust off (joking... )

Seriously though - how often do you wash the car, compared to the QD-only when it's dry?

I do about 1000 miles a month in my daily car, and it's probably still quite clean after about a week's use, aside from brake dust on the wheels. I'd definately favour a weekly wash though in my example.

Worst thing at the moment is the flies.

I'd still favour a few minutes more for a proper wash as I reckon the swirling would be harder/more time consuming to remove in the long run

All IMHO of course

Will

 

[whitenemesis]

I used to do 1500 - 2000 miles a month and cleaned the car each w/e (when home), that would be a wet wash + QD and every 4th w/e would include a waxing as well.

Should I be at home and not covering many miles (Dad's taxi...) I would QD every couple of days. Now I have finished work this will be the norm.

Any bird mess is QD'd immediately. Flies are removed with QD if only a few but after Olly's GTG it was definitely a full shampoo wash!!

Silver is very forgiving of paint defects, swirls etc.. I did enquire here if paint correction would make as noticeable a difference as on dark cars and I think on balance the answer was no.

 

[oldcro]

I cannot imagine a California Duster doing much if any harm to the paintwork, unless you forced it down and scrubbed with it. Think of all the dust and grit that's thrown up on our roads, and people ( so I've heard) drive through it at over 80 mph without a scratch.

 

[whitenemesis]

Over 80mph!!

All the vids I've seen of the Duster in use shows a very gentle application.

 

[crockers]

I have something very similar bought for a few euros in Spain. It's great for picking up dust etc. BUT I only use it to clean the INSIDE of the car. Outside I find a quick snowfoam, settle, power wash off and final rinse with deionised water gives a quick acceptable clean. If I'm feeling more energetic a dry off and QD or wax.

Just wish black was as easy as silver to keep clean. My experience has shown the best colour is that silver with a gold hue. Had a Golf once in that colour - never looked too dirty.

 

[oldcro]

Over 80mph!!

All the vids I've seen of the Duster in use shows a very gentle application.

That bit was written tongue in cheek.

 

[BTB 500]

Think of all the dust and grit that's thrown up on our roads, and people ( so I've heard) drive through it at over 80 mph without a scratch.

You must be thinking of the autobahns

 

[bassist]

Nenette polisher has been around for donkeys years. I still have my original in its metal tin holder given to me by an ex Royal Chauffer. Wash it on a regular basis (6 months) and renew the liquid.

Works like magic removing light dust but you shouldn't use it very heavily or you may scratch the surface.

SWMBO has one for indoors as well.

The old uns are still pretty good. !!

 

[jaymanek]

I have a nennette too... Only use it occasionally in the showroom... I have had it over 4 years, works perfectly...

 

[jefrs]

There's a similar Meguiars car duster too, about the size of an olde string-head mop. Impregnated with paraffin wax. I've no idea what it does to the paintwork. I find a household Pledge/Flash fluffy duster useful for whisking pollen off.

 

[Bigdrew]

Does anyone use one of these?

California Car Duster with Plastic Handle - Car Duster - CaliforniaCarDusters.com

Does it work better/worse than detailer spray and a microfibre cloth?

I'm not sure I like the statement "The dirtier it gets the better it cleans" :shock:

These are ok for just dusting down your car my brother swears by
Them but he always washes them regularly never has a problem
with them a lot valeters use them to dust down the showroom cars
So they can't be that bad if they use them

 

[clk320x]

I cannot imagine a California Duster doing much if any harm to the paintwork, unless you forced it down and scrubbed with it. Think of all the dust and grit that's thrown up on our roads, and people ( so I've heard) drive through it at over 80 mph without a scratch.

'So I've heard'