In response to my Zaino-ed car/dusty thread, a bunch of folks claim to use a 'California Duster' to remove dust. Does this thing work? Well? How does it work? Seems like dirt sticks to it (wax coated cotton strands???) - if so, then wouldn't it start scratching clear coats after a few uses?
Should I get one of these or not???
Thanks for your advice!
Mika

 

Yep, it works very well. When you're finished wiping off the car just shake it out (away from the car ) and toss it back in the trunk or something.

 

I've had my California Car Duster for over 5 years now. The cool thing is, the more you use it, the better it works! It has never scratched the car. I love mine.

 

Just say NO to the California Duster. It produces wonderful microscratches. I NEVER wipe the surface of my car without water or a lubricating spray/quick detailer.

 

Microscratches, ok.

I've used it on my car for a year and some months, not one complaint yet. Who's gonna go over their car with a magnifying glass to check for "microscratches"?

 

Cal Duster is great, but don't mistake it for a substitute for washing your car. Mine came with a carry bag *nice*. Like was stated above, shake it out when done to get out the loose stuff. Gets better as it gets older.

 

Do you all use the "california duster" brand? There's a similar product at Wal Mart, looks exactly the same but doesn't have the "california duster" badge on it - $10 cheaper! Same thing or different?

 

I bought one right after I got the Z. Seems to work great, but sometimes it leaves a little wax streak here & there. I usually do a second pass with a soft towel to remove those...

As far as another brand, I am hesitant about going with cheaper copies of particular products.. They're not always bad, but in this case I'd worry about messing up the paint..

-Mike

 

Been using same one on my black vette for about 8 years...works very well........looks like hell but works better with time.

 

I have used one for 10+ years. Used correctly they are fine, to remove very light dust and only let the tips of the strands touch the paint, never just flop it full weight on the paint and start scrubbing.

The California Car Duster people have two versions, the one with the wood handle is the original design and has the best mop head, these sell for 17 to 20 bucks, they also make a marked down unit found in discount stores like WalMart and AutoZone, these always come with a plastic handle and have a cheaper, thinner mop head. I own both kinds and recently took a picture to show people the difference. I will only use the bigger one on my stuff.


See here: http://www.ofoto.com/PhotoView.jsp?U...id=52517608503

 

I was hesitant too, sounded too good to be true. But it works great and doesn't scratch. Mine is turning black (which they say is a good thing.)

I bought mine from Summit Racing, free shipping.

 

8 years on my Cailfornia Duster and it works great. Like previously mentioned, use it on light dust as opposed to dirt. And no pressure, just light swipes.
Mine looks like death warmed over after 8 years but it seems to just work better and better with time.