Turbo6TA

If you have ever used a 'California Duster', you know how well they work keeping your car free of dust. They are not intended to actually clean your car, but once your car has been washed and waxed, a California Duster [if used regularly] will keep the car nice much longer. That is if the car only gets dust on it.

I have found that it will streak windows because of the wax film on it, so I don't use it at all on the glass.

Anyway ... to my question:

This duster can get pretty dirty over time, so I feel the need to wash it well with soap and water sooner or later. Of course, when it finally does get washed good with soap, the wax on the fibers is gone.

Is there anything that can be applied that will give the duster back it's dust removing capabilities once it's finally cleaned real good?

Thank's in advance,
Ron

dvilin

I have been told not to wash it, just shake it out a bit before each use. The older it gets the better. Realistically with the low cost of a California Duster when it reaches the point that you are concerned with its condition I would just buy another one.

ip-do-tan

switchplanner

I tried washing one and it wasn't the same after. Now I use it for my wheels and have a new one for the car.

EVRose

Mine is 6 years old, never washed and I use it a lot. It looks dirty but still works the same as when it was new.

wolfdogs

wash it = ruined it.

just take a shotty micro fiber towel and rub it with that to take off the major dirt film.
all three of mine are over 5 years old.. no problems.

if you prepped it right, ie: place it on newspaper in direct sunlight for 48 hrs.. the wax film should not be streaking your windows...

Willis76

dgrant3830

I think I heard they've got a wax chemical inside of them that attracts the dust. They do "fill up" after many uses. My first one, I used for several years till it stopped sucking up the dust. Bought a new one and kept right on going. You cannot wash them as the chemical will wash out therefore no longer working as intended.

PHXAZ06

When done using mine, I put the handle between both hands, then move my hands back and forth (like you're trying to warm your hands up).
It spins it like crazy, and some of the larger particles fly out.
I learned that at the Prescott Car Show when I loaned mine to a fellow Vetter (he had a beautiful '57), that had forgotten to bring his. He showed me that trick.

JLB768

I open a bag of dry ready mix concrete, swish it around a few times, shake it out, and it's ready to rock.

Turbo6TA

Thank's for all the good info. I guess I just won't wash the duster.

Ready Mix concrete?

JLB768

It was a joke, don't swish yer duster in ready mix...

RJRSW

Been using genuine California Car Dusters for many years and they work great if you lay them on newspaper for 24 hours before the first use. Just shake them out before and after each use and never ever wash it as it will be ruined. I use it on the glass every time and never have had any steaks.

My 2007 LMB convert has only been washed twice in 5 years but has never seen rain or even a puddle so doesn't get dirty, just dusty so only thing it needs is the duster to keep it looking new.

This picture was recently taken and the car had not been washed in over a year only used a duster:

Jimmy W1

So, what do you use it for? Do you use it to dust the outside of the car off after you drive it?

RJRSW

For me I just use it if I can see dust on the car. I never use a car cover because I drive it sometimes 2 or 3 times a day nearly every day and average around 75-100 miles a week. I would say I use the duster around once or twice a week at the most to keep it dust free.

hawkgfr

I dust mine before I drive it and I do it every day that I drive it. Heck I've done it a few times and not drive it lol...Especially in pollen season.

speedraider

I was thinking , this guy is crazy.......

JLB768

hig4s

Good advice for our Arctic circle members.

diyguy

To the OP..

If your CA duster is leaving streaks on the glass, you've not used it enough yet. And BTW, it's probably leaving steaks on the paint somewhere too.