[G80indy]

Does anyone ever use a duster of some sort, perhaps microfiber, something gentle for light usage in a garage for surface dust? Not sure how I feel about the potential for scratches. Anyone with experience?

[RCKYMTN M34OI]

Nope. Don't even go there unless you want to induce swirls/scratches.
If you're seeking a quick dust off option I would look into waterless wash products or possibly a high power leaf blower that can blow dust off without touching the vehicle. Of course having a ceramic coating or some sort of protection will help with all of this.

[Emily172013]

Try a California Duster. I have used one for many years on several color cars and no scratches or swirls. That being said, I only use it to remove light garage dust.

[afadeev]

Originally Posted by RCKYMTN M34OI

Nope. Don't even go there unless you want to induce swirls/scratches.

Exactly!
It's not a "duster", it's a "scratcher"!

Originally Posted by Emily172013

Try a California Duster. I have used one for many years on several color cars and no scratches or swirls. That being said, I only use it to remove light garage dust.

I tried that too many years ago, after falling for a commercial. This absolutely does introduce a layer of micro-scratches to the clear coat.
As would be expected if one were to drag uncleanable dust-impregnated objects over one's paint!

YMMV,
a

[Emily172013]

Originally Posted by afadeev

Exactly!
It's not a "duster", it's a "scratcher"!



I tried that too many years ago, after falling for a commercial. This absolutely does introduce a layer of micro-scratches to the clear coat.
As would be expected if one were to drag uncleanable dust-impregnated objects over one's paint!

YMMV,
a

Respectfully disagree, And I'm anal about my cars.

[afadeev]

Originally Posted by Emily172013

Respectfully disagree, And I'm anal about my cars.

For being civil about our disagreement.
That's pretty rare these days.

a

[Emily172013]

Originally Posted by afadeev

For being civil about our disagreement.
That's pretty rare these days.

a

Sure we're in agreement about many other things. We both have BMW's!

[Westside Guy]

Originally Posted by Emily172013

Try a California Duster. I have used one for many years on several color cars and no scratches or swirls. That being said, I only use it to remove light garage dust.

I used one for years on an old Mercedes and am currently using one on my Z4. I agree that it is perfect for light dust.

[Littlecoupe]

I didn't run any experiments with a control factor, but I used to use a duster religiously on my grey '15 Mustang GT, which always had a coat of Carpro Cquartz UK ceramic coating, applied once per year. I was careful to not apply pressure with the California duster, and I only dusted once per day. I found what I felt were too many scratches on the paint. I also use a two-bucket method for washing, and that was only maybe once per week at most (usually less).

I also watched a few reviews and many reviewers concluded that what is supposed to attract and lift the dust with a California Duster causes dust to stick to it after more than 1 use, and they felt it caused scratches.

I do not use a duster anymore, and my car is always dusty and I hate it. Not sure what the long term solution will be.

[Autoaddict]

I would highly recommend you look at a rinse less car wash, like ADS Hero, if you want to ‘dust’ the car. Those dusters literally just pull the dust across the paint. The rinsless car washes help emulsify dust and dirt in addition to providing lubrication to wipe the surface. Check out Pan The Organizers rinseless car wash video(s).

[Mosaud1998]

Hell no! I don't use a duster at all. Even on my ceramic-coated car. I'd rather have dust than swirls etc.

[G80indy]

Yeah, I’m with you on that—- dust is not a problem knowing there’s not even the slightest scratch in the paint

[RCKYMTN M34OI]

I'll chime in again as someone who runs a detail business and have personally detailed 100's of vehicles, my experience has been that anyone who regularly uses a car duster of any sort(wether they tell me so or I find one in their trunk) induces light to moderate swirls and scratches in their paint(clearly apparent in direct sunlight or proper detailing light). I've yet to see an exception. A car duster is collecting dust after each use and if not thoroughly cleaned before the next use . . you're literally just wiping down your car(even if lightly) with the previously collected dust/debris and abrading the clearcoat. Not to mention a duster is usually stored in a trunk or un-tidy garage where it's left to collect more dirt/debris.

Now . . . to each their own. If you're really careful and some light swirls don't bother you . . all is well and good. It's your car and if you're happy with it's appearance that's all that matters.

For most of my clients(most of whom I have ceramic coated said vehicle) who previously use car dusters I always suggest getting a dedicated leaf blower to blow off light dust in a touchless manner.
Second suggestion is a waterless wash product that provides lubrication and is only done with clean microfiber towels.

Regardless, I wish you success in enjoying your beautiful Bimmers!

[IanH]

if you want a real bad ass air duster to keep in the car: https://www.amazon.com/WOLFBOX-MF100...s%2C105&sr=8-3

This thing is legit the best compact one available and will surprise you.