even after a very light use on my black car, I noticed really fine scratches. Only used it once and after I saw the damage, I threw the thing away.

 

use a quality microfiber and quick detail spray instead

 

Vipers rock,sensing some jealousy here! LOL!
But I've used the duster for years. It does scratch a bit. Keep it well waxed!

 

+100 to what Auto Concierge advises. [rep points if I could ]

 

I would not use one. Rather have dust that damage.

 

how about a swiffer?

 

..only if you're using Lemon Pledge.

 

don't laugh till you try them on your wheels. I swiff them before firing it up. takes 5 mins and makes cleaning them easier

 

If a Swifter can work on brake dust...I am game to try it. I hate the stuff.

 

Removing Dust from a Paint Surface
http://togwt1980.blogspot.co.uk/2017...t-surface.html


These methodologies / products would apply to most forms of dust (Pollen, Sand, Volcanic Ash, and etc) Road dust or just the accumulation of dust from storage needs to be removed safely to avoid imparting scratches to the paint surface.

Dust will settle on your paint, if your vehicle is driven, dust is a fact of life that’s unavoidable. However if your paint is properly cared for, and the correct removal methods are used it will look better than any vehicle that is neglected

One of the first rules of paint care (especially noticeable with dark colours); the less you touch the paint surface; the less you’ll scratch it.

When I was a Concours entrant / judge most entrants would break out a California Duster as soon as they were allocated a parking spot. I’ve been using them for approx twenty years on all types of vehicles including daily drivers without causing any surface scratches (see use methodology)

If you get a new California Duster, wrap it in newspaper and store it for a week or so, everyday put fresh paper on it to help absorb the excess oils in the duster that will streak your paint.

Methodology -using long strokes, maintain very light surface pressure and use in one direction only, this ensures that any dust is removed not just pushed around. Shake the duster occasionally to ensure any particles picked up will drop out rather than come to the surface while you’re using it.

But as in all things, including detailing opinions vary; there is no ‘right or wrong way ‘just whatever works for you

 

At the risk of de-railing the thread, since it's about the ubiquitous California Duster, has anyone used the lambs wool type of duster? Somehow I've ended up with two new ones, both very high quality, but once again it seems like you would just be dragging dust across the surface until the fibers [waxy CA Duster or fluffy lambs wool] decide to pick it up. The wool ones likely rely on static cling, but still. I have yet to use anything but detail spray and my best microfiber on the Porsche & Benz.

 

My problem with QD / Microfibre use for the removal of dust is Silicon, not something you'd want to introduce to a paint surface