How many here use one of these?
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 4,694
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From: Dallas-Ft.Worth,TX
2016 E350 Sport
How many here use one of these?
Here is Texas, the primary problem with car finishes (between the occasional rains) is dust and pollens. I bought one of these California Dusters with my first Mercedes 17 years ago. I still have my original one, and swear by it.
For quick dust and other minor accumulations, it works wonders. Even when I think my car is pristine, I can pass this over the finish and I'm amazed to discover how much junk it picks-up. I can do the whole car in under 5-minutes, and it doesn't seem to affect the finish at all.
You can find them at several places, now. Be sure to get the "Original California Duster" that comes in it's own pouch. It protects the mop from picking up unnecessary stuff, and it contains what you have wiped up on the fibers, so you can just store it in the trunk... Great prep tool for when you're going to a car meet... https://www.autogeek.net/orcacardupha.htmlproductid=orcacardupha&channelid= BIZRA
For quick dust and other minor accumulations, it works wonders. Even when I think my car is pristine, I can pass this over the finish and I'm amazed to discover how much junk it picks-up. I can do the whole car in under 5-minutes, and it doesn't seem to affect the finish at all.
You can find them at several places, now. Be sure to get the "Original California Duster" that comes in it's own pouch. It protects the mop from picking up unnecessary stuff, and it contains what you have wiped up on the fibers, so you can just store it in the trunk... Great prep tool for when you're going to a car meet... https://www.autogeek.net/orcacardupha.htmlproductid=orcacardupha&channelid= BIZRA
Last edited by DFWdude; Jul 9, 2018 at 01:01 PM.
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Joined: Oct 2005
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Ha, yeah I have tried that waxy thing a few years ago and sold it in a garage sale. It is worthless on any surface that is not horizontal to the Earth plus I always felt I was tearing up the finish. It is best used at Mecum auctions. LOL
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Dallas-Ft.Worth,TX
2016 E350 Sport
I stopped worrying about tearing up the finish when I found it useful on window glass, too. It picks up 100% of the dust on the glass, and leaves no residue at all that you can see from inside the car. So I reasoned it can't possibly damage the paint.
I don't use it on the wheels. But everything else is fair game.
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Joined: Feb 2014
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From: MA
2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
I bought one of those things years ago. Probably in storage somewhere. The problem here is you get all sorts of bird droppings and other larger items aside from pollen so I never really got into using it.
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 21
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From: Oregon
2010 MB E-550
DFWdude I concur..... I've had mine more years than I care to admit, and use it plenty. And like you.... I'm gettin' too "Long in th' Tooth" to be doin' a lot of bending when I don't need too.....
Be Well
Fred
Be Well
Fred
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 3,056
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From: Orlando, Florida
E350 Sport/ML350RWD
I have had one for years and I do use it when it's appropriate. If I look at my car and see tree sap and bird droppings all over it- I don't use it. I guess common sense needs to be included in the directions.
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,224
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From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
Been using California duster for couple of decades, but for me main goal is to put cars into garage as where I have been living, the sun is worse enemy.
Very often I scratch my head when I see MB younger than my models and clear coat badly curling.
The owners usually keep $500 worth of crap in garage.
I heard that ostrich brush works well too.
Very often I scratch my head when I see MB younger than my models and clear coat badly curling.
The owners usually keep $500 worth of crap in garage.
I heard that ostrich brush works well too.
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Joined: Mar 2014
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From: Northwest Illinois
2014 E350 also restored: 1969 Camaro convertible SS 1957 Chevy Belair 2dr hardtop
Last time I used one of those was on my 57 chevy or on one of the bicycles I have. I have it somewhere in the garage. Would never think about using it on a new car finish.
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,001
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From: NY
2014 E350 4Matic
Funny you mention where it's best used, because I think it really shines on the vertical surfaces. For me, it works a peach getting the dust within the sculpting of the Sport side skirts, and on the vertical rear of the car (bumper, twin exhaust facia, and rear spoiler, etc). As I get older, I don't bend over to wipe surfaces with a rag anymore.
I stopped worrying about tearing up the finish when I found it useful on window glass, too. It picks up 100% of the dust on the glass, and leaves no residue at all that you can see from inside the car. So I reasoned it can't possibly damage the paint.
I don't use it on the wheels. But everything else is fair game.
I stopped worrying about tearing up the finish when I found it useful on window glass, too. It picks up 100% of the dust on the glass, and leaves no residue at all that you can see from inside the car. So I reasoned it can't possibly damage the paint.
I don't use it on the wheels. But everything else is fair game.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 2,754
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From: CA
2014 E350 W212
and yeah, like others have posted, for light dusting only, not to be used for any type of heavy dirt or spot removal (bird / bee droppings, pollen / water spots, etc.) - that's what the spray detailer and washing is for.
ps...
you're not allowed to use a california duster in texas... ;-) i kid, i kid... happy dusting...
