When my Grandmother gave me her car she gave me everything that was in it, including her old Califonia Duster. I have seen them used at car shows and they seem great. My question is, how do you go about cleaning it? I have no idea how long it had been since she used it last, and I want to make sure it is clean before I use it on my Mustang.

Thank you.

 

I think the rule of thumb is the more you use it the better it works... something like that. Don't even think about cleaning it.

And when in doubt just pick up a new one. Just be sure to let it sit, duster-side down, on some newspaper or a towel for a couple of days before you use it.

Mine's all old and funky and works like a champ.

 

Ok, that makes me feel a little better about using it then. Mine definately falls into the funky category that is for sure.

Are you saying to let it sit duster side down on newspaper if I get a new one? Just out of curiosity, why is that?

 

They are waxed, over waxed really, ans when new placing it on newspaper allows some of the wax to dissipate from the brush.
It comes with instructions to do it and explanation.

 

Works great! Have had a new one for each Mustang I've owned.

 

Yep that is how I feel about them also. They do say on the directions that they can be washed but in my opinion once you do that it isnt going to work correctly.

Richard

 

Thanks for the input guys. I'm looking forward to using mine now.

 

I shake mine out thoroughly after each swipe

 

I really like my California Duster. Works great. But it did get filthy eventually. It gets so ****ed dusty around here especially during the summer. I use it all the time.

A coincidence. I just washed it for the first time today using Woolite in luke warm water. It's air drying now.

If you're interested I'll let you know if it still works as well after it's been washed.

 

Ed,

I would be very interested. Let me know how it works when you get a chance.

Thanks.

 

i dusted off 50+ cars, quite a few times over the summer with the duster at my dad's dealership. it stops working so well after a while and only spreads the dust and dirt on the car, rather than picking up.

they are basically disposable.

after you wash it and it finally dries a few days later, it won't do jack **** just so you know... but they're pretty cheap anyway.

 

I havent read the directions in awhile, but if I remember right, your not supposed to wash it.

 

Per the company web page:

How do I clean my Duster?
Answer Because of a special permanently baked in paraffin treatment, The Original California Dusters are made to provide years of effective service without the need for cleaning. Simply shake them out before and after each use. The "dirtier" they get the better they work.

If you find it necessary to clean your Duster because it is too dirty or if the Duster stops lifting dust, it can be washed. You may hand wash your Duster in cold water with a mild detergent such as Woolite, then air dry. Do not use hot water to wash or hot air to dry, as heat or harsh detergent may remove the special paraffin treatment.

 

+1 I just shake the hell out of mine and it keeps pretty clean

 

I use mine ALL the time (I probably only wash my car twice a year becuase of it).. and it's true with the dirtier thing. However, if you really feel like you don't want to use it anymore becuase it's too dirty, just buy a new one. They're only $15 or so at taget.

 

Yes, I'll let you know. It's air drying right now.

Excellent posts in this thread. This is what I really like about MSF.

 

I think I'm just going to knock the hell out of it to get the dirt out of it, and then see if it looks ok to use. If not, I'll go buy one, but I want to at least try to use the one I have first. If it works alright, then that's $15 I can put towards some kind of mod for the Mustang

 

These things should just come with the 'stang. I use mine every time I park it.

 

Yep. standing out in the gym parking lot this A.M., "dusting" my GT. People must think I am obsessed. Mustang folks just are.

 

People make fun of me at my work for using it.They are definitely not car enthusiasts