painkiller

Joe, I believe you can wash it if you want but the instructions say it works better as it gets dirty. I just shake it out real good after using it.

John

ApexCars

Be careful with that Cali duster, especially when new and on a warm car. They have lots of wax on them and it tends to leave streaks. One idea is to wrap it in a towel and rub some of the wax out b4 you use it. It is also a good idea to make sure the car is nice and cool so the wax doesn't melt onto the car and leave streaks. I really like the mini-duster for the interior also. Makes cleaning the dash and console a breeze.

nineeagles

I have both, too...the regular and the dash size.....I use them alot

Blue S2

I have the same issue around here, but i deal with it. Nothing cleans like water. I just can't stand for the thought that i would be dry rubbing all that crap across my paint. I'll stick with the wash.

Now i wish there was a better way to clean wheels! Maybe I just need a seat or something cause crouching down to clean wheels is not easy on my back at all!

KLR

I use the california duster and quick detailer as well. As long as you shake the CD out frequently while using it and just drag it across the surface of your car (e.g., don't apply any pressure), it doesn't seem to cause any scratching. Mine came from Target. I also use QD and just lightly wipe/brush it off with a dry terry cloth towel (e.g., don't apply any pressure).

Both of these approaches work great. I haven't washed my car since last october (perhaps 2k miles ago), although I don't drive it in the rain/snow/etc. I wouldn't trust these products if the car were really dirty, but dust and pollen will come right off.

Jack667

Quick Shine 99 is also a good product, but probably not for your application. It is expensive and it takes a long while to do the whole car - like the Quick Detailer product mentioned above.
I thought I'd chime in bc I've used it and it works great, even on a really dirty car. No water needed...

83na944

Sorry about the obscure reference to the National Lampoon movie.

The CD really does do a good job on the pollen. QDs are supposed to have a lot of lubricant that aids in the removal of dirt without scratching the car.

UDPride

be gentle w/those cal dusters. they can and do leave fine scratches if you are not careful. i have one too, but just pay attention to what you are doing. always follow the airflow. and make sure you clean them often.

i liken them to the water blades. water blades work great if you have the no-fear attitude and just swipe them like they are supposed to be and ignore the screaching sounds they make on your car, but if you are hesitant in all your swipes and show no assertiveness in them, you can run into trouble. took me a while to learn to ignore instincts and really swipe those bad boys. but any other way and you are asking for trouble.

chitown928s4

I currently use a product by Armour All called Car Wash Wipes. I use them just about everyday and they dont leave any streak marks or such. You can find at most car parts places. Target does carry them too. The towel is about 15" square and will do the entire car if you wipe before the solvents dry up. When it all dirtied up I use on the wheels so I can maximize its use. Id give that a shot.