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BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > E90 / E92 / E93 3-series Technical Forums > Wash, Wax, Detailing and Cosmetic protection/repairs > California Car Duster and Water Blade



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      07-19-2005, 03:31 PM   #1
Broken1
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California Car Duster and Water Blade

I know this is supposed to goto the wash forum, but i want alot of answers quickly...and this is the best place...feel free to move it when it dies! (Sorry jwocky and mark)

I have just placed an online order for the california car duster and water blade! Have any of you guys used these products and have any comments on them?

The website assures you that it won't scratch "even the most delicate paint" and they've been around for ages! I have a saphire black car, which we all know shows every single mark...will it be ok to use this california duster thing?

Post any comments!

Ps. South african ppl - good online buy-stuff-for-your-car site -> http://www.motormerchandise.co.za/index.ihtml
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      07-19-2005, 03:34 PM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Broken1
I know this is supposed to goto the wash forum, but i want alot of answers quickly...and this is the best place...feel free to move it when it dies! (Sorry jwocky and mark)

I have just placed an online order for the california car duster and water blade! Have any of you guys used these products and have any comments on them?

The website assures you that it won't scratch "even the most delicate paint" and they've been around for ages! I have a saphire black car, which we all know shows every single mark...will it be ok to use this california duster thing?

Post any comments!

Ps. South african ppl - good online buy-stuff-for-your-car site -> http://www.motormerchandise.co.za/index.ihtml
Can you post a link to the products you ordered?
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      07-19-2005, 03:39 PM   #3
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http://californiacardusters.com/spec...uctcombos.html
CAR DETAILER COMBO ...

- One 12" Water Blade in retail clam shell pack.
- One sealed Standard Car Duster
- One Mini Duster
- One Clear Custom Carrying Bag for the Dusters.

IN STOCK. SHIPS IN 24 HOURS.

PRICE :: $28.70 $ lowest price guaranteed!

I bought this...
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      07-19-2005, 03:41 PM   #4
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The CA water blade is incredible!!! I've been using it for about 7 years and I can't imagine how I use to dry without it. I use to dry my E39 in a few minutes. Just remember not to press hard when drying because it can leave a streak. It's never scratched my cars. You'll love it!

I picked up the CA Duster last summer at Big lots for $4.99 and still have not used it yet. Maybe I'll give it a try on the E90.
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      07-19-2005, 03:42 PM   #5
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I know exactly what they are, and I would not use them. The duster can claim that it won't scratch your paint because it's not the duster that does the scratching, it's the dirt and "dust" that it is dragging over the paint that scratches it. They can't possibly know what contaminants will be on your paint, so I don't know how they can make that claim. I wouldn't drag anything across my dirty paint without hosing it off first. If keep your car well waxed all the time, it might be OK, but you will have to be the judge of that.

As far as the blade, I guess this would be OK as long as the car was VERY clean, but even then I would be hesitant to use them. I may be being a little over protective, but I am old fashioned.

The first thing I did when I met my girlfriend (now wife) was throw away her california car duster.

The blade works really well on our glass shower doors though!
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      07-19-2005, 04:15 PM   #6
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It does say it lifts the dust off? I don't know. I figure it's worth a try (on a car other than my own...like my mothers?)
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      07-19-2005, 04:16 PM   #7
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cc 330i is right
the duster will scratch your car if you dont clean it first (the duster). the water blad doesnt clean the car like i do, i use those sheap skin thingies. also the blade might scratch your car if not used properly!!!!
just be care full.
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      07-19-2005, 04:19 PM   #8
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I read a lot of positive reviews on both the duster and blade before I purchased them. I've used them both several times, but I always have this fear that I'm going to damage something. Of course, I haven't seen any damage in using them on 3 different cars, so my worries are probably more a lack of knowledge and trust. Just keep in mind what CC 330i says is true, its the dirt and dust that scratches. I've never used my duster on a heavily soiled car and I make sure I thoroughly wash before using the blade. Do some research and I'm sure you'll find plenty of tips and endorsements for both.
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      07-19-2005, 04:42 PM   #9
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I've used both and I've never had a problem with either. Don't use much pressure with either and you're not likely to damage anything.

The water blade is most useful for the large areas without ridges. Like your hood, doors, and roof.
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      07-19-2005, 05:11 PM   #10
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I have been wondering the same thing... I have both of these products sitting in my garage... I have used the blade on my old silver car... could not see any damage from it... I have been hesitant to try it on black though... Also, I have had my California duster for over a year now. Should I replace it for the new car?
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      07-19-2005, 05:46 PM   #11
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I have inherited both of my fathers duster and blade. He used both on his black '56 chevy convertible and 'black '34 Ford Cabriolet and never had an issue of scratches.

I've used both a couple times and was happy. But, I have always been cautious. Keep the duster clean and wash the blade while washing your car. This will ensure no material is on which may scratch.

My new facorite is the Mr. Clean Autodry product. I wash my car every weekend with the Autodry and how it filters the water really works. I don't get any spots on my black e90. And, Mr. Clean will not scratch for sure.
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      07-19-2005, 07:07 PM   #12
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The waterblade is amazing. It really helps you dry the car quickly, just make sure when you use it that there is ABSOLUTELY NO rocks or dirt caught on the blade.

As for the duster, I used to use it a lot. Recently I stopped because I felt it was dragging some of the heavier dirt across the surface creating swirl marks. I would really only use it for very fine or light dust.
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      07-20-2005, 01:20 AM   #13
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I only plan to use it to remove the light layer of dust that settles on my car after parking it overnight (like if I wash it today, I want it to look clean ATLEASE tomorrow). I think it's worth a try...but i'll "test" it on the bonnet for a while before I destroy my whole car
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      07-20-2005, 03:09 AM   #14
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The water blades are fine as long as you've really cleaned the car. One tip is to make sure the car is really wet before using the blade - even to the point of giving it an extra rinse immediately before use. You still won't get the car completely dry with the blade - but it speeds things along! Oh - and its a good idea to give the blade a wipe (even just with your fingers ) between "sweeps"...

As for the California Dusters - my experience is that they are fine for a wee while but as they accumulate dust and dirt in the fibres they then start scratching! A nice clean one is great for removing polish dust after you've finished waxing your car!
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      07-20-2005, 06:28 AM   #15
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okay. So for now I am going to take a miss on the water blade. It's basically just like the back of a squeegy :/

I bought the california duster, and the dashboard duster today from a specialist autoshop. The guy assured me, as long as I use it only on light dust and to touch up a clean car (not clean a dirty one) it wouldn't scratch my car. He said he's been using it for years. He also told me, when I want to clean the duster - not to use water or any soap as this strips the protective wax coating (which prevents car scratching!) - but I must shake it vigourasly to remove the dirt from it, and store it in it's container!

I figure it's worth a try... but i'll only use it say on my trunk lid for a few weeks and then see what happens :-)

Any other people experience's or tips would be greatly appreciated? (maybe some of you use this product on a regular basis?)
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      07-20-2005, 09:06 AM   #16
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Yes the duster might be OK if you only ever use it on your car with just a light coating of dust. Keep your car well waxed, and don't press down at all.

The squeegee might be OK too but the car would have to be spotless. I don't know if I would take the risk myself, but it could possibly be used safely.
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      07-20-2005, 09:56 AM   #17
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I didn't get the water blade. I don't like the idea of drying my car like that. If i do get it eventually, I would only use it to clean my windows!
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      07-20-2005, 12:51 PM   #18
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A lot of mixed reviews here, I guess as long as the products are kept "clean" themselves (the duster and the blade) they work as described.
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      07-20-2005, 12:57 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Petercat
My new facorite is the Mr. Clean Autodry product. I wash my car every weekend with the Autodry and how it filters the water really works. I don't get any spots on my black e90. And, Mr. Clean will not scratch for sure.
I'll second that. I love Mr.Clean. Washing a car has never been quite so easy and man, it really makes the car shine. This is another reason I haven't used my blade or duster as much.

Just to show you some positive comments on the duster, check here:

Duster reviews
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      07-20-2005, 03:41 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Broken1
okay. So for now I am going to take a miss on the water blade. It's basically just like the back of a squeegy :/
The water blade is just a squeegy, but it is much softer than your typical squeegy. It's more like a silicon blade instead of rubber. Also, the tip of the blade is different than your typical squeegy. The tip of a squeegy looks like this: l and the tip of the water blade looks like this: T
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      07-21-2005, 01:29 AM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Broken1
I didn't get the water blade. I don't like the idea of drying my car like that. If i do get it eventually, I would only use it to clean my windows!
I used the Water Blade and California Duster on my E39 for 3 years without a problem. The key is surface preparation. The Blade should only be used after the car has been thoroughly washed and immediately after rinsing. The purpose of the Blade is to quickly remove water from the vehicle's larger surfaces (hood, roof, trunk, windows, etc) before the water can spot the finish. Then you follow with a high quality chamois and finish drying. The California Duster will not scratch your car's paint surface if it is properly maintained. Shake it out and run your fingers through it to insure no particulate matter remains then use it, remembering not to press into the surface (we're dusting not scrubbing). Dust will practically leap from your car onto this thing. Never wash it! For some reason that strips it of its dust attracting qualities. Just remember to store it in its carrier and shake it out while running your fingers through it before and after each use. That's all you need to do. I used my 4 year old Duster on my new 330i two days after bringing it home. No worries.
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      12-15-2005, 06:32 PM   #22
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I've used both for years also. No issues. As far as the blade goes, I just sweep lightly, them follow with my Big Blue drying towel. Way better than any dryer I've used. As for the duster, I only use it in the spring/fall, to keep the pollen off. You really don't touch the surface much at all, the static in it pulls the dust off. They are awesome for interiors!!!
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