Many people don’t think twice about dust and let’s be honest—it’s a petty annoyance that looks bad and can be difficult to remove in tight spaces.
Dust floats and accumulates in carpet fibers, on dashboards, and just about everywhere; it requires a few techniques to remove properly that you may be unaware of.
In this post, you’ll learn how to remove dust from the outside or inside of any vehicle, how to prevent it, and a few inexpensive products you’ll need.
Can dust actually scratch your car’s paint?
The short answer is yes dust can scratch car paint, but it’s unlikely unless the dust is heavy. Since dust is basically just fine powder consisting of tiny particles of earth or waste, it won’t scratch your vehicle under normal conditions.
You can technically etch some swirl marks in the paint if you use a dry towel, so always rinse off dust, sand, dirt, pollen, or other powdery substances with water.
How to remove dust from vehicle paint
To remove dust on your vehicle, it’s best to always start with a quick rinse, followed by an exterior wash.
You can use what’s called the California Car Duster for light dust only, so long as you apply a protective coating first.
California Car Duster
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If you don’t keep your vehicle clean (and haven’t applied a protective coating), you risk scratching your vehicle whenever you graze anything over it.
How to remove dust from dashboards and interior surfaces
Using a microfiber towel is a great way to remove dust from your vehicle’s interior; microfiber is designed to lift dirt and debris (like dust particles) from any surface. If you use a cloth or paper towel you’re more likely to spread dust than remove it.
Once most of the dust is removed, use a water-based spray to finish the job and protect your dash.
Use detailing brushes to dislodge dust
Auto detailing brushes can also help dislodge dust trapped in vents or areas a towel just can’t reach. I recommend a combo pack of brushes so you have a bunch of different sizes and bristle lengths.
11-Piece Detailing Brush Set
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Makeup brushes make it easy to safely remove dust on your vehicle’s electronic screens.
Once you’ve dislodged dust, always clean and vacuum your carpet and mats as part of this process; check your cabin air filters too!
How to prevent dust from sticking to vehicle paint
Dust accumulation shouldn’t be a problem if you drive your vehicle often, but at minimum you’ll want to add some protection on top of your clear coat. For stored vehicles, car covers have their place too.
Apply a dust-repelling vehicle coating
You can repel dust by applying a paint sealant or ceramic coating; these coatings create a slick surface that will keep your vehicle cleaner for longer.
Need to learn more about protective coatings? Check out our 101 guide on paint sealants and ceramic coatings to determine which one is best for you.
Can wax attract dust? Yes, fresh organic wax can attract dust a bit more than synthetic products that are more hydrophobic. Normally dust won’t be noticeable after a few days; humidity and static electricity caused by hand waxing play a role.
Get an indoor car cover
It’s a good idea to use an indoor car cover to prevent dust from accumulating if you intend to keep your car in storage for a long period of time.
Dust can cling to any vehicle stored in a garage, so be sure to protect it with a cover if you won’t be driving it for a few weeks.
Indoor Dust-Proof Car Cover
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Indoor covers are typically elastic and slide on easier than outdoor covers.
Use compressed air as needed
You can also use compressed air in detailing to remove dust and fine particles in hard-to-reach areas like door jambs. Dust can be finicky to remove in some areas and I’ve found compressed air the best method to blow away dust, leaves, and other debris.
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Happy detailing!
