Dust is one of those petty annoyances you need to remove as a detailer or auto enthusiast, but how? While many people don’t really think twice when it comes to dust, it can be unsightly and difficult to remove depending on where it collects.
In this post, I wanted to break down a few common ways to remove dust from the outside or inside of any vehicle, as well as what to know about it in general when it comes to vehicles.
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 really won’t scratch your vehicle under normal situations.
It’s when dust is removed that the scratching can occur, which is why you never want to remove heavy dust buildup with a duster or other device to avoid this risk.
Thick dust is usually more of a problem, and should always be washed off with water. When wet, globs of cobwebs and dust can embed into your clear coat and even cause light scratching. Keep in mind that I’m referring to the gray/white sometimes clear-looking dust and not brown dust that occurs during windstorms.
Sand, pollen, or other debris should always be washed off with water to avoid scratching.
How auto detailers remove dust from dashboards and interiors
When it comes to removing dust, most detailers use what you probably expect – a microfiber towel. This is because these towels are designed to actually lift dirt and debris (like dust particles) from any surface.
Instead of spreading the dust around, a damp microfiber towel helps to lift and remove dust permanently.
Using an auto detailing brush can help remove dust trapped in vents, and would highly recommend one for areas where a towel can’t reach.
A touch-free way to remove heavy dust safely: compressed air
Compressed air is one of the better ways to remove dust in hard-to-reach areas, like cupholders or vents. Check out my post on using compressed air for more ways you can use it to detail your vehicle, like when using a cleaning gun.
If you don’t have compressed air handy, using the blow cycle on your vacuum can be effective for most areas. I’ve even seen some detailers use portable air blasters used for grooming pets to blow out door jambs and other areas (if you don’t want to invest in a compressor).
Tip: Use a vacuum and work from the top down
With your microfiber towel in hand, many detailers will choose to use a vacuum to suck up loose dust as it is dislodged and floating around.
It’s also a good idea to work from the top-down, starting from the dashboard, all the way down to the carpet. This way you don’t risk dirt or debris collecting on carpets or mats you have previously cleaned.
Preventing dust from sticking (and scratching) a vehicle’s paint
If you spend a lot of time and money keeping classic cars spotless, dust can be a huge problem if you keep the vehicle in a garage. The reason dust tends to stick to the exterior of your vehicle is due to static.
If you intend to keep your car in storage for a long period of time, car covers actually are the most effective method to prevent dust from accumulating on the surface of your car.
Especially if you plan to store the vehicle in a building without ventilation, a quality car cover is usually the best way to go.
For most people, I don’t recommend using car covers all the time, due to the fact that taking them on and off can cause scratching if not careful since they can get pretty dirty.
How sealants help prevent exterior dust buildup
Using a sealant is one of the better ways to avoid dust from sticking to your vehicle. Wax can be effective, but a synthetic sealant usually tends to create a more slick surface that makes it difficult for dust to stick to.
A product called Autoglym Polar Seal you can find on Amazon I’ve heard works wonders. This you actually apply with a foam cannon/gun and a pressure washer, and it creates a hydrophobic layer also great at repelling dust.
Can waxes and sealants attract dust?
Wax can attract dust, which is why you may notice dust accumulate a couple of days after waxing. This is totally normal, and generally caused by the pressure applied to the clear coat when waxing – basically creating static.
Humidity and other environmental factors can also contribute to the amount of dust you may experience.
4 products for preventing and removing dust safely
Depending on the use case, there are several different types of products that are ideal for removing dust either on the inside or outside of your vehicle. Here’s a quick rundown based on what you’re trying to do.
- Repelling dust on-the-go: Chemical Guys Speed Wipe Detailer – View on Amazon
- Repelling dust during the wash process: Autoglym Polar Seal – View on Amazon
- Removing light dust from the exterior: California Car Duster – View on Amazon
- Removing dust on the interior: Dash duster or microfiber towel – View on Amazon
Conclusion
Removing dust is really one of those cosmetic tasks you will probably begin to first notice on the inside of your car, but with the right products and techniques, it can be done relatively quickly and safely.
Dust is generally harmless to paint as long as you keep the painted surface wiped down or washed before heavy accumulation can occur.
Compressed air can definitely help both on the interior and exterior, followed by a microfiber wipe down with your favorite interior detailing product.
For more tips like this, check out my post on 17 interior detailing secrets that the pros use to take your detailing game to the next level!
