I have a black car that, even after I clean it, will show light dirt or dust after a short drive. If I do not want to wet wash the car all the time. is there a safe way to wipe off the car without scratching it? Thanks for your advice
I have a black car and I love it. I do know that there are drawbacks to owning that color though. For light dust…I keep a clean chamois cloth in a sealed plastic bag for wiping the car down. If the dust looks like dirt…it’s time to wash it because wiping off anything other than light dust can scratch the paint surface.
I have a hose nozzle that sprays soapy or clear water. A soapy rinse (with LOTS of soapy water) followed by a good clear-water rinse works wonders.
Remember that soap only frees the dirt… lots and lots of water are what safely removes it.
You have a black car ? Move to a place with paved roads only or get use to it. They will always look worse. Unless you like to wash your car almost daily, if you want a black car to look good all the time, don’t drive it.
Compressed air might work to some extent to remove most the dust without having to wash it every time.
I have a couple black cars. Use a product like Meguiar’s quick detailer in between washes as long as its only dust and not mud or anything. You spray it on and wipe it off so it doesn’t scratch the surface.
Keeping a black car clean is a catch 22. Removing contaminants before they harm the finish is always beneficial. But, if you don’t wash it properly, you are creasing the scratching on any finish which on a black car, shows up much more easily. If you can’t get the hang of it and just depend upon power washers or wash your car while the finish is hot ater driving or sitting in the sun, you can cause more harm then good over time. Keeping a black car clean and looking good is not easy.
How about a California duster? I have a black CUV that is piano black and pretty large, we also have hard water here. So the car is a part-time job for me. I second the detailer though, it is supposed to have some lubricant in it that reduces scratching. My biggest issue is the white dots on the front bumper and the hood from all the debris on the road. I have a lot of fwy driving. My friend who had a car detailing shop suggested I stop driving like a maniac. His rule was give yourself 6 cars space, like that is going to happen on the 405 fwy.
Great recommendations. Used to use Zaino spray as a detailer, then Meguiars.
I will do my best to keep it clean but will probably use a no-touch car wash to rinse it off then a chamois to dry in between washings. Other than that, it will be dusty. Lol. Any suggestions on car wash solution to use? Do I have to wax? Thanks!
I think the best compromise for this problem is just to spray the car off with water, then wipe the water off with a towel or chamois. I do this on my Corolla once a week or so, takes 5 minutes max. It’s not the same quality of job as a thorough washing with soap and water, but gets the worst of the grime off, and pretty much all the dust without scratching the surface.
The California Car Duster is available at Wally World. On my black car, I use it three or four times before it gets too dirty to just dist.