A safe soft brush before washing?

**dochawk** · 03-01-2016, 03:58 PM

I live in the desert (Las Vegas). Dust and mesquite tree debris (from individual tines to small branches) are inevitable. I think I could stick the car in a vacuum room and it would still happen . . .

Anyway, what can I safely use to brush the dust & debris off before washing? I'm thinking one of those really soft brushes with about three inch bristles, but is that the way to go?

hawk

**Setec Astronomy** · 03-01-2016, 04:02 PM

I think I would try to blow the stuff off, rather than brush it. The Metro blowers are on sale:

Air Force Master Blasters, Metro Air Force Motorcycle and Car Dryers

**TTQ B4U** · 03-01-2016, 04:02 PM

Leaf blower would likely be safer.

**oc412** · 03-01-2016, 04:10 PM

I have the same problem in SoCal with dust and I use a CA duster cause I don't have a power source where I park at my complex. I have a good coat of collinite 845 on it and use several different quick detailers on a daily basis so my paint is very slick. My eagle edgeless towels slide right off the hood w/o product on them. I haven't had any problems with it yet. If I had an air compressor or access to one I would go with that.

**Setec Astronomy** · 03-01-2016, 04:14 PM

Originally Posted by oc412

I have the same problem in SoCal with dust and I use a CA duster cause I don't have a power source where I park at my complex. I have a good coat of collinite 845 on it and use several different quick detailers on a daily basis so my paint is very slick. My eagle edgeless towels slide right off the hood w/o product on them. I haven't had any problems with it yet. If I had an air compressor or access to one I would go with that.

Cordless leaf blower, or the Makita blower they used to sell here.

**FUNX650** · 03-01-2016, 06:50 PM

Originally Posted by dochawk

I live in the desert (Las Vegas). Dust and mesquite tree debris (from individual tines to small branches) are inevitable. I think I could stick the car in a vacuum room and it would still happen . . .

Anyway, what can I safely use to brush the dust & debris off before washing? I'm thinking one of those really soft brushes with about three inch bristles, but is that the way to go?

hawk

You didn't say what type of washing
process you are going to be using...

but if you're going to be washing the
vehicle with a hose, water, buckets,
shampoo and wash-mitts...(or even
Rinseless or Waterless washes, for
that matter)

Why not just use a strong stream of
water to rinse as much of the dust
and debris off the vehicle first?

Bob

**Setec Astronomy** · 03-01-2016, 07:34 PM

Originally Posted by FUNX650

Why not just use a strong stream of
water to rinse as much of the dust
and debris off the vehicle first?

There's a good suggestion. Have you ever thought of going into politics? That's an area that could use a steady hand right now.

**dochawk** · 03-03-2016, 10:45 AM

At the moment, I'm using a spray bottle of rinseless wash and a microfiber towel to get spots just about every day. Hosing the thing down and drying isn't an option. And hosing a car out here on a daily basis would kind of flaunt the water situation

What is a CA duster?

I found a $50 Ryobi blower: Ryobi ONE+ 120 mph 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Hard Surface Blower/Sweeper - Battery and Charger Not Included-P2105 - The Home Depot, which would have the advantage of fitting the batteries I already standardized on . . .

I need to finish removing my custom shelves in the garage to fit it in; it's a lot bigger than the miata . . .

**Setec Astronomy** · 03-03-2016, 10:57 AM

I have that blower, it's not going to be like an Air Force or Master Blaster, or even like a corded blower. Also be careful the nozzle is quite hard (and sharp); I've been thinking about some sort of shrink tube for the end. I use mine mostly for wheels (when I'm using it on the car).