What Is The Best Car Duster? (2021 Reviews)
When it comes to car-care considerations, a duster may not be top of mind. Still, maintaining a dust-free vehicle is an excellent way to show your car the love it deserves. Regular dusting keeps it looking brand new, and it also helps with performance by keeping dust out of air vents.
So what are the best car dusters? Which ones will get the job done without scratching or damaging your car? Today, we’re going to share our top picks and go over everything you need to know to make the best purchase. Without further ado, let’s jump in.
Page Contents
- The Best Car Dusters – Our Top Picks
- Best Overall – Relentless Drive Ultimate Car Duster
- Runner Up – California Car Duster 62442 Standard Car Duster with Wooden Handle
- Best Value – AutoSpa 97372AS Interior Car Detail Duster
- Budget Choice – Senhai Airvent Cleaner
- Best Disposable – Swiffer 180 Dusters
- Best for Interiors – Relentless Drive Ultimate Dash Duster
- Premium Pick – Prestige Auto Care Ultra Premium Car Duster
- Honorable Mention – Fasmov Car Duster
- Why Buy a Car Duster?
- Types of Car Dusters
- Microfiber
- Cotton
- Lambswool
- Compressed Air
- Features to Look for in a Car Duster
- Size
- Shape
- Performance
- Handle Length
- Grip
- Washable vs. Nonwashable
- Durability
- Versatility
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Do you need to use cleaning solutions with dusters?
- Can you wash car dusters?
- Can you use a car duster on glass?
- How can you eliminate streaks?
- Can you use a duster to pick up dog hair?
- Final Thoughts
The Best Car Dusters – Our Top Picks
Want to get straight to the point? Here’s all you need to know about the best car dusters on the market.
Best Overall – Relentless Drive Ultimate Car Duster
The Relentless Drive Ultimate Car Duster took the top prize, and it has plenty of features that make it excellent. This 360-degree duster is made from microfiber and is covered with lots of short noodles that are excellent at attracting dust and debris. It also boasts one of the largest bodies on the market to help get your dusting done faster.
The handle is made of steel, so you won’t have any durability problems or decay, which may occur with some wood handles. At six inches, it’s also a good length. The duster starts at 16 inches long, but the telescoping feature extends up to 28.5 inches, so you can use it both inside your car and out.
The Relentless Drive performs exceptionally well. Its size makes getting dusting done without fatigue easy, and it’s especially effective at getting rid of pollen. Plus, it won’t leave streaks or damage your car’s paint. It’s washable, though you shouldn’t have to wash it—a good shake is generally enough to get the debris out, and it comes with a storage bag.
The only negative to speak of is that some reviewers noted problems with durability after a short period, though this didn’t seem to be a widespread issue.
Pros
- Washable
- 360-degree head
- Long body
- 100-percent satisfaction guarantee
Cons
- Expensive
- Might not be the longest-lasting
Runner Up – California Car Duster 62442 Standard Car Duster with Wooden Handle
Coming in a close second to the Relentless Drive Car Duster is the California Car Duster. For anyone who prefers a more traditional duster, this option might be right for you. As you may have guessed, given the name, it was initially designed to help California drivers avoid frequently washing their cars in the summer, when the dust is at its worst.
The good news? You don’t have to live in California to reap the benefits of this product. Unlike most others on our list, it’s not made of microfiber; instead, this 1.5-pound duster has a cotton mop head with a wooden handle. It utilizes paraffin wax on the cotton, which acts as a dust magnet, and it’s ideal for larger surfaces.
The California Car Duster won’t scratch your paint job, and it doesn’t smear or streak either. Users turn to it to get rid of all kinds of debris, from wind-borne to rain-splatter dust. Do note that it’s vital to follow the manufacturer’s instructions before the first use. Otherwise, you may end up with a wax film or red fibers on your car.
Once you get through the break-in period, you’re good to go. What’s fantastic about this product is that the longer you use it, the better it works. It’s also incredibly durable. The only downside is that the handle is not exceptionally ergonomic, though it is quite sturdy.
Pros
- Traditional design
- Removes dust very effectively
- Safe on paint
- Includes a storage bag
Cons
- The handle can be uncomfortable when dusting for long periods
- Requires a break-in period
Best Value – AutoSpa 97372AS Interior Car Detail Duster
Our Value pick is the AutoSpa 97372AS. If you’re looking for a duster that’s excellent for detail work, this product may work well for you. It’s made from long chenille microfibers, which is one of the highest-quality microfibers available. The noodles are long and wide (not to mention plush), and the design allows for the removal of almost all dust in one go.
We were impressed to see how fast the AutoSpa picks up debris on tricky areas like dashboards and seats. The size and shape are also ideal for smaller spaces like pockets and cup holders, and at just 1.6 ounces, it’s incredibly lightweight. It features a molded plastic handle that’s easy to grip and won’t cause fatigue while you’re dusting.
The duster is about six inches long, and it works best in interiors, though if you want to use it on the outside of your car, it won’t scratch or damage the paint. It’s washable, and the small size fits perfectly in your car’s glove box for easy access. The only downside is that it doesn’t come with a pouch.
Pros
- Affordable
- Washable
- Easy to store
Cons
- The handle is a bit short for exterior work
- No pouch included
Budget Choice – Senhai Airvent Cleaner
This list wouldn’t be complete without a product to remove dust from tiny spaces like air vents. None of the other dusters on our list are well-suited to locations, so we wanted to include an option for them. The Senhai Airvent Cleaners are the perfect solution—and the price is right, which is why they are our Best Budget choice.
When you purchase the Senhai Cleaners, you receive a set of three dusters with dual-cleaning capabilities. On one end, there is a three-layered handle with a microfiber cloth cover, perfect for reaching deep into vents. This design is also quite handy for dusting window blinds. On the other end, you get a smaller nylon cleaning head, which is excellent for things like buttons.
While the Senhai Airvent Cleaners are right at home in your car, they work well in many other areas. Take advantage of the set of three by keeping them in different places, like your car, office, and home. Since they’re small, storage is easy. The only downside, if you want to call it that, is that this product is pretty one-note—it’s only useful in small spaces.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Washable
- Comes with three brushes
Cons
- They are only suitable for air vents
Best Disposable – Swiffer 180 Dusters
If there’s one name you’re sure to be familiar with on our list, it’s Swiffer. This ubiquitous cleaning brand has established a stronghold in homes across the country, and we had to include an option from this much-loved company.
The Swiffer 180 Dusters are our choice for the top Disposable dusters, featuring a 360-degree duster that works well with tight angles. The design works specifically to trap and lock debris, and the heads are compatible with both the long and short handles in the Swiffer family. When you’re finished using them, you can throw them away.
What makes this product stand out is not just its ability to remove dust from the inside of your automobile, but also that it leaves Febreze’s Lavender Vanilla scent wherever you dust. No other duster on our list both cleans and improves smell in one go. It can even help alleviate allergens from pet dander.
You’ll still need a duster for your vehicle’s exterior, as Swiffer’s dusters can only be used inside the car. And for anyone concerned about sustainability, this option is not the most environmentally friendly one available.
Pros
- Delivers a pleasant fragrance after use
- Works with both long and short handles
- Helps remove allergens
Cons
- Cannot be used on the vehicle’s exterior
- Not the most environmentally friendly option
Best for Interiors – Relentless Drive Ultimate Dash Duster
Next up on our list is our choice for the top Interior duster, which also happens to be our second pick from Relentless Drive. It has a smaller body than the Ultimate Car Duster, making it well suited to use on dashboards and car interiors. It’s made from chenille microfibers that work on all surfaces, so you can even use it on your vehicle exterior if need be.
The Relentless Drive Ultimate Dash Duster’s small size fits perfectly in any glove box, so you can leave it there for easy access whenever you notice dust building up. Even though it’s small, it’s still a decent ten inches long, allowing you to dust reasonably quickly. It won’t scratch any surface on your car, and the price is excellent for the quality you receive.
It’s not really washable, but you can shake it out to remove dirt in between dustings. The only downside is that you may notice some lint left behind the first few times you use it, but this gradually goes away.
Pros
- Small enough to fit in your glove box
- Multiple applications
- Suitable for both interior and exterior use
- Economical price
Cons
- You may be left with lint the first few times you use it
Premium Pick – Prestige Auto Care Ultra Premium Car Duster
Our Premium Pick comes from a company known for its car cleaning products—Prestige. The Prestige Auto Care Ultra Premium Car Duster is a direct competitor to the California Car Duster, though Prestige’s version is more modern. So which one is right for you? Well, it depends on your preferences, but this product has a lot to love.
It’s made from microfiber, and the 360-degree cylindrical body is covered in short and small noodles. It features a steel handle, so you don’t have to worry about bending. The handle is nice and long at six inches, and it has a telescoping feature that has a reach of 31 inches. This feature allows you to easily get to high and low places without a lot of extra bending.
It weighs just one pound, and the company claims that one swipe is enough to get rid of all the dust. As long as your vehicle isn’t insanely dusty, this claim is valid. You also won’t run into any lint or wax problems, and the Prestige duster doesn’t cause streaking or staining either.
The only downside is the higher price, but the durability and reliability you get from this product may be worth spending a bit more.
Pros
- Delivers excellent reach of up to 31 inches
- Includes a storage bag
- Has a lifetime warranty
- The steel handle is highly durable
Cons
- Not the cheapest options on the list
Honorable Mention – Fasmov Car Duster
Finally, we have our Honorable Mention, the Fasmov Car Duster. It features soft cotton fibers treated with wax, which are excellent at trapping dust and not just moving it around. You can use this duster both inside and out, and there’s no risk of scratching or otherwise damaging your car’s paint job.
It includes a stainless steel handle, which makes the product very sturdy. The handle also has a molded grip for added comfort, and it’s telescopic, so you can access hard to reach places like car roofs. It’s not washable, but overall, this product delivers fantastic value for money. Plus, it includes a handy storage pouch.
Pros
- Very long telescopic handle
- Excellent value for money
- Includes a storage pouch
Cons
- Not washable
Why Buy a Car Duster?
A car duster may not seem like a critical car-care item, but there are many reasons to invest in one. A car duster is an ideal way to:
- Remove dust inside your car. The number one reason to purchase this item is that it makes removing dust in your car easy and straightforward. Just one or two swipes of the duster are all it takes to leave your vehicle dust-free.
- Improve on a regular cloth. You may be tempted to use traditional cloths to do this job, but they don’t work as well as car dusters do. A car duster actually grabs dirt particles and removes them, whereas your typical cloth merely moves dust from one area of your car to another.
- Clean effectively and without messes. Sure, you can use soap and water to clean your car, but the problem with this strategy is that it often creates more messes in the process. By using a car duster, you avoid the drips, splatters, and spills that come with soap and water.
- Reduce vacuuming. Let’s face it—vacuuming the car is a drag. It can be time-consuming, unwieldy, and inconvenient. But the more you use a duster, the less you have to vacuum. Regularly dusting your car removes debris that would otherwise end up on seats and your floor.
- Clean hard-to-reach areas. Another disadvantage to vacuuming is that it works well on seats and floors, but a traditional vacuum isn’t ideal for small spaces. With a duster, hitting nooks and crannies like air vents, door pockets, and the like is a breeze.
Types of Car Dusters
Now it’s time to take a look at the four different kinds of car dusters: microfiber, cotton, lambswool, and compressed air. All of them have particular uses and advantages, and you should understand the differences between each before choosing a duster.
Microfiber
If you wear glasses, chances are you’ve used a microfiber cloth to clean them at some point. This material is very commonly used as a dust cleaner, mostly because it has plenty of benefits. It’s easy to use, it’s effective, and it’s environmentally friendly.
What makes microfiber so ideal for dust is that it’s made from a synthetic material with an electrical charge. This electrostatic charge allows it to attract and trap tiny particles, such as dust, pollen, and lint. It’s a soft material, too, so microfiber doesn’t generally lead to damage or scratching.
Overall, it’s quite a versatile option that traps plenty of dust—more than flat cloths, for example. Plus, microfiber can get into tight corners, making it ideal in hard-to-reach places.
Cotton
Another popular duster type is cotton. It’s very similar to microfiber, but the material is slightly different—though it works the same way, by trapping dust. It’s important to note, however, that you cannot wash cotton dusters.
Lambswool
Lambswool dusters are a step up in price, but they’re not more effective than the previous two options despite the higher price. Lambswool attracts dust thanks to its natural magnetic static, but modern materials are more efficient. It’s also not the greatest in small areas and hard-to-reach places.
Compressed Air
You may have used compressed air to remove dust from small accessories, gadgets, and electronics. Indeed, compressed air is excellent for use in tight areas that the other three dusters have trouble reaching (think keyboards), but it’s not generally the most useful option. Plus, the compressed air approach is rather expensive for use in a car.
Features to Look for in a Car Duster
The price will undoubtedly be a deciding factor when deciding on a car duster, but it shouldn’t be the only one. Several features differentiate a mediocre duster from an excellent one, and spending a bit more on a quality model will ensure you get lots of use out of it.
Here are some things to look out for to make the best decision.
Size
Car dusters are available in several different sizes, and not all of them will be right for your particular needs. You need to consider what size duster you can comfortably manage and how fast you want to work. You should also think about how large your vehicle is.
If you can handle it, a larger duster is better for big cars, which will help you get the job done faster. However, if you’re a smaller person, the added weight may be an inconvenience that might even prevent you from finishing. And if you only need to dust interiors, a smaller option is usually better.
Shape
Dusters are available in a variety of different shapes. Some are long and narrow, others are round, and some are square-shaped or cylindrical. But does the shape of the duster matter?
In short, yes. Different shapes provide different benefits. A long and narrow duster, for example, offers extended reach, which may be useful when dusting car exteriors. A square or rounded model, on the other hand, may be less effective. Some of the most effective dusters are cylindrical, which give you a 360-degree cleaning angle.
Performance
A superb duster does more than move dust around; it traps dust and removes it from your vehicle. Any model worth its salt should do this in just one or two passes over the surface area. It should also hold the dust particles until you shake them out.
Handle Length
Most dusters have a handle, which determines what it’s best for.
A long handle makes cleaning the outside of your car easier. It allows you to reach the top of the roof without a problem, which is useful for larger vehicles like SUVs or trucks. Shorter handles, on the other hand, are much more comfortable for dusting the interior of your vehicle.
A telescopic handle is a useful feature, giving you the best of both worlds.
Grip
When you hold the duster, it should be comfortable and facilitate a good grip. If the duster is hard to control, you may not want to use it. You may also put too much pressure on it, which could potentially result in damage to your car’s surfaces.
We recommend molded grips or molded plastic handles.
Washable vs. Nonwashable
Some car dusters are washable (like microfiber and some cotton models), while others aren’t. Within the washable category, some respond better to being washed than others. Cotton dusters begin to lose their effectiveness the more you wash them because the wax coating comes off. Microfiber dusters do not have this problem.
Whether to choose a washable, non washable, or disposable option is a matter of personal preference. However, it’s critical to be aware of what kind you have so that you use it properly.
Durability
When you buy a duster, you want it to last as long as possible, especially if it’s reusable. To ensure longevity, look for something with durable construction. A strong handle is vital, and we recommend reading customer reviews to get an idea of how the product performs in this area. You don’t want something that will break within a month or two.
Versatility
Lastly, you may want to consider a model that can be used in other places (like your home or office) and not just your car. After all, why have multiple products that practically do the same job? One of those features is a telescoping handle, which is useful not just in your car but also in other areas of your house.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need to use cleaning solutions with dusters?
Though adding cleaning products may seem like a good idea, a high-quality duster can be used entirely on its own. Using products may actually cause damage to your car’s polish or scratches. For this reason, we recommend avoiding any duster that requires the use of cleaning products.
Can you wash car dusters?
In most cases, there’s no need to wash car dusters. Many are not washable, like the ones that have threads coated in wax. The non-coated microfiber ones can be washed, but they tend to become less effective when you wash them a lot. Plus, too many cycles in a washing machine can cause them to lose their shape.
As long as you’re just dusting (and not trying to clean other marks), you can shake the duster or tap it to remove the dust particles. Some also have heads that you replace when they become dirty.
Can you use a car duster on glass?
Yes, car dusters are suitable for delicate glass surfaces, such as windshields and rear view and side mirrors.
How can you eliminate streaks?
Some people notice streaks when using car dusters, which result from moisture—either on the duster itself or the area you’re treating. To avoid streaks, make sure both the surface and your cleaning tool are completely dry. If you see some, use a clean cloth to buff them out, and then dust as normal once the area is dry.
Can you use a duster to pick up dog hair?
Dusters are excellent at picking up dust, but they are not great at picking up dog hair. Other tools are better for this purpose, such as vacuum or dryer sheets.
Final Thoughts
Though there are many excellent car dusters available, our top pick went to the Relentless Drive Ultimate Car Duster. It has all the features you need for a dust-free vehicle, including a microfiber design, a telescopic handle, and a large body. Best of all, one or two passes are all it takes to get the job done.
We also recommend the California Car Duster if you prefer a more traditional option or the AutoSpa 97372AS for those who want the best value for money. Whichever one you choose, we’re confident that as long as you carefully evaluate your needs, any of the dusters on this list will give your vehicle the TLC it needs.
