Best Car Dusters To Keep Your Vehicle Clean
Make your car or truck more presentable, inside and out, with these top products.
We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more ›
If having a clean vehicle inside and out is a priority, you probably should invest in a car duster. A buildup of dust or pollen is not only unsightly, but it can also affect your vehicle's performance by getting into the air vents. The ultimate car duster will make car cleaning simple and keep your vehicle nice and tidy looking. Check out our car duster buying guide below for the best car dusters on the market.
I own a classic sports car that occasionally sits in the garage for extended periods of time, and that means it's susceptible to dust buildup inside and out. I always keep a duster for the interior under the seat and another one for the exterior in the trunk, so I can do a quick cleanup before I take it out for the day. While it's tempting to walk into an auto parts store and buy the cheapest duster you see on the shelf, not all of them are created equally. Some are simply better at getting the job done. This list of the best car dusters will help you find the best product to suit your needs, whether you regularly clean your vehicle or only wipe it down when the dust is so thick your friends get snarky about it.
The Original California Car Duster
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
- Won’t scratch paint
- Minimizes number of car cleanings
- Can leave lint behind if hot or paint is hot
- Removing excess moisture can be a hassle
Autospa Microfiber Max Inside Shine Interior Duster
- Cheap
- Perfect for small nooks and crannies
- Small and easy to store inside your car
- Not designed for large surface areas
- Can leave lint behind
OCM Premium Extra Large Car Duster
- Extra large mop head for more coverage
- Non-toxic
- Effectively lifts dust and pollen off surface areas
- Too large for small crevices
- Can leave lint behind the first few times you use it
Our Methodology
I took several factors into consideration when compiling this list of the best car dusters. First, I made sure to pick brands that are well known with a reputation for producing high-quality car care products. For versatility, I included dusters that are designed to be used on either the interior or exterior of your vehicle, and I picked products in a range of prices to suit a variety of budgets. And since I was unable to test every product on this list, I looked at consumer feedback to see how these dusters perform in real world conditions. For more information on our methodology, go here.
Best Car Dusters Reviews & Recommendations
Specs
- Brand: California Car Duster
- Size: 26 inches
- Material: Cotton and wood
Pros
- Easy to use
- Baked-on paraffin wax lifts off dust
- Won’t scratch surfaces
- Carrying case included
Cons
- If the vehicle or duster is hot, it can leave behind streaks or lint
- Wrap the duster in newspaper for a couple days to remove excess moisture or wax
Specs
- Brand: AutoSpa
- Size: 7 x 5.3 x 0.2 inches
- Material: Chenille microfiber
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Small and easy to store
- Great for nooks and crannies
- Comfort-molded handle
Cons
- Too small for exterior use
- May leave some lint behind
Specs
- Brand: OCM
- Size: 22.75 x 3.75 x 4.25 inches
- Material: Organic cotton fibers
Pros
- Organic cotton fibers
- Gets softer and more absorbent over time
- Non-toxic
- Effectively lifts dust, pollen, and other debris
Cons
- Can leave lint and wax residue behind when you first use it
- Best to use in the shade
- Too large for small crevices
Specs
- Brand: Griot’s Garage
- Size: 13 1/2 inches long
- Material: Microfiber
Pros
- Squeezes into small spaces
- Machine washable
- Durable construction
- Works on paint, glass, plastic, and more
Cons
- Performs best when used with interior detailing spray
Specs
- Brand: Barret-Jackson
- Size: 11.5 x 2 x 2 inches
- Material: Microfiber
Pros
- Fits in side pocket of the door
- Removes dust and other particles
- Bends to fit in awkward spaces
- Detailer brush included
Cons
- Too small to clean exterior
- Requires cleaning after use
Specs
- Brand: The Original California Car Duster
- Size: N/A
- Material: Cotton fiber
Pros
- Paraffin wax lifts dust off surface areas
- No spray required
- Accesses tight spots
Cons
- Not for exterior use
- May leave lint behind during initial use
Specs
- Brand: Relentless Drive
- Size: 21.5 x 6 x 6 inches
- Material: Microfiber
Pros
- Great for large vehicles
- Non-slip handle
- Safe for all finishes
Cons
- Not infused with paraffin wax
- Not ideal for smaller areas in a vehicle’s interior
Our Verdict on Car Dusters
My pick for the best car duster is The Original California Car Duster. It has a reputation in the car care industry for its top-notch quality and effectiveness at removing dust and pollen from the exterior of your vehicle. For a more budget-friendly option that’s designed for interior use, consider the Autospa Microfiber Max Inside Shine Interior Duster.
What to Consider When Buying Car Dusters
When choosing a car duster, it's important to pick the right one for your particular job. Most are sized to tackle either the interior or exterior but not both. If the product is too small, it won't effectively clean your finish. If it's too large, it won't effectively reach tiny nooks and crannies. Dusters are also constructed of different materials, so make sure to choose the best one for your needs.
Car Dusters Key Features
Size
Car dusters can range in size, depending on their use. Smaller dusters are designed for interior purposes. These dusters can clean hard-to-reach areas such as vents, cupholders, the space between the seats and the door, and the space where the windshield meets the dashboard. It can be challenging to use a larger duster in a vehicle's interior because they are more difficult to maneuver and simply aren't designed for tight spots. Instead, they do a good job of eliminating dust from your exterior paint, trim, and other areas.
Material
Car dusters are typically made with either cotton fiber or microfiber/chenille bristles. Many cotton fiber products are infused with paraffin wax in order to aid in lifting dust, pollen, and other contaminants off the surface area as opposed to simply spreading it around. Sometimes, these dusters require a break-in period and can leave lint and wax behind when they are first used. Ultimately, they provide some of the best results. Microfiber bristles are particularly soft and also a good job of removing dust without scratching the surface.
Pricing
If you're looking for a budget-friendly duster, there are many options available for less than $10. However, these dusters are typically smaller and are usually designed for interior cleaning. Bigger car dusters are a little more expensive because they feature better materials and are meant for cleaning the exterior of your car, truck, SUV, or camper. Even the most expensive dusters generally cost less than $30, and it's worth spending a little more because high-end products will last for many years if you properly care for them.
FAQs
You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers.
Q: Do car dusters really work?
A: Yes. If you want to remove dust or pollen from the interior or exterior of your vehicle, a car duster can get the job done (and it looks better than wiping your hand across the dashboard).
Q: Do car dusters scratch the paint?
A: High-quality dusters are made of soft material and sometimes a wax coating that lifts particles off the finish. Cheaper options may be more abrasive and could scratch paint.
Q: How long does a California duster last?
A: If maintained properly, a California duster will reportedly last 10 to 15 years.
Why Trust Us
Our reviews are driven by a combination of hands-on testing, expert input, “wisdom of the crowd” assessments from actual buyers, and our own expertise. We always aim to offer genuine, accurate guides to help you find the best picks.
Learn more