My car is a freaking dust magnet...what to do?

SchwarzerM3 · 10-05-2010, 06:28 PM

Hello,

I'm very anal if it comes to cleanliness of my car. It just freaks me out if it's dirty

The problem is as following.
Everytime I wash my car which is at least once a week I'll hand dry it with microfiber towels.
One day later, the car is covered with a layer of dust...everywhere... It's almost like the car is electrostatic charged...

I use Meguiars microfiber towels, could it be that the towels transfer a electrostatic charge onto the car???

Any other ideas?

Thanks

Alex

Envious Eric · 10-05-2010, 11:45 PM

yes, the towels are creating the charge.

try washing them with no fabric softener

also try using a qd like chemical guys synthetic QD while drying...that should help reduce the static charge

SchwarzerM3 · 10-06-2010, 06:09 PM

Hello Eric,

thanks for the tip regarding the softener, yes I used softener.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Envious Eric

try using a qd like chemical guys synthetic QD while drying...

What do you mean with that?

Hawk Lax · 10-07-2010, 10:55 AM

use a quick detailer spray = qd when you dry and it will reduce static build up.

WillC310 · 10-07-2010, 06:26 PM

I was under the impression you're NOT supposed to use fabric softener with MF towels.

http://www.autogeek.net/mi101.html

Using a QD helps but if the area you live in is dusty, well, there's not much you can do about that.

Hawk Lax · 10-08-2010, 11:23 AM

You are correct do not use fabric softener on microfiber towels when you wash them

dr.jay · 10-08-2010, 11:51 AM

Finish Kare #146 is your friend

Hawk Lax · 10-08-2010, 03:50 PM

I was thinking FK 425.

BCA · 10-08-2010, 04:03 PM

As others have said, definitely do NOT use fabric softener on MF towels. The residue from the fabric softener will get into the fine fibers of the towels and significantly reduce their ability to absorb water.

Also, I would suggest not drying your MF towels in the dryer at all if possible. That alone causes static, not to mention that the towels may pick up some of the fabric softener residue left in the dryer from your normal laundry. I hang my MF towels to dry and they work great.

SchwarzerM3 · 10-10-2010, 07:09 PM

thank you all for the tips, I gave my wife the new washing instructions

I'm using a qd, maybe it realy comes solely from the towels.

Thanks again.

Alex

J BONE · 10-10-2010, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BCA

As others have said, definitely do NOT use fabric softener on MF towels. The residue from the fabric softener will get into the fine fibers of the towels and significantly reduce their ability to absorb water.

Also, I would suggest not drying your MF towels in the dryer at all if possible. That alone causes static, not to mention that the towels may pick up some of the fabric softener residue left in the dryer from your normal laundry. I hang my MF towels to dry and they work great.

Exactly! CG actually had a MF washing solution that works pretty well. I have found that using a QD helps a lot. The ones mentioned above are great. Also like the Optimum Instant Detailer & Gloss Enhancer, leaves a nice shine

dardeca · 10-23-2010, 09:03 PM

Anyone ever use a chamois to dry the car? I was trolling through my local BMW parts department a few days ago and on the back of the BMW car shampoo, they recommend drying the car with a chamois.

mexicanmike · 10-23-2010, 11:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dardeca

Anyone ever use a chamois to dry the car? I was trolling through my local BMW parts department a few days ago and on the back of the BMW car shampoo, they recommend drying the car with a chamois.

I have read posts by many detailers suggesting that chamois are not the way to go, as they trap particles and this causes scratches.

Kiemyster · 11-19-2010, 09:49 AM

it is the cloth used to dry it. My m3 would be washed and polished on friday night, wake up to it saturday morning covered in a layer of black filthy dust. Go to autozone, and buy the sheepskin like auto absorber cloth. Its basically the shamwow. I suggest getting the XL size intended for trucks as the standard size is insufficient. Its an amazing product.

I have used the blade, and all kinds of cloths. This thing cuts the drying time down more than half. Give it a shot, its only 12 bucks.

Hawk Lax · 11-19-2010, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kiemyster

it is the cloth used to dry it. My m3 would be washed and polished on friday night, wake up to it saturday morning covered in a layer of black filthy dust. Go to autozone, and buy the sheepskin like auto absorber cloth. Its basically the shamwow. I suggest getting the XL size intended for trucks as the standard size is insufficient. Its an amazing product.

I have used the blade, and all kinds of cloths. This thing cuts the drying time down more than half. Give it a shot, its only 12 bucks.

I have to disagree with using the absorber. It is nothing more than a synthetic chamois and has the same limitations as a regular chamois with dragging trapped dirt across the paint. Unless your towel is linting as you use it, the dust you are seeing the following morning is just that dust being attracted to your car by static electricity which can be decreased by using one of the better QDs mentioned above. Dust will settle on your car just like any other surface, it just more visible on a highly polished and reflective surface.

RandysV10 · 11-19-2010, 01:48 PM

I have a cover I'll give you a good deal on, doesn't fit the E63.

SchnellM3 · 11-19-2010, 02:22 PM

I don't even touch the paint while drying. I rinse it off, hit it with the foam cannon twice then wash it. For drying I flood the car to take the excess water off then I get out the leaf blower and blow it dry. Using the blower it gets all the water out from doors, hood, and the trunk and creates a flawless dry no lint left behind. I use it to blow the dust off after long drives too

biglare · 11-19-2010, 02:25 PM

Anyone interested in a helpful solution please PM me!

RandysV10 · 11-19-2010, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SchnellM3

I don't even touch the paint while drying. I rinse it off, hit it with the foam cannon twice then wash it. For drying I flood the car to take the excess water off then I get out the leaf blower and blow it dry. Using the blower it gets all the water out from doors, hood, and the trunk and creates a flawless dry no lint left behind. I use it to blow the dust off after long drives too

Thats funny, thought I was the only one using a leaf blower to dry the car. Works great and all the little areas that hold water get it blown out.

Hawk Lax · 11-19-2010, 03:23 PM

+2 on the leaf blower, strange looks from the neighbors but works great.

cheesy9 · 11-19-2010, 06:10 PM

I live in a big city and don't have a good area at my apartment to wash my M3 regularly. Any suggestions on the best way to wipe the dust off and do other touch-ups between full washes? Obviously I don't want to just grind the dust into the paint by wiping it with a dry towel.

ykim66 · 11-20-2010, 11:17 AM

After washing and drying, try a spray on wax. I've used Mothers spray on detailer, smells like cinnamon

10-05-2010, 06:28 PM	#1
SchwarzerM3 Second Lieutenant 17 Rep 225 Posts Drives: 2008 M3 E90 Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Michigan iTrader: (4)	My car is a freaking dust magnet...what to do? Hello, I'm very anal if it comes to cleanliness of my car. It just freaks me out if it's dirty The problem is as following. Everytime I wash my car which is at least once a week I'll hand dry it with microfiber towels. One day later, the car is covered with a layer of dust...everywhere... It's almost like the car is electrostatic charged... I use Meguiars microfiber towels, could it be that the towels transfer a electrostatic charge onto the car??? Any other ideas? Thanks Alex
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10-05-2010, 11:45 PM	#2
Envious Eric Banned 37 Rep 1,168 Posts Drives: nissan xterra, 335 soon Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: orange county, ca iTrader: (1)	yes, the towels are creating the charge. try washing them with no fabric softener also try using a qd like chemical guys synthetic QD while drying...that should help reduce the static charge
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10-07-2010, 10:55 AM	#4
Hawk Lax Second Lieutenant 13 Rep 259 Posts Drives: 2008 M3 AW Coupe Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: L.I., N.Y. iTrader: (0)	use a quick detailer spray = qd when you dry and it will reduce static build up.
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10-07-2010, 06:26 PM	#5
WillC310 Lieutenant 44 Rep 506 Posts Drives: A car Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Planet Earth iTrader: (0)	I was under the impression you're NOT supposed to use fabric softener with MF towels. http://www.autogeek.net/mi101.html Using a QD helps but if the area you live in is dusty, well, there's not much you can do about that.
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10-08-2010, 11:23 AM	#6
Hawk Lax Second Lieutenant 13 Rep 259 Posts Drives: 2008 M3 AW Coupe Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: L.I., N.Y. iTrader: (0)	You are correct do not use fabric softener on microfiber towels when you wash them
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10-08-2010, 11:51 AM	#7
dr.jay Lieutenant 14 Rep 465 Posts Drives: 2011 135 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Greenwood Always Up to No Good iTrader: (1)	Finish Kare #146 is your friend __________________ "Barzini is dead. So is Phillip Tattallgia. Moe Green. Slacci. Cuneo. Today I settled all family business so don't tell me that you're innocent. Admit what you did"
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10-08-2010, 03:50 PM	#8
Hawk Lax Second Lieutenant 13 Rep 259 Posts Drives: 2008 M3 AW Coupe Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: L.I., N.Y. iTrader: (0)	I was thinking FK 425.
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10-08-2010, 04:03 PM	#9
BCA Captain 21 Rep 793 Posts Drives: 2015 M3 Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Houston, TX iTrader: (1)	As others have said, definitely do NOT use fabric softener on MF towels. The residue from the fabric softener will get into the fine fibers of the towels and significantly reduce their ability to absorb water. Also, I would suggest not drying your MF towels in the dryer at all if possible. That alone causes static, not to mention that the towels may pick up some of the fabric softener residue left in the dryer from your normal laundry. I hang my MF towels to dry and they work great. __________________ 2017 Porsche 911 Carrera S 2019 Porsche Cayenne Past BMWs: 2015 M3, 2014 550i, 2013 M3 ZCP, 2012 535i, 2011 E90 335i, 2009 E90 M3, 2008 X5, 2006 330i, 2004 330i
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10-10-2010, 07:09 PM	#10
SchwarzerM3 Second Lieutenant 17 Rep 225 Posts Drives: 2008 M3 E90 Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Michigan iTrader: (4)	thank you all for the tips, I gave my wife the new washing instructions I'm using a qd, maybe it realy comes solely from the towels. Thanks again. Alex
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10-23-2010, 09:03 PM	#12
dardeca Major 500 Rep 1,313 Posts Drives: 2019 M5 Competition Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Dallas iTrader: (2)	Anyone ever use a chamois to dry the car? I was trolling through my local BMW parts department a few days ago and on the back of the BMW car shampoo, they recommend drying the car with a chamois. __________________ E92 M3 Supplemental manual p.38: "The laws of physics cannot be repealed, even with DSC."
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11-19-2010, 09:49 AM	#14
Kiemyster Bimmerpost Resident Marijuana Consultant 455 Rep 3,197 Posts Drives: 320i, 325xi, 335Xi, 335i, M3 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Queens/NYC iTrader: (4) Garage List 2010 BMW 335i [0.00] 2011 BMW X335i [0.00] 2006 BMW E90 325xi [0.00] 2011 BMW E90 335xi [4.00] 2011 BMW M3 E90 [7.00] 2006 E90 320i [0.00]	it is the cloth used to dry it. My m3 would be washed and polished on friday night, wake up to it saturday morning covered in a layer of black filthy dust. Go to autozone, and buy the sheepskin like auto absorber cloth. Its basically the shamwow. I suggest getting the XL size intended for trucks as the standard size is insufficient. Its an amazing product. I have used the blade, and all kinds of cloths. This thing cuts the drying time down more than half. Give it a shot, its only 12 bucks. __________________ "AMG What! S-Line Who? If you ain't got that M I got no respect for you!" '06 Alpine Weiss E90 320i \| '06 The Green Machine E90 325xi \| '11 Alpine Weiss E90 M3 ZCP \| '10 Silverstone X5M \| '11 Alpine Weiss E90 335xi
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11-19-2010, 01:48 PM	#16
RandysV10 MPOWERD 15 Rep 338 Posts Drives: 2010 M6 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Cloud Nine iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 Z4M [8.00] 2010 BMW M6 [9.00]	I have a cover I'll give you a good deal on, doesn't fit the E63.
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11-19-2010, 02:22 PM	#17
SchnellM3 Digger 207 Rep 2,619 Posts Drives: 03 E46 M3 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Pa iTrader: (5) Garage List 2003 BMW E46 M3 Tra ... [8.00] 2009 BMW E92 M3 [8.30] 2009 Yamaha R1 (FOR ... [9.50]	I don't even touch the paint while drying. I rinse it off, hit it with the foam cannon twice then wash it. For drying I flood the car to take the excess water off then I get out the leaf blower and blow it dry. Using the blower it gets all the water out from doors, hood, and the trunk and creates a flawless dry no lint left behind. I use it to blow the dust off after long drives too __________________ 2009 E92 M3 /// Melbourne Red /// Fox Red /// M DKG Full Innotech Exhaust - DINAN Intake - IND Engine Bay Appearance - IND Hand Stitched Boot Covers - and much more....
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11-19-2010, 02:25 PM	#18
biglare Bulldog 482 Rep 3,355 Posts Drives: BMW & Porsche Join Date: May 2008 Location: ? iTrader: (3)	Anyone interested in a helpful solution please PM me! __________________ Prev: Individual F80 M3 - Fjord Blue/Silverstone(interior) \| Fashion Grey(exterior) GTS
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11-19-2010, 03:23 PM	#20
Hawk Lax Second Lieutenant 13 Rep 259 Posts Drives: 2008 M3 AW Coupe Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: L.I., N.Y. iTrader: (0)	+2 on the leaf blower, strange looks from the neighbors but works great.
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11-19-2010, 06:10 PM	#21
cheesy9 Private First Class 34 Rep 170 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	I live in a big city and don't have a good area at my apartment to wash my M3 regularly. Any suggestions on the best way to wipe the dust off and do other touch-ups between full washes? Obviously I don't want to just grind the dust into the paint by wiping it with a dry towel.
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11-20-2010, 11:17 AM	#22
ykim66 Private 6 Rep 82 Posts Drives: 997 turbo Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Stamford, CT iTrader: (1) Garage List 2008 M3 [0.00]	After washing and drying, try a spray on wax. I've used Mothers spray on detailer, smells like cinnamon
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