Anyone Use the Swiffer?
Thread Starter
|
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 585
Likes: 59
From: Near St. Louis, Mo.
Anyone Use the Swiffer?
I have found an excellent detailing tool. Here in Iowa every time you ride the bike is covered with a lite coat of dust. Not really enough for a washing , but just dust. I use the Swiffer Duster to go over the bike. It has a handle and goes into tight places. Removes the dust and bike looks good again. I even have one in the trunk on my 2012 Ultra and sometimes use it at a gas stop. I have ridden in other states where the dust is not such a problem, but here in the mid west it is. Anyway their cheap and work good for me. IMO
Wind blows dust off.
My bike only gets washed at the dealer when something breaks. The problem is they use a pressure washer and I always forget to take the gate opener button off that's clipped on to the wires under the front brake reservoir. Been through 3 $45 remotes since November 2012.
I don't understand the pristine, gleaming Harley thing. Just ride the damn bike, It's gonna get dirty.
My bike only gets washed at the dealer when something breaks. The problem is they use a pressure washer and I always forget to take the gate opener button off that's clipped on to the wires under the front brake reservoir. Been through 3 $45 remotes since November 2012.
I don't understand the pristine, gleaming Harley thing. Just ride the damn bike, It's gonna get dirty.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 294
Likes: 0
I have never used a swiffer, but I have used a feather duster. Works good. I don't need a gleaming bike, but something about that coat of dust on the matte paint...just doesn't do it for me. Different strokes for different folks, I suppose.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 10,946
Likes: 818
From: Nevada
Great idea.
I use a California Car Duster on my custom car and bikes. It does the same thing. I have a couple different sizes. We sometimes use the small one to dust around the house. Best thing is you just shake it to clean dust off. The Swiffer requires a replacement when it's full of dust/dirt.
I use a California Car Duster on my custom car and bikes. It does the same thing. I have a couple different sizes. We sometimes use the small one to dust around the house. Best thing is you just shake it to clean dust off. The Swiffer requires a replacement when it's full of dust/dirt.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,328
Likes: 15
From: Pacific Northwest
Got a bud with a black on black, freshly painted, '87 Buick Grand National (twin turbo and faster than a bullet). He will not touch his car with a California Duster. Not ever.
Instead he uses a feather duster just like the one you'd use in your home.
He spins it between the palms of his hands to get it all full of static and remove all previous dust. When he drags it lightly over his car the dust literally jumps onto that duster - seen it myself with my very own eyes. It's magical and leaves zero scratches.
Then he wipes down with detail spray. His car always looks like it just came out of the paint booth.
And just so you know, wind alone does not remove dust. Even if you use your compressed air there will still be a thin layer left behind.
You don't have to go the extra mile like my bud does - a good detail spray and a micro fiber will do the trick if the dust and dirt isn't very thick. If it is a wash job is in order.
Instead he uses a feather duster just like the one you'd use in your home.
He spins it between the palms of his hands to get it all full of static and remove all previous dust. When he drags it lightly over his car the dust literally jumps onto that duster - seen it myself with my very own eyes. It's magical and leaves zero scratches.
Then he wipes down with detail spray. His car always looks like it just came out of the paint booth.
And just so you know, wind alone does not remove dust. Even if you use your compressed air there will still be a thin layer left behind.
You don't have to go the extra mile like my bud does - a good detail spray and a micro fiber will do the trick if the dust and dirt isn't very thick. If it is a wash job is in order.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,433
Likes: 922
From: Northern MI
I don't understand that thought process. A bike with an average price tag of over 20K, and some can't be bothered with a proper washing or detail? These are probably the same folks that can't be bothered with proper maintainence, and then wonder why thier dirty scratched up bikes with bald tires and no brakes are worth diddly-squat come time to sell or trade.
Last edited by Northwoodz; Jun 8, 2013 at 10:36 AM.
Trending Topics
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,049
Likes: 5
From: IOWA
I don't understand that thought process. A bike with an average price tag of over 20K, and some can't be bothered with a proper washing or detail? These are probably the same folks that can't be bothered with proper maintainence, and then wonder why thier dirty scrtched up bikes with bald tires and no brakes are worth diddly-squat come time to sell or trade.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 500
Likes: 2
From: Springfield Ohio
It's a great way to get a close-up inspection and verify things are ship shape.
I enjoy doing it.
I prefer to maintain my belongings... including the tools I use to do the maintenance. Even wash and wax my riding mower at least once a year.
Different strokes...
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,272
Likes: 279
From: .
I think wiping it down at gas stops is a bit silly (my opinion) but I can understand that dust issue. Growing up in Northeast Iowa, on a gravel road, I know how that gravel dust gets everywhere!