Hey Jeffrey!
Yes when balls are new they have the white dusk/powder that you mentioned and it can definitely affect the contact on the ball and spin etc.
Sometimes you see players put the new ball in their mouth even to get rid of this! That might not be the most hygienic way though, I would not recommend soap but just using a very small amount of water on your t-shirt or very slightly wet towel to remove the dusk works well.
Obviously make sure the balls are dried well before playing! 🙂
