How to Clean Old Plastic Model Airplanes

Revive your old plastic model airplane collection.

According to the Collect Air website, the building and collecting of model airplanes is a hobby that stretches back to the early 1900s. Today, builders and collectors still practice their passion. If you have a collection of old plastic models tucked away in your attic or basement, they are likely covered in a layer of dirt and dust. Cleaning and restoring your collection does not require any special tools, but you need a steady hand.

Things You'll Need

• Air blower
• Camel's hair brush
• Cotton swabs
• Archival plastic bag

Instructions

1. Place your model airplane on a towel on top of a firm, level working surface.

2. Hold the nozzle of the air blower roughly three inches from the wings of the airplane. Squeeze the blower to fire a strong burst of air and clear away surface dirt. Repeat this step over the entire airplane to remove as much dirt and dust as possible.

3. Wipe away any remaining dirt or dust with a soft camel's hair brush. These brushes are extremely soft and will not damage the sensitive plastic or any coating of paint on top of it. They are available in several sizes to allow for detailed cleaning.

4. Moisten the tip of a cotton swab and gently rub away any lingering stains on the airplane's body. Avoid using solvents, such as isopropyl alcohol or lighter fluid, to clean away these stains as they may damage the paint.

5. Store your cleaned model in a large archival plastic bag to prevent further dirt and dust in the future. Place the bag in a dry, cool area to avoid bleaching of the paint or plastic.

Tips & Warnings

• If your plastic model is unpainted, solvents can be used to clean away stubborn oil or residue stains.

• Use caution while cleaning your old model, as the plastic can become very brittle with age.

References

• Model Airplane Building: Washes
• Collect Air: Vintage Model Airplanes