How to Wash an Airplane

Airplanes attract dust, oil, exhaust stains and large numbers of bugs. These can accumulate and affect an airplane's flight performance. You can enhance an airplane's efficiency by washing it with a power washer to break down and remove any dirt buildup that may occur.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Begin washing the airplane at the tail end. If you can't reach this area, don't climb up on a ladder. The pressure from your washer can knock you off of the ladder and cause injury. Most pressure washers have extension parts to enable you to get to hard-to-reach areas on the airplane.

2. Move slowly toward the nose of the airplane as you clean. Power wash small sections of the airplane at a time, and wash the bottom first, then the top. Move the rudder and the flaps on the airplane as you wash to ensure that you clean all the parts.

3. Avoid power washing any windows on the airplane because they can scratch easily. Use a window cleaner instead. Check with the pilot to see if he wants to wash the windshield himself.

4. Use a lot of soap around the engines to clean away the exhaust residue. Be sure to wash the underside of the wings, and remember to clean the wheels. You can use a brush to scrub the wheels thoroughly and leave the soap on for a few minutes before rinsing to break down the dirt better.

[jayscorner]

on 10/23/2009 Be very, very careful about using a pressure/power washer to clean ANY aircraft. They can do a LOT of damage, and generally speaking are not the accepted method for cleaning aircraft.

[GilinAtlanta]

on 3/25/2009 Good points for people who have never heard of Aero Guard. Go to www.autoguard.com. Aero Guard has been used by private aircraft owners and by the U.S. Air Force. It cleans aircraft and leaves a Carnauba wax shine on the craft - ALL WITHOUT WATER! It even works on windows without streaking or scratching.