FAA Requirements for Cleaning Chemicals

If you use the wrong chemicals on an airplane, you could damage important systems necessary for safe flying.

Cleaning aircraft is unlike cleaning any other vehicle. Use the wrong chemicals, and you could unintentionally damage an important avionics system. For safety reasons, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued advisory rules on what should and shouldn't be used when cleaning aircraft. Requirements specific to each aircraft can always be found in the manufacturer's manual or in the aircraft's Instructions for Continued Airworthiness.

Do Not Use Corrosive Agents

Copper alloy brushes should not be used on aluminum airplane parts.

In the publication "Acceptable Methods, Techniques, and Practices," the FAA warns against using "harmful cleaning, polishing, brightening or paint-removing materials" when cleaning aircraft. What is "harmful" depends upon the material the aircraft is made of.

Highly acidic or alkaline cleaning agents, such as fluoride- or chlorine-based cleaners, should be avoided. They can cause corrosion to different metals of an airplane, leading to hydrogen embrittlement, or weakening of the metal parts. The FAA suggest using only materials recommended by the aircraft's manufacturer and cleaning agents that are "relatively neutral and easy to remove," such as Earth Soap or FlightBright.

Do Not Use Highly Flammable Items

Wipes or cleaning agents used on an airplane should not be volatile. Natural fiber cleaning cloths are preferred by the FAA. Cleaning agents should also be kept away from open flames and live electrical circuits.

Do Not Affect Flame Retardation

Cleaning agents used on the interior of an aircraft should not affect the flame-retardant capability of seats and other upholstery. Material that is treated to be flame-retardant should not be washed with water, since the chemicals used to make it are water-soluble. Soap should not be used on most flame-retardant fabrics either, as it will break down the chemical finish.

Dry-cleaning solvents, water-free detergents or other cleaning products recommended by the manufacturer should be used on flame-retardant fabrics.

Do Not Mix Agents

Cleaning agents and solvents should not be mixed, as this may create an agent that can damage airplane parts or be flammable.

Mix Proper Concentrations

The amount of cleaning agent used should follow manufacturer's recommendations. Using a higher level than recommended could damage aircraft parts such as tires and cables. These parts should be cleaned with a cloth lightly coated with the cleaning agent.

Do Not Use Ammonium Hydroxide on Wings

The FAA warns not to use ammonium hydroxide on the wings of a plane or expose the wings of a plane to this cleaning chemical.

Check Current Solvent Standards

Certain previously acceptable cleaning solvents including methyl chloroform and trichlorotriflouroethane, while still used to clean some avionics, are being phased out as aircraft cleaners since they are pollutants and possibly cancerous. Replacement cleaning products should be thoroughly tested to ensure they do not damage aircraft parts and systems, according to the FAA.

References

• Aviation Entrepreneur: Aircraft Cleaning and Detailing
• AV Web: Aircraft Cleaning
• FAA Advisory Circular: Acceptable Methods, Techniques and Practices (Chapter 6)
• FAA Adivsory Circular 43-205: Guidance for Selecting Chemical Agents and Processes for Depainting and General Cleaning
• Persil: Cleaning and Caring - Guide to Fabrics

Resources

• Mechanic Support: Cleaning Aluminum Aircraft Without Creating Corrosion
• SBI Flame Retardant Fabric
• Selecting Upholstered Furniture for Your Home