Materials required for a dry wash:
No-H20 Waterless Wash & Polish
Vuplex Plastic Cleaner
3M Masking Tape
Ladder or small step stool (depending on the size of aircraft)
Terry towels
Micro-fibre cloths
Spray bottle
Procedure:
Step 1:
Cover all static ports & pitot tubes with masking tape to prevent debris from entering system and preventing potential damage.
Step 2:
Select an area and then look for bugs, dirt, grease, exhaust stains, and any other blemishes that can be removed from the surface of the aircraft. Be sure to look at the belly as this is where most grease and oil accumlates. I recommend starting at the nose of the aircraft and then work your way back to the fuselage then later on to the tail. Clean the wings after you finish the fuselage, and you may need to stand on the inner-wing to clean the top of the fuselage.
Spray and clean the surface with a waterless wash in a spray bottle until the area is lightly covered. Then take a clean microfibre cloth and agitate the bugs, grease, dirt on the paint. Once cleaned, dry the surface with a clean terry towel to remove water for a streak-free finish.
Check over paint work for any streaks, bugs and dirt then continue on to the next area of your aircraft. Continue this process over the entire aircraft until completely washed.
Step 3:
Clean the windscreens by spraying them with Vuplex until completely covered. Take a new microfibre cloth and wipe the surface to remove Vuplex. When done, take another clean micro-fibre cloth and wipe the surface down to remove streaks. Be sure to look at work once finished to make sure there are no streaks, especially on the windshield.
Step 4:
Remove all tape from static ports and pitot tubes. Then check overwork for streaks and missed areas. Once you've finished, put dirty rags in correct bins, throw away trash & gloves etc.
For hardened underbelly grease (usually found on piston aircraft) use a degreaser, I recommend Final Inspection's Jaffa Citrus Degreaser. Spray onto surface and allow to dwell for five seconds then wipe off with a microfibre cloth. Repeat this process if needed to the required areas. When using harmful chemicals, it is essential to use protective equipment such as gloves and safety glasses at all times.
Questions?
If you have any questions about this article or want to discuss proper cleaning maintenance for your aircraft, contact me at guestaircraftcleaning@gmail.com.