Why Car Wash Products Don't Belong on Your Aircraft

It's tempting: your airplane is dirty, there's a bottle of car wash soap in the garage, and paint is paint. But an aircraft is not a car, and the shortcut can cost real money.

Acrylic windows scratch and craze easily

Aircraft windshields and windows are usually acrylic, not glass. Many household glass cleaners contain ammonia or solvents that can cause crazing — a network of fine cracks — and paper towels or the wrong cloth leave scratches that refract sunlight right into your eyes. Aviation detailers use cleaners specifically approved for aircraft acrylic and soft microfiber, and wipe in straight lines rather than circles. Replacing a windshield costs far more than doing it right.

Strong degreasers and pressure can find the wrong places

Some automotive degreasers are aggressive enough to dry out rubber seals and de-ice boots or strip protective coatings. And a pressure washer aimed carelessly can drive water into bearings, hinges, static ports and pitot tubes. On a properly done aircraft wash, pitot and static ports are covered first, sensitive areas get low pressure or a hand wash, and nothing gets blasted into control surface hinges.

Residue matters more on an airplane

Products that leave silicone or heavy residue can interfere with later paint touch-ups, attract dirt, or leave film on windows. Aviation-specific products are formulated to rinse clean or to be applied in specific ways around sensors, antennas and static wicks.

Static wicks, antennas and sensors need careful hands

Static wicks are easy to snap with a towel. Antennas and sensors don't appreciate being scrubbed. Part of what you're paying for with a professional aviation detail is someone who knows where not to touch.

What we do on every PacificWing job

• Cover pitot tubes and static ports before any water touches the airframe
• Use cleaners approved for aircraft paint, acrylic and rubber
• Hand or waterless wash where pressure isn't appropriate
• Document the aircraft with before/after photos
• Follow your maintenance manual and your mechanic's guidance on product approvals

If you've been washing your airplane yourself, that's great — just make sure the products on the shelf are made for it. And when you'd rather spend Saturday flying, we come to you.

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