How To Clean Anything

Beyond the guidelines set forth in the preparation and safety tips, there are a few tricks to get the best results on your airplane pressure washing and out of your power washing equipment.

1. Work in small sections at a time, about three feet wide.
2. Rinse before proceeding to the next section to make sure that the cleaning solution does not sit on the surface for more than ten minutes to avoid streaking.
3. Use power washer accesories to make your job easier and more efficient, such as extension wands and rotating brushes.
4. Avoid pressure washing your airplane in the sun while the fuselage is hot because the pressure washing chemicals might react with the heat.
5. Always rinse generously with plenty of fresh water.

Keeping your aircraft clean is vital not only for appearance but mainly for safety and efficiency.

*Dirt accumulates in crevices of the airframe structure and it can result in corrosion spots.
*Non-pressurized aircraft that fly at lower altitudes accumulate a great deal of bugs.
*Normal engine operation and reverse thrust upon landing results in exhaust build up on the sides and tail.

Furthermore, the regular habit of power washing your airplane helps you grow familiar with the little details that make a big difference.

A trained eye will notice an irregularity such as a small leak or a defective rivet. Airplane pressure washing is not only safer but will also result in reduced drag and therefore higher fuel efficiency.

Before you start to pressure wash your aircraft, make sure that you have all the tools that you will need close at hand. You will need your pressure washer, any any attachments you may have, cleaning materials for your windshield, and your basic toolset in case you discover any issues with the plane.

Also, if you are going to clean the outside of your plane, you may as well work on the inside as well, so pick up appropriate upholstery cleaner and make sure you have a vacuum on hand for the carpets.

Check the pressure washer nozzles to see if they are clean since a clogged nozzle will increase the pressure in the water spray and it might damage the finish of your aircraft.

If you don’t have pressure washer attachments to make the job easier, you may want to consider purchasing an extension wand to reach the highest spots and a rotating power washer brush to clean the exhaust build up.

Do a mental walk-through of the procedure to plan the sequence in which you will wash each section so that you can perform a uniform pressure washing operation once you start.