Best Aircraft Cleaning Solutions

Aircraft cleaning is not just about looking good — it’s about safety, protection, and performance. Whether you’re managing a commercial fleet or a single private aircraft, the right products and processes can significantly extend the life of critical surfaces and systems. In this guide, we explore the best aircraft cleaning solutions for different areas of the aircraft, along with practical tips for their effective use.

What Makes a Great Aircraft Cleaning Solution

The best aircraft cleaning solutions meet a few critical criteria. They must be:

Safe for use on aircraft materials like aluminum, composites, and polycarbonate
Approved by aviation regulatory bodies or OEMs
Non-corrosive and environmentally friendly
Effective at removing dirt, grease, bugs, oil, and carbon deposits
Easy to apply, rinse, and dispose of properly

Choosing cleaning products designed specifically for aviation ensures safety, compliance, and long-term protection.

Exterior Cleaning Solutions

Aircraft exteriors face extreme conditions — from weather exposure to bird impacts and engine residue. Exterior cleaning products must remove contaminants without damaging paint, decals, or coatings.

Top exterior cleaning solution types include:

Wet Wash Cleaners

These are water-based detergents used with manual washing. They remove general dirt, grime, bugs, and pollutants. Many include anti-static and anti-corrosive properties to protect paintwork.

Dry Wash and Waterless Cleaners

Ideal when water use is restricted, dry wash cleaners allow you to clean the fuselage and wings with microfiber cloths. These cleaners are formulated to lift dirt without scratching surfaces.

Degreasers

Used for belly areas, gear wells, and engine surrounds, degreasers are heavy-duty solutions that safely cut through hydraulic fluid, oil, and soot without damaging surfaces.

Polishes and Sealants

After cleaning, applying a protective polish or sealant reduces future buildup, protects from UV rays, and gives a professional finish. Some solutions include ceramic coatings for high-end protection.

Interior Cleaning Solutions

Cabin cleanliness impacts passenger comfort and health. Interior aircraft cleaning solutions must be gentle on materials but strong enough to disinfect and remove stains.

Key interior cleaning products include:

Multi-Surface Cleaners

These are safe for plastics, composites, screens, tray tables, and overhead bins. They often include anti-static and quick-dry features to prevent streaks.

Leather and Upholstery Cleaners

Formulated to clean without damaging leather, these solutions lift dirt while conditioning the material. For fabric seats, foam or spray cleaners are used to remove stains and odors.

Disinfectants and Sanitizers

Especially important post-COVID, disinfectants used in aircraft must meet aviation safety standards. Choose alcohol-based or hydrogen peroxide-based formulas that kill germs but do not harm cabin materials.

Glass and Screen Cleaners

Used for cockpit displays and cabin windows, these solutions are streak-free and safe for anti-glare coatings.

Best Aircraft Cleaning Solutions

Engine and Component Cleaning Solutions

Aircraft engines and mechanical components require specialized cleaning products that do not compromise performance or safety.

Types of cleaning products used here include:

Compressor Wash Solutions

These are injected into engines to remove carbon, soot, and salt buildup from compressor blades. They improve fuel efficiency and restore performance.