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For powerwashing airplanes of smaller sizes (such as Cessna 172/182, King Air, Helicopters, etc.) we suggest a pressure washer electric model. In case you want to do airplane cleaning on larger size planes (such as Falcon 2000, Gulfstream, LearJet, etc.) consider the cart power washers . Keep in mind that the nozzles should be kept clean at all times because clogged nozzles will increase the pump pressure and eventually damage it. If the nozzle becomes clogged, clean it or replace it with a new one. Our pressure washer accessories page includes specialized cleaning tools that soak larger areas and water-actuated rotating brushes for breaking up grime with less effort.
Planes get very dirty and the dust that settles on the surface gets streaked by rain. Hydraulic parts often leak oil as well. Many times during a landing pilots reverse the thrust of the engines to slow down, throwing exhaust onto the plane's sides and tail. Then there is also a problem with bugs. If a plane isn't pressurized and it's flying below 12,000 feet, it's going to land with a lot of dead bugs on it. A clean plane is a safe plane and it gets better gas mileage, too.
| Washing a car by hand is a chore, but try scrubbing a jumbo jet with a mop and hose. That's what owners of the private airplanes must do about once a month to rid the big birds of grime that causes drag in flight and cuts into fuel efficiency.
The tail is the dirtiest area and should be your starting point for washing planes. Our pressure washer attachments page includes extension wands for cleaning high areas from the ground. Do not use a ladder in order to pressure wash high points since the recoil from the pressure can knock you off balance. Work from the top toward the bottom and from the tail toward the nose. |
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When airplane washing, the best results are achieved when you work on small sections at a time. Therefore, start powerwashing from a distance of 3-4 feet and cover the area 3-4 feet wide. When cleaning the tail, turn the rudder first right and then left so you wash off the area that is visible when rudders are in use. Then proceed with the airplane wash by spraying the fuselage and the body of the airplane. When learning how to wash an airplane, remember this is a very important area because it contains 2/3 of the entire surface of an aircraft. When cleaning the fuselage, start from the bottom and work your way up. Caution: DO NOT spray the windows of an airplane, especially the windshield. The windows are made from a fine material and can be scratched very easily. Also, many general aviation pilots like to wash the windshield of their own airplane. If unsure, use a soft cloth and window-approved cleaning solutions, this way you will avoid streaking. Once you get around the engine area, use extra amounts of detergent because this is the place where you will find large blackened areas caused by engine exhaust. If necessary, use rotating brushes to clean such exhaust. When cleaning engines (in case you have a JET airplane) wash the area between the body of an airplane and the engines. Many times this is the place where you will find the bird residuals. After completing this area, pressure wash the wings and the flaps. Remember to pull down the flaps so you can wash off the area that is not visible unless the flaps are in use, and don't forget to wash the bottom of the wings. Again, in this case, use extension wands so that you can cover the whole section.
The last, but not the least in plane powerwashing, is the wheels. Wash them thoroughly with plenty of detergent and if necessary use the brush. Let the detergent sit for a couple of moments but no longer than 10 minutes. Also, do not pressure wash an airplane in the sun while the surface is hot because cleaning solutions may have a negative affect on the paint if let sit for too long. Rinse the airplane with plenty of fresh water. Following these instructions should make your plane wash experience a pleasure!
The publisher of these pages is in no way responsible for any damage caused to you, your pressure washer, anyone else, your property, or anyone else's property by trying to implement or by successfully implementing the above-mentioned performance and services.
The publisher of these pages is in no way responsible for any damage caused to you, your pressure washer, anyone else, your property, or anyone else's property by trying to implement or by successfully implementing the above-mentioned performance and services.
Check out our instructional books and videos/DVDs for very thorough guides and step by step instructions on pressure washing. Whether you are just getting started or are an expert who wants to expand your knowledge of our industry, you will find these books and videos to be a great resource for new techniques.
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