Exterior Aircraft Cleaning Agents

Exterior Aircraft Cleaning FAQs

What products are used for aircraft exterior cleaning?

Aircraft exterior cleaning relies on a combination of specialist cleaners, degreasers, dry wash products, protective coatings and application equipment. Each product category serves a distinct purpose within the cleaning process.

• Cleaners and degreasers: formulated to remove grime, oil, exhaust residue and atmospheric contaminants from painted and unpainted surfaces
• Dry wash (rinseless) products: designed for waterless cleaning in environments where rinsing isn’t permitted
• Protective coatings: applied after cleaning to guard against weathering, oxidation and soil build-up
• Application equipment: including sprayers, buffers and applicators suited to specific product types

Product selection should always be guided by the aircraft manufacturer’s specifications and the individual product’s approval status.

What is the difference between wet wash and dry wash aircraft cleaning?

Wet wash cleaning uses water-based cleaning agents that are rinsed away after application, whilst dry wash (or rinseless) cleaning removes soils, oxidation and stains without water, using products such as Nuvite’s NuPower range.

Dry wash is particularly suited to eco-sensitive locations where rinsing isn’t permitted, and it doesn’t disrupt other maintenance tasks being carried out on the aircraft.

Are aircraft exterior cleaning products approved for use on commercial aircraft?

Approval status varies by product and must be checked on a case-by-case basis. Many exterior cleaning products stocked by Frasers Aerospace hold approvals from major aircraft manufacturers, including Boeing, Airbus, Embraer, Bombardier, Gulfstream and Textron.

Before use on any commercial aircraft, confirm that the specific product carries the relevant manufacturer approval and part number for that aircraft type. Manufacturer maintenance manuals typically specify approved products by name, part number or approval reference, so this documentation should always be cross-checked prior to procurement or application.

Can aircraft cleaning products be used on different aircraft surfaces?

Not all aircraft cleaning products are suitable for every surface type. Formulations are typically developed for specific applications, such as painted exteriors, bare metal brightwork, or composite panels, and using the wrong product on the wrong surface can cause corrosion, discolouration, or paint degradation.

For example, metal polishing systems such as Nuvite NuShine II are graded specifically for aluminium surfaces, including inlets and leading edges, whilst general-purpose exterior cleaners and degreasers are formulated for painted bodywork. Always check individual product data sheets and aircraft manufacturer specifications before application to confirm surface compatibility.

How do I choose the right aircraft exterior cleaner or degreaser?

Choosing the right exterior cleaner or degreaser depends on the surface being treated, the level and type of soiling, and the aircraft manufacturer’s approved products list.

Consider the following before selecting a product:

1. Surface type: painted, bare metal or composite
2. Contamination type: exhaust residue, oil, atmospheric grime or oxidation
3. Manufacturer approval: confirm the product is listed in the relevant maintenance manual
4. Application environment: whether water rinsing is permitted on-site
5. Equipment compatibility: whether specialist application tools are required

Consulting individual product approvals and technical data sheets, alongside guidance from a qualified supplier, will help ensure the correct cleaner or degreaser is selected for the task.

Do aircraft exterior cleaning products require specialist application equipment?

Some aircraft exterior cleaning products require specialist application equipment, whilst others can be applied using standard cleaning tools such as cloths and applicators. This depends on the product type and the surface being treated.

Metal polishing systems and dry wash products, for example, often require specific buffing equipment to achieve the intended finish and to avoid damaging the surface. Protective coatings may also require particular application methods to ensure even coverage and proper curing. Always refer to the manufacturer’s application instructions and, where needed, seek technical support to confirm equipment requirements before use.