Tell me what you guys prefer to clean your airplanes with. Maybe I'll be flying again in two weeks or so if my new trainer gets here soon. I probably have forgotten how to fly but I definetly remember how messy they were from the exhast. So please tell me some good tips and products. So much has changed in the 12 years I have been gone from the support.

Everybody has a different idea, from baby-wipes on up. I've seen most people use ordinary Windex or other window washing solution, and a roll of paper towels. The windex thins out the oil and makes it easier to wipe off with paper towels.

No need to go nuts on this. As part of you post flight, you might also want to run up your engine at full throttle and pull the fuel tubing off the carb to run the engine dry. Then, add a few drops of after-run oil down the carb intake and into the glow plug hole. Running the fuel out of the engine will prevent the bearings from rusting (the fuel is hydroscopic, i.e., it attracts moisture). The after-run oil prevents that.

Bob

Im pretty much a newbie but 409 or windex and papertowel is just no match for babywipes, one wipe cleans the whole plane!!

The key IMO is getting babywipes without any aloe (too slimy) or other vitamin additives, they can be had for 2.50 or so (i use huggies, generics dont seem to come w/o aloe or vitamins strangely enough).

Better for transporting and less to worry about, but your own experinces and preferences are obviously the most important, but definately worth a try if you're curious.

Cheers

I use Windex mixed with Isopropyl (rubbing alcohol). I don't use paper towels as they can scratch Monocote. Soft cotton towels.

I use the foam spray version of Orange Clean. It will melt some plastics, but monokote and coroplast (if you are flying a SPAD) seem to be immune.

I use 50% simple green, 40% water, and 10% rubbing alcahol.....
Just have to shake it before use to mix it well....

I use F 409 and paper towels to get it pretty clean, then a "Glass Plus" wipe over the whole plane to finish up and shine it up. The GP wipes are awesome but too expensive to use for the initial oil removal, IMO. Also something new since I stopped flying 20 years ago, little exhaust extensions you stick on the muffler to deflect more exhaust away. Really reduces the oil/etc on the airplane if you aim it right.

-Greg

I second the baby wipes........they're very convenient...I carry a small ziploc baggie of them in my field box....hardly takes up any room.

Most of the guys at our field use Windex and paper towels. I have recently started using the new Windex Wipes, they seem to work pretty good and the package is small enough to fit in my field box.

ill go with luftman's reply

I put my plane on top of the car and drive trough the car wash.

I like to use baby wipes too.
I also use tanning bed cleaner and old tanning towels, hey it cuts through tanning oils why not!!!!!

Denatured alcohol is what I use now. I buy it cheap at Home Depot in a 1 gallon can. Pour it in a spray bottle and it really gets rid of the grime without streaks. I also blast the engine after it cools off and I don't get those nasty castor stains. The alcohol evaporates quickly and doesn't leave residue.

Jesse