I was just wondering the preferrences in what cleaners you all use to clean your airplanes.
Up to this point I have used typical window cleaner, but I have noticed if you don't wipe it right away it has a tendency to streak the covering. Which is then very difficult to wipe of the streak.

I have tried the orange (or citrus) cleaner for kitchens and baths with good results but again if not quick enough can streak.

I have also used a degreaser to clean up those streaks left by other cleaners and that appears to work quite well, but how long can one use a degreaser without affecting the covering???

Please share your thoughts on this so I can find a really good cleaner that doesn't harm the covering.

Thank you

I use Simle Green. I've grown fond of the smell. I guess it streaks a bit, but I long ago gave up on making my planes look perfect at the end of the day.

Krud Kutter is what I use

Tigerdude,
You're going to get just about as many answers as there are flyers. But since you asked, my solution comes from the fact that I'm cheap and don't feel like paying a lot of money to accomplish something. I buy a gallon of windshield washer fliud (around $1 at Wal-mart) and put a squirt or two of Dawn dishwashing liquid in it. The Dawn will cut the grease really well, and the windshield washer fliud will clean it all up. It doesn't streak and returns the shine to the Monokote on my planes. A gallon will usually last me all summer long.

Also, I use the blue disposable "shop rags" to clean my planes with. They are soft, but they hold up better than regular paper towels.

Hope this helps

Ken

I also use the windshield washer fluid/ dish soap mixture with good results. Just make sure you get plain old washer fluid and not he kind that has deicer in it. Seems I read somewhere on here that the deicer additive will damage your covering eventually.

I use Go-jo wet wipes. Sounds crazy but they work very well and leave no residue. They also leave a nice shine on the covering.

They are about 14.00 a bucket but they last a long time.

Simple Green, Iso Alcohol, and Water in equal parts..

I have to back up the Okie (SoonerAce) on this one.[:@]
That formula works great.

What I do for cleaning planes is not the soap solution only (a little dish washing cleaning or clothes washing liquid is good) but you should try toilet paper if your plane is one that will deposit tons of castor on the plane. The paper soaks the castor really well and because it absords well the plane is cleaner.

stay clear of anything with ammonia in it
it will make the covering brittle over time

Another vote for windshield washer fluid. Spray it on and wipe it off. Wipe it again with a clean dry rag and it's pretty streak free. I don't try to get mine perfect at the end of the day either.

I mix -- ZIP WAX, Alcohol and water in a spray bottle. Been using it for years. I also use the Blue shop towels. One that I had in my pocket all day to wipe the crud off and one or 2 to fine tune the clean up. I hate seeing guys rip off about 4 feet of paper towel to wipe the crud off then another 4 feet to finish up, Momma taught me better !!
By the way ZIP WAX is in the auto section of Wally world. Small bottles or big ones. I also use it on my car and Motor home.
ENJOY !!! RED

Hey guys try 409 glass cleaner..... works way better than windex or anything ive used.......

A zip-lock baggie of Baby Wipes is also great to keep in your field box. Very effective for quick clean up's. Very durable and impregnated with some super-secret, industrial strength cleaner.