Rod Bender

I'm sure its been covered, and I've been flying long enough that I should know.... But, what do you use to clean your plane after a day at the field? I think back in the 80's I used windex, honestly I can't remember how it worked. After getting back into the sport this past year, I've been using Soilent Green, I mean, Solvent Green, and it just seems to smear the oil residue around. Was told to add some alcohol to it, added some Jack Daniels, didn't notice any improvement on the cleaning, but everyone loved the smell. So, what IS the best cleaner?

As always, any and all input greatly appreciated....... Greg

Capt. Bill

For years I just used paper towels with 409. A while back someone tipped me off on using baby wipes. I get most off with just the wipes then finish up using a little 409. If you want you can put a little dish washing detergent in the baby wipe container. I look for the cheapest wipes I can find, aloe and fragrence does nothing for Monokote.

oceansfiftyseven

I just use windex. But I also keep a bottle of stove fuel (alcohol) for when I want to add decals or repair covering.

Rod Bender

Thanks for the comeback guys,

William, I was thinking about 409 or fantastic or one of those, but wondered if it affected the monokote? Any color fading or anything?

Also, the baby wipes, they're just alcohol right?

Thanks again, Greg

Capt. Bill

409 is just a surfactant (detergent) and I have never noticed any effect. I guess baby wipes are mostly alcohol. I like them because they are completely saturated.

ChuckW

I usually use a multi-purpose cleaner for glass and kitchen surfaces. They are supposed to cut grease fairly well. On occasion I use automotive quick detailer spray, like the stuff from Meguires, to really make them look nice.

ho2zoo

My Feedback: (5)

I use windshield washer solution with a heafty squirt of dishwashing soap added. Works pretty well. And its cheap. Everybody's got their favorite...

ChrisMH

Simple Green. Cuts grease very well. Buy the big concentrate bottle & mix it yourself. $10 for a bazillion gallons (well, maybe not quite that much...but it's alot).

Chris

Rod Bender

Chris,
I've been using Simple Green for the past year now, and I find that it leaves a oil residue no matter what concentrate or how many times I spray\wipe it. Theres got to be a superior cleaning agent than this, that's my purpose of this quest ..... Greg

Bax

My Feedback: (11)

After just wiping off as much exhaust oil as possible, I've found that using a good-quality glass cleaner tends to work best. I shoot it on, wait a bit, and then wipe it off. Depending upon the area, a second application may be needed.

Ugo Ferrari

My Feedback: (1)

I use a sulution of 99 cents a gallon ( Walmart) windshield washer fluid, a cup of ammonia and a big squirt of dish soap. Works great! And CHEAP !
Ugo

WILDCRASHWILLY

5 cups (40 ozs) water
1 cup (8 oz) rubbing alcohol
1/2 cup ( 4 oz) ammonia
2 teaspoons (1 oz) liquid dishwasing detergent

Spray on surface,then wipe with hand. You will see it foam. Then wipe off with a paper towel. Works great!

Rod Bender

Good Stuff Guys..... Greg

Charlie P.

Pretty much what I use, but I use 91% isporopyl or stove alcohol (as rubbing alcohol is already 30 to 50% water) and laundry detergent. It's called "Jim Quinn's Cleaner" at the AGS Club - he goes back to when guys were flying Top Dawgs and Rudderbugs with escapements.

whidbey1

My Feedback: (9)

Hi
Here is the cheapest formula, just water in a spray bottle, with a few drops of dawn dishwashing liquid, cuts grease and cost less then a penny I would think.

Bill