BPKlein

My Feedback: (1)

I have been flying gas for about 6 years....so it has been a little while since I have had to clean up a glow plane after flying.

I can't remember what I used to use to clean the plane with. I thought it was Windex, but Windex leaves a very cloudy appearance to the covering and paint and has ruined 2 canopies where there was fuel. (clouds or fogs the clear canopy)

I am using Wildcat fuel/synthetic oil. Can someone recommend a product (or mixture of products) to wipe the plane down with?

Thanks, Bryan

Iflyrc4fun

My Feedback: (132)

Try Babywipes

FLYBOY

My Feedback: (11)

I use alcohol. It does a great job.

Tom Jones

My Feedback: (4)

I've used "Wet Ones". They cut the oil well even when it's cold outside.

glowplug

My Feedback: (1)

I have to agree with IFLYRC4FUN. I just tried baby wipes for the first time a couple of weeks ago and they worked great.....better than anything I've been using.

Mike

Cactus.

My Feedback: (1)

i'll second, third? the baby wipes, just got another tube this afternoon. they work better laid out than scrunched to stop you getting oily too.
no cleaning your hands on the oily rag you just used either, go home to the boss baby fresh

Perminator-RCU

Pure ethanol and TP works good for me.

staggerwing

My Feedback: (5)

I use Blue Stuff. You know the stuff you put in your car windshield washer for winter. It cuts oil and doesn't leave a film. It's less than $1.00 a gallon at most places.

Vince

My Feedback: (1)

A very economical formula can be made from 91% alcohol, white vinegar, and water. Mix in equal proportions,and put in a spray bottle. It's much cheaper than any commercially prepared solution, and a lot cheaper than baby wipes. There is no need to add ammonia to the solution, as a lot of people believe. The ammonia is detrimental to the plastic finish of iron on coverings.

Vince

TerrellFlyer

I use baby wipes or simple green diluted w/water.

Deadeye

Starting fluid in a pressurized can. Spray on rag. Wipe.

NebulaDDS

You need some kind of detergent. You're dealing with mainly non-polar substances in your fuel. Soap and water ought to do it......unless I'm wrong about the non-polar point.

Vince

My Feedback: (1)

Geeeze you guys must be rolling in money.

Vince

Kevlar

My Feedback: (47)

Better make sure that engine has completely cooled off!

Deadeye

Product: Pyroil Starting Fluid 16 oz in a spray can
Price: $1.29

Starting fluid is a solvent for almost all petroleum based products. With one 'Scott's' rag, I can clean a 40-60 size airplane 25-30 times with one can of that stuff. I fold in half twice giving myself 8 new cleaning surfaces per rag. Then, saturate the rag with a 3-5 second burst of the fluid. The starting fluid (mostly ether) cuts right through glow gunk, and doesn't damage plastic coverings. It leaves no residue, but may smear requiring a quick buff with a dry rag in the heavier spots. It works really well, and only costs about $.15 to clean a plane.

If I'm 'rolling in money' I guess it would be nickels. And my planes are clean!

rc_boy_12

My Feedback: (2)

FANTASTIK for me...works GRRReat

buffyporson

I've always used glass cleaner. The stuff that comes in a squirty bottle you use to clean mirrors etc. Works great.

MAJSteve

My Feedback: (-1)

I use Windex but don't like the haze it leaves, so last time I used that, then wiped down with Isopropyl alcohol, THEN I used Monocoat polish -

Finally its clean again and shines REAL nice too. Just in time for the mall show!

wildnloose

I have tried what most people here mentioned. I prefer the babywipes over everything else (stops the wife from bickering about the smell).

visioneer_one

My Feedback: (506)

Fantastik. I use 1 cotton hand towel for wiping rather than 1/4 roll of paper towels - its more eco-friendly.

FlyingPilgrim

My Feedback: (26)

I like formula 409.

herc75

Windex and 409 are about the worst things you can use (at least to me, I am picky about price and those damn swirls). I went through this same hunt as I was disqusted with Windex. THE ABSOLUTE BEST thing to clean your airplane is a simple mix 50/50 of DENATURED ALCOHOL/WATER. I got this from a buddy on a forum and it is a miracle...."cuts through oil like a hot knife through butter" and evaporates after dry wipe so no streaks are left.

Very cheap, verrrry effective. Use 1 shop/cotton towel to apply and one to wipe dry in sections (i.e. left wing top, right wing top, bottom, etc.) and you will be so impressed you'll want to start selling it on t.v. as a miracle cleaner I promise. The guy that gave me this tip is my forum hero!

Let me know,

Nick Spurck

Steve Guinn

What will work on my bi-polar plane?

sswagerty

My Feedback: (53)

I use a product by Eagle One... in the car detailing department of any auto store. There are several levels of this product... I use the number one. It breaks fuel and dirt and is formulated to polish plastics. Monokote shines after using this.

I originally got this idea from a thread by Billy Hell of Profile fame.

Dave Barrow-RCU

Homebrew, in a gallon jug.
1 ounce Dawn dish liguid
16 ounces Isopropal Alcohol
fill with tap water.