Getting the bugs off and leaving the paint

[Michael Duncan]

What is the best cleaner to wipe the wings,nose cowl,tail etc to get the bugs off but leave the paint nice and shiny? Thanks.

[N3322G]

Michael,

Welcome to the ICS Forum.

When the paint was really new, I used a spray bottle of distilled water and an old T-shirt.

Now I use Turtlewax Car Wash from WalMart and rinse a lot. I do a section at a time and do not let the stuff dry. If it has been a month or more since I washed it, I'll let the wash solution soak but not dry before trying to get the bugs off

[Michael Duncan]

I've read where some folks use pledge and say it works well. I don't know. The plane has a really nice paint job and I just don't want to shorten its life span. Thanks for the info.

[Matt Bogard]

I use a 3 gallon weed sprayer with distilled water. I mist a good amount to the leading edges, let it sit a couple minutes, and go back with an old towel. They typically wipe off very easily. If the leading edges have a good coat of wax it works even better.

[Charles Schefer]

Michael I also have fairly new / nice paint and worry about the same. I've used Meguiars products for years and am very happy with them. I've used them on collector / show cars in the past and I also use them on my Comanche. When I've picked up new Cirrus aircraft form the factory they also recommended Meguiars.

I wipe my plane down after every flight. I keep a bottle of quick detailer for keeping up the leading edges. I use Meguiars cleaner-wax on things like the gear doors to get all the oil and exhaust off. I also keep up with the belly on a creeper - especially in the colder months when running the heater. I'll use Meguiars pure Carnuba wax just to add a good waxy layer if the cleaner isn't needed. My IA often comments that when removing the cowls they are "very slippery". I keep the entire plane "very slippery" with a good coat of wax.

I should also comment that I rarely get many bugs sticking to the plane. When I do get a few - usually on the engine cowls, a simple wet microfiber cloth will wipe them right off.

One comment - any paint that is less than 90 days old should NOT be waxed. The wax will prevent it from fully curing.

One comment on the other post about using Pledge - I've never done that but have thought about it. I used to know a guy who waxed his Porsche with Pledge and swore by it. A local flight school cleans all it's aircraft windshields with Pledge and swears that it keeps them clean and nearly bug free. I don't currently do that but have thought about it. On my windshield I use a plexiglass cleaner.

- Charles

[George Kretschmann]

I use pledge on the glass and interior, 409 on the leading edges etc after every flight. I also use pledge on the props and spinners it makes them look like new. I do use fresh t shirts on the glass.

[Michael Duncan]

I saw the tip about the pledge on another forum dare I say the b word. Have heard of also using it on the windows but there is some disagreement about that. Paint is two years old but aircraft has been hangared and well taken care of so it looks almost new. Some of the savvy aviatior crowd says to be careful with the 409 but "Extreme Simple Green" which is made for aircraft is good espically on the belly's. As far as the windows go I think I'm gonna go with just water and hand rubbing although it may be a little more labor and then follow up with plexiglass polish. I sure appreciate all the ideas. Once the paperwork is finalized and I know she's mine for sure I'll get some pictures up. Really excited this has been a lifelong dream. Feeling like a little kid at Christmas.

[MULEFLY]

I use Windex and a nylon shower scrungie... I don't use Windex on the windows, for that I use a special plexiglass cleaner.... but on the leading edges of the wings... a bit of Windex -- let it soak for a couple of minutes and then the scrungie and wipe dry with an old T-shirt.

[N3322G]

For the windshield I follow the mfr rep's recommendation and use water with my hand sans rings to clean. Dry it with soft old T-shirt squares I keep so that i always have clean ones. There's a sign in the window provided by Aeroplastics that the windows should not be cleaned - keeps the line crew away.

[Michael Duncan]

Thanks guys, shower scrungie sounds like a good idea and I'm gonna see if I can find on of those do not clean windows sign. If not I'll just make up my own.

[Chuck Porter]

Hi All,
I use a product called "Purple Slice" to remove bugs from my 260B. It was introduced to me a number of years ago and at the time I used it on a classic car. It is a popular product for classic car and motorcycle folks as an instant detailer. We used to call it "queen for a day". I apply a Very fine mist, let it sit for a few minutes, remove bugs with a micro fibre cloth and buff to a shine with a second micro fibre cloth. It doesn't take much product or effort in my opinion. It works for me.
I use "clear to land" on the windscreen.

Chuck

[Michael Duncan]

Hi Chuck,
Thanks for the info. Have never heard of this product but since I don't have a classic car or motorcycle that is not suprising. Thanks for the tip I will check it out.

Mike

[Andreas Riedel]

Michael, I found that preventative works best with my plane. Keep it waxed and the bugs come off with even a try cloth. I also Keep a bucket of water in my hanger to wipe the window and leading edges after a longer flight. During the year I use car wheel wax in a spray bottle. Spray the leading edges, wipe over and its done. Spring and autumn is the time for a complete wax job. Also helps a bit with the ice build up. I do the same with the car and it works.

[Kristofer Duckett]

To remove bugs: I learned this from a former USAF crew chief. It works like a champ!!

USE A WET DRYER SHEET OR FABRIC SOFTNER LIKE "BOUNCE." It was the darndest thing but I swear by it!

Kris.

[Michael Duncan]

Thanks Kris, sounds like an easy solution. I will give it a try.

Mike