How to Wash an Airplane: A Practical Wet Wash Guide for Corrosion Prevention in 2026
- Matt Farrell
- 4 days ago
- 9 min read
How Often Do Pilots Really Wet Wash Their Aircraft?
Let’s face it—wet washing an airplane isn’t most pilots’ favorite weekend activity.
In a recent poll I ran on the BeechTalk forum asking, “How often do you wet wash your airplane?” the 23 responses painted a clear picture:
- Once a year: 26%
- Twice per year: 17%
- Multiple times per year: 13%
- “My airplane hates soap and water”: 43%
That’s right—nearly half rarely or never do a full wet wash.
From years of hangar talk and ramp observations, this isn’t surprising. Many owners view it as time-consuming, potentially risky, or simply not urgent compared to other maintenance priorities.
This guide is about demystifying the process and showing how to do it effectively, whether you only tackle it once or twice a year, or decide to call in a professional detailer.
Why Wet Washing Still Matters (Even If You Rarely Do It)
A shiny airplane looks great in photos, but wet washing delivers real, practical benefits:
1. Removes corrosive contaminants
2. Preserves paint and finish
3. Turns cleaning time into a valuable inspection
The top priority is corrosion prevention. As outlined in FAA Advisory Circular AC 43-4B (Corrosion Control for Aircraft), pollutants like exhaust residue, salt, dirt, de-cing fluid and industrial fallout trap moisture and accelerate corrosion on aluminum structures. Regular removal of these contaminants slows the process significantly.
AOPA resources echo this: keeping the airframe clean reduces the risk of hidden corrosion and extends the life of your paint job.
Plus, a freshly washed surface makes it far easier to spot early issues like cracking paint, sealant degradation, loose fasteners, or seepage before they turn into expensive repairs.
Phillip Pierce, VP of Sales & Marketing and co-founder of Jet Stream Aviation Products—a company with over 43 years of aircraft detailing experience cleaning more than 50,000 aircraft—emphasizes that wet washing has its place.
"We detailed Exxon Mobil’s three Gulfstreams for years, wet washing them every month, including wheel wells for over 12 years. We did brightwork every three months, and they looked brand new with zero issues."
Why So Many Pilots Skip It (And Why That’s Okay to Admit)
Common hurdles include:
- Fear of forcing water into seams, antennas, or sensitive areas
- Worries about streaks or water spots
- Uncertainty over safe, aviation-approved products
- Limited access to water or proper tools
- The misconception that less washing means less risk to the finish
- And the big one: time
On that last point, many assume a proper wet wash eats up an entire day. In practice, with an efficient workflow and the right tools, you can clean a typical single-engine piston aircraft in 30–45 minutes of active washing. Factor in setup and drying, and you’re done in about an hour.
Pro tip: If you can, Choose a cloudy day. Direct sun causes products to dry too quickly, leading to streaks. Overcast conditions let cleaners dwell longer for better results. If you have to wash in direct sunlight, simply work in smaller sections.
The Hidden Danger of Dry Wiping or Spot Cleaning
Pilots who avoid wet washes often fall back on dry wiping or quick touch-ups, assuming it’s gentler.
The reality? Dust and fallout are abrasive.
Fine particles like silica, carbon, and pollutants settle on surfaces. Dragging a dry cloth or even a microfiber over them acts like fine sandpaper, creating micro-scratches that dull the finish, degrade the clear coat, and eventually etch the paint.
Ironically, infrequent but proper wet washing causes far less long-term damage than frequent dry wiping without lubrication. Dry wiping begins to dull the finish and eventually you will need a mechanical buffer to bring back that shine. Now you are removing the dull material and thereby taking away material that is designed to protect your plane.
It’s not just frequency that counts—it’s technique.
Wash Smarter, Not Necessarily More Often
As we discussed in Part One of this series, it is important to use the right products when washing your airplane. Aviation-specific cleaners are engineered to:
- Avoid emulsifiers that can allow moisture to migrate into seams
- Avoid alkaline solutions that can cause corrosion
- Safely lift and encapsulate dirt
- Rinse cleanly without residue or abrasion
Unlike household dish soap or automotive products (which can contain harsh alkalines, silicones, or additives harmful to aircraft paint), these are pH-balanced and tested for aviation use. Continued use of high pH household products are an opportunity to have adverse effects on composites and sealants and at the same time, promote corrosion. Automotive products are engineered for vehicles that utilize a two part hardened clear coat and can be too aggressive for aircrat paint systems.
A Proven Wet Wash Workflow
This method comes from hands-on training with Cody and Phillip at Jet Stream Aviation Products, plus real-world testing on our Cessna T210. I’m sure there are other great products out there, but once I started using Jet Stream, I just haven’t needed to look around. They’ve worked well for me. That said, whatever you use, just make sure you’re following the manufacturer’s instructions and that it’s actually safe for aircraft surfaces.
Essential Tools for washing an airplane
- Garden hose and water source (**never a pressure washer**—it can drive water into seams and seals)
- Telescoping pole and soft-bristled brush (eliminates ladders and climbing on the airframe)
- Clean microfiber towels or synthetic chamois for drying
- Two 2-gallon pump sprayers
- 5-gallon bucket for mixing (Janitor's mop bucket with wheels works perfectly)
- Painter’s tape (low-tack blue tape works great for temporarily covering sensitive openings)
“At minimum, every airplane owner needs an extension pole. We’ve seen too many people dragging ladders around and beating themselves up when a simple pole changes everything.”
— Phillip Pierce, Jet Stream Aviation Products
Recommended Products (Jet Stream Aviation Products)
- Safety Wash – General cleaner (1 cup per 5 gallons water)
- Ultra Magnum – Bug and exhaust remover (2 cups per 2 gallons in sprayer)
- Hydrasolve – Belly oil/grease breaker (2 cups per 2 gallons in sprayer)
You may be asking yourself, “Why three different products?”
That’s a fair question — and the answer comes down to using just the right amount of cleaning power for the job, without overdoing it.
Safety Wash
This is your go-to for the overall wash. It’s pH-neutral, non-corrosive, and safe for all aircraft surfaces — including paint, composites, rubber, vinyl, and glass.The key is in the chemistry: Safety Wash works by lifting dirt and contaminants so they can be safely rinsed away without scrubbing or abrasion. That makes it perfect for general cleaning when you want effective results without risking paint damage or stripping away your protectant layer unnecessarily.
Ultra Magnum
For bugs, soot, and exhaust residue, the kinds of carbon-based grime that cling to leading edges, nose bowls, and exhaust areas — Ultra Magnum steps in with just a bit more bite.It softens insect residue and lifts contaminants so they can be wiped or rinsed away with minimal effort, all without damaging sensitive surfaces. Think of this as your “spot treatment” product for tough grime where Safety Wash isn’t quite enough.
Hydrasolve
This is your heavy-hitter designed for the dirtiest areas like oily bellies, gear wells, and engine nacelles.Hydrasolve is extremely effective at cutting through baked-on grease and hydraulic residue. But because of its strength, it can remove more of your protective waxes or polymer coatings (not ceramic coatings) in the process. That’s not a problem when used strategically; in fact, it’s the right tool when you need it. But for that reason, it’s best to reserve Hydrasolve for areas that truly need it, and always follow up with a fresh application of your preferred protectant after washing.
Remember, each job is different as far as ratios go because each customer flies different schedules and where they fly matters too... so the ratios of soap and degreaser change with the condition of the aircraft.
— Phillip Pierce, Jet Stream Aviation Products
Be cautious of “all-in-one” cleaners that promise to handle every surface. If a product is strong enough to cut through the grime on your belly or clean the exhaust stains around the nacelles, it’s likely too harsh for areas like the wings and fuselage. That kind of cleaning power comes at a cost, and that cost is usually your wax, polymer sealant, or other protective layers.
So while one-size-fits-all might sound convenient, it often means overkill where you don’t need it, and more work for you in the long run.
The Bottom Line on Aircraft Cleaning Solutions
Using the right product in the right place means:
✔ Cleaner results
✔ Less abrasion
✔ Longer-lasting protection
✔ No more cleaning power than necessary
This system works with you, not against you and once you get the hang of it, the entire wash process is surprisingly fast and effective.
Step-by-Step Process
Prep Step (Important for Safety):
Before starting the rinse, cover the pitot tube, static ports, fuel vents, and any open engine intakes or exhausts with painter’s tape or dedicated plugs. This prevents water intrusion that could affect flight instruments or cause internal corrosion. Remove the tape after everything is fully dry.
1. Initial Rinse – Start at the top and work down to float away loose grit. Avoid direct spraying into covered areas or control surface gaps.
2. Apply Ultra Magnum – Spray liberally on leading edges, nose, cowling, and exhaust stained areas. Concentrate on areas with bugs and soot. Applying now allows dwell time while you prep other areas.
3. Apply Hydrasolve – Target the belly, gear, and oily zones. Allow it to break down grime.
4. Agitate with Soapy Brush – Dip in Safety Wash solution and gently scrub top-to-bottom, avoiding the windows. The telescoping pole reaches everything safely while standing comfortably.
5. Final Rinse – Thoroughly remove all residue before it dries; again, top to bottom.
6. Dry – Use cotton bath towels or large microfiber towels. The pole helps with high surfaces without using a step ladder. Remove protective tape once dry.
(For a visual demo, check out my YouTube walkthrough using this exact process.)
Active washing time: ~30–45 minutes
Total with setup/cleanup: ~1 hour
Special Care for Washing Aircraft Windshields and Windows
Aircraft windows (typically acrylic or Plexiglas) are far more delicate than painted surfaces and scratch easily, even from soft-bristled brushes or improper cleaners.
Save this step for last, after the airframe is fully dried. This prevents runoff from the paint cleaners streaking the glass.
- Use only clean microfiber cloths, do not use brushes, paper towels, or regular rags.
- Apply an aviation-approved Plexiglas cleaner (There are many options out there, of course I use Jet Stream Plexi-Clear on the T210).
- Spray lightly, wipe gently in straight lines (not circles) from front to back, and buff with a fresh dry microfiber for clarity.
Avoid household glass cleaners like Windex, they can contain ammonia that crazes acrylic over time.
Post-Wash Protection: Replace What You Removed
Every wash strips away some natural oils and erodes existing protectant. Reapply a quality aviation sealant or wax to shield against UV, pollutants, and future buildup.
Aviation-specific options include:
- Flyers Speed Wax
- Av-Shield Polymer Protectant
- Jet Stream Liquid Diamond
(We’ll cover protectants in depth in a future post.)
Cleaning Doubles as Inspection
A clean airframe reveals details that dirt hides. While washing or drying, watch for:
- Paint cracks or chips
- Loose or missing fasteners
- Deteriorating sealant
- Fluid leaks
- Early corrosion signs
FAA AC 43-4B highlights cleaning as a best practice for corrosion prevention programs, especially on aging aircraft.
Don't Be Afraid to Call in the Pros
Let’s also be realistic: sometimes, a professional detailer is the right answer.
Not every job is a bucket-and-brush kind of task. If your aircraft has sat on a ramp in an area of moderate to severe corrosion through acid rain, snow, or perhaps was de-iced before departure you're dealing with a concoction of chemicals and that requires special attention. Perhaps your aircraft has been sitting for an extended period and you’re dealing with a thick layer of dust, oxidation, boot fade, or brightwork that’s beyond a wipe-down. You might decide that it's time to call in the pros.
What matters is that it gets done right, whether by you or someone else. And when you understand the process, products, and risks, you become a more informed consumer who can:
Ask the right questions
Understand what a pro service is actually doing
Ensure your aircraft is being cared for with the right chemistry and technique
That’s what this series is about — not only giving you the tools, but also the knowledge to make informed decisions and protect your investment.
The Bottom Line
The BeechTalk poll confirms what most of us already know: the “experts’ recommended” frequency often doesn’t match real-world ownership.
That’s not negligence; it’s practicality. But with the right tools, products, and workflow, wet washing becomes:
- Safe (no worries of corrosion or water intrusion when done correctly)
- Quick (an hour well spent)
- Effective (real protection and inspection benefits)
A clean airplane doesn’t just turn heads, it lasts longer, stays safer, and preserves your investment. Just remember, not matter how often you wash, wash smart.
Next up in the series, How to Wash Your Airplane Without Water in 2026.
—TFS
References & Resources
Corrosion Prevention & Cleaning Guidance
- FAA Advisory Circular AC 43-4B – Corrosion Control for Aircraft (2018)
Product & Technique Resources
- Jet Stream Aviation Products (official site and product guides)
- Sherwin-Williams Aerospace Technical Guides (official site)