DJ Todd B Posted February 17, 2019 Report Share Posted February 17, 2019 What's the best Washing Solution to wash the plane with that will remove the bugs and wash the plane? Dish Soap, 409? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandpiper Posted February 18, 2019 Report Share Posted February 18, 2019 I use Composiclean products @ composiclean.com. They make a wash product, a spray cleaner product which is mainly what I use, and a product called Haze Glaze. I also use oil eater on the belly about once a year followed with the spray cleaner. Dish soap will strip off any wax that may be on the surface. I have never used dish soap on any car or plane I have ever owned. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Garrett Gee Posted February 18, 2019 Report Share Posted February 18, 2019 I too have had good luck with Composiclean Products. I primarily use their bucket wash and spray wax with good results. It is pH neutral, which is (typically) a must for composite aircraft. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FlyingMonkey Posted February 18, 2019 Report Share Posted February 18, 2019 In the hangar I keep a bucket of water with Composiclean bucket wash mixed in. For bugs I just dunk a cloth in the bucket and rub the bugs off, then dry with another cloth. Easy and works well. I change the bucket water about every 3 months or so. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KentWien Posted February 18, 2019 Report Share Posted February 18, 2019 I have been using PlanePerfect cleaning supplies. Their belly cleaner is absolutely amazing. Just spray on and wipe off like it’s dust. It used to be a chore. https://planeperfect.us/products/bbb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DJ Todd B Posted February 18, 2019 Author Report Share Posted February 18, 2019 OK, looks like everyone is using some pretty expensive solutions out there. Is there anything "over the counter" "Walmart style" that will do the job safely? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LS Bruce Posted February 18, 2019 Report Share Posted February 18, 2019 I use no water, Meguiars wash and wax with a microfiber after every flight. Bugs slide right off. Available at Walmart. https://www.meguiars.com/automotive/products/meguiars-ultimate-waterless-wash-wax-g3626-26-oz-spray Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Warmi Posted February 18, 2019 Report Share Posted February 18, 2019 Here are some other options from the Light Sport forum... http://sportpilottalk.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=5183&p=53184#p53184 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FlyingMonkey Posted February 18, 2019 Report Share Posted February 18, 2019 3 hours ago, DJ Todd B said: OK, looks like everyone is using some pretty expensive solutions out there. Is there anything "over the counter" "Walmart style" that will do the job safely? The problem is that most cheap "over the counter" solutions are not Ph-neutral. Higher or lower Ph can attack the foam cores under the carbon fiber if it gets in there, and cause delamination and sagging of structures. It has happened on several CTs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Baker Posted February 18, 2019 Report Share Posted February 18, 2019 50 minutes ago, FlyingMonkey said: The problem is that most cheap "over the counter" solutions are not Ph-neutral. Higher or lower Ph can attack the foam cores under the carbon fiber if it gets in there, and cause delamination and sagging of structures. It has happened on several CTs. Agreed, having seen deformed structure due to the foam dissolving it is not worth trying to save a few buck over. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Warmi Posted February 19, 2019 Report Share Posted February 19, 2019 My Aircraft Maintenance Manual just mentions to use the following (without getting into any specifics about ph or similar matters ....): Lukewarm water, Cleansing agents used for cleaning and protecting automobiles Ps. And of course, it is just like FD planes, 85% carbon fiber with a sandwich of fb and foam core glued with epoxy + fiberglass in all other, non-structural parts... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Baker Posted February 19, 2019 Report Share Posted February 19, 2019 3 hours ago, Warmi said: My Aircraft Maintenance Manual just mentions to use the following (without getting into any specifics about ph or similar matters ....): Lukewarm water, Cleansing agents used for cleaning and protecting automobiles Ps. And of course, it is just like FD planes, 85% carbon fiber with a sandwich of fb and foam core glued with epoxy + fiberglass in all other, non-structural parts... While the construction method is the same, it might use a different foam core material. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Warmi Posted February 19, 2019 Report Share Posted February 19, 2019 Indeed they are different - FD is using Rohacell foam ( Polymethacrylimide) vs Divinycell H60 ( PVC) for the Sting. FD manual actually does explicitly state to avoid certain cleaning products - these are very explicit warnings, and as you said, it is not worth saving a few bucks given how expensive can structural composite repairs be ... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ct9000 Posted February 21, 2019 Report Share Posted February 21, 2019 I use just ordinary furniture polish to clean the bugs off, after a while it becomes very slick and the bugs don't stick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Animosity2k Posted November 11, 2019 Report Share Posted November 11, 2019 Been using Plane Perfects waterless wash but the bugs don't seem to want to easily come off the wings. Any other ideas? I was thinking maybe a wash mitt w an abrasive surface on it? Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben2k9 Posted November 11, 2019 Report Share Posted November 11, 2019 Best thing I started doing is wiping down leading edges right after the flight. Bugs come right off with a spray bottle of water when they are fresh. Can’t get any cheaper than that. Use pledge or plexus on windscreen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AGLyme Posted November 11, 2019 Report Share Posted November 11, 2019 I use “Simple green” towelettes... on the wings and other painted surfaces only... never the glass. they work great. I then reapply “210 spray wax” on all Painted surfaces. The same spray wax is also used to remove the bugs on the glass. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UCFKnight1039 Posted November 11, 2019 Report Share Posted November 11, 2019 Compisiclean products. PH neutral. I'm a bit weary of playing PH Russian rue let. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Baker Posted November 11, 2019 Report Share Posted November 11, 2019 Once you get it clean a coat of wax will help for future cleanings. I have used Nufinish before with good results. If you are going to be flying when you know it is going to be real buggy, a quick layer of Nufinish before you fly without wiping it off will make bugs come off easy. Another trick if you have a bunch of dried on bugs is a Bounce dryer sheet and water. They come off like butter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandpiper Posted November 11, 2019 Report Share Posted November 11, 2019 There was a pilot in this airpark whose wife met the plane after every flight and cleaned the bugs off. He passed on before I ever learned his secret. If any of you have this figured out, please post. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Baker Posted November 12, 2019 Report Share Posted November 12, 2019 2 hours ago, sandpiper said: There was a pilot in this airpark whose wife met the plane after every flight and cleaned the bugs off. He passed on before I ever learned his secret. If any of you have this figured out, please post. I knew a guy with a natural aluminum polished Luscombe. His wife cleaned the airplane regularly, and polished it twice a year. He worked and brought home the money, and she was a stay at home house wife. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
procharger Posted November 27, 2019 Report Share Posted November 27, 2019 Meguiar’s Waterless Wash and Wax Sale 904 Reviews MEGUIAR'S G3626 Ultimate Waterless Wash & Wax, 26 Fluid Ounces ONE EASY STEP: Premium formula conveniently... WATER SPOT-FREE: Advanced chemistry contains... LONG-LASTING BARRIER: Advanced polymer... SAFE FOR GLOSSY PAINTS: Is safe and effective... $14.99 −34% $9.87 Buy on Amazon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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