Aircraft Interior Detailing: What Goes Into a Professional Cabin Clean

You spend hours in your aircraft cabin. Passengers eat, drink, and track in everything from mud to jet fuel. Jet has seen interiors that looked fine from the door but told a different story up close. Here's what professional interior detailing actually involves.

Why Interior Detailing Matters

Beyond looks, a clean cabin affects health, comfort, and your wallet.

Health Concerns

Aircraft cabins trap allergens, bacteria, and mold spores. Low humidity at altitude dries out mucous membranes, making passengers more susceptible to whatever is floating around. A thorough detail removes:

• Dust mites in upholstery
• Mold in AC vents and headliners
• Bacteria on high-touch surfaces
• Allergens in carpet fibers

Comfort and Smell

Nobody wants to fly in a cabin that smells like last month's burrito. Odors embed in fabric, leather, and especially headliners. Surface cleaning won't cut it. Professional extraction and treatment eliminates odors at the source.

Resale Value

Interior condition heavily influences aircraft value. Cracked leather, stained carpet, and worn plastics signal neglect to buyers. Regular detailing maintains materials in sellable condition.

The Professional Interior Detail Process

Here's what Jet and the crew do during a full interior service:

Step 1: Debris Removal

We remove all loose items, floor mats, and accessible seat cushions. A commercial aviation vacuum with HEPA filtration removes surface debris without spreading dust.

Step 2: Headliner Cleaning

Headliners are tricky. Wrong products or techniques cause water stains, discoloration, or delamination. We use dry foam cleaners applied with soft brushes, followed by extraction. No overwetting, no damage.

Step 3: Leather Treatment

Aircraft leather needs specific care:

1. Cleaning: pH-neutral cleaner removes body oils and grime
2. Conditioning: Aviation-grade conditioner restores moisture
3. Protection: UV blockers prevent fading and cracking

Jet's warning: Automotive leather products often contain silicones that damage aircraft leather over time. Always use aviation-specific products.

Step 4: Carpet and Upholstery

We use hot water extraction for fabric surfaces. This pulls out ground-in dirt, stains, and allergens that vacuuming misses. For stubborn stains, we pre-treat with aviation-safe spot removers.

Step 5: Plastic and Vinyl Care

Instrument panels, side panels, and trim get cleaned with anti-static products that repel dust. No greasy residue, no glare, no damage to sensitive surfaces.

Step 6: Glass and Lens Cleaning

Interior windows and instrument lenses require non-ammonia cleaners and microfiber cloths. We clean both sides of windows for crystal clarity.

Step 7: Air System Treatment

We clean visible vents and treat the air system with antimicrobial fog. This kills mold and bacteria throughout the HVAC system.

Common Interior Problems We Fix

Ink Stains: From pens left in seat pockets. These require specialized solvents and patience.

Fuel Smell: Gets tracked in on shoes. Requires deep carpet extraction and ozone treatment.

Leather Cracking: Usually from lack of conditioning. We can restore minor cracking; severe cases need professional repair.

Headliner Sag: Not a cleaning issue, but we'll flag it. Water damage often causes this.

Mold Growth: Found in AC systems and under floor mats. Requires antimicrobial treatment and source elimination.

How Often to Detail Your Interior

Charter operators at busy airports like Lehigh Valley (ABE) and Trenton-Mercer (TTN) often detail after every trip to maintain passenger comfort.

DIY vs Professional

Some interior care you can handle yourself:

• Vacuuming
• Wiping down surfaces
• Emptying trash
• Basic glass cleaning

• Deep carpet extraction
• Headliner cleaning
• Leather conditioning
• AC system treatment
• Stain removal

Jet's rule: If you're not 100% sure about a product or technique, don't risk it. One wrong move on a headliner costs more than a year of professional details.

Book Your Interior Detail

Aircraft Spa specializes in aviation interiors. We bring all equipment to your hangar and leave your cabin fresh, clean, and protected. Schedule an interior detail or ask us questions.

Your passengers notice the details. Make sure those details are spotless.