How to Keep Your Aircraft Looking Sharp Between Professional Details

You just got your aircraft detailed. It looks incredible. Two weeks later, bugs, dust, and exhaust stains are building up again. Jet gets it. You don't want to pay for a full detail every week. Here's how to maintain that shine between professional services.

The Reality of Aircraft Ownership

Every flight adds contamination:

• Bugs on leading edges and windscreen
• Exhaust residue on belly and tail
• Brake dust around gear
• Dust and pollen everywhere
• Bird droppings if you're unlucky

Left alone, this contamination bonds to surfaces and becomes harder to remove. Regular maintenance keeps it manageable.

The 15-Minute Post-Flight Routine

After each flight, spend 15 minutes on quick cleanup:

Tools You Need

• Spray bottle with aviation quick detailer
• 4-6 quality microfiber towels
• Separate towels for windows
• Soft bug sponge
• Small trash bag for used towels

Total investment: Under $50

The Routine

Step 1: Bug Removal (5 minutes)

Do this immediately after shutdown while bugs are still soft.

1. Spray quick detailer on leading edges
2. Let it sit 30 seconds
3. Wipe with damp microfiber (not dry, you'll scratch)
4. Hit the windscreen with glass-specific cleaner

Jet's trick: Keep a spray bottle with water in your flight bag. Mist bugs immediately after landing, even if you can't clean until later.

Step 2: Wipe Down High-Touch Areas (5 minutes)

• Door handles and edges
• Step surfaces
• Cowling finger holds
• Wing walk areas
• Struts (if you grabbed them)

Step 3: Quick Interior (5 minutes)

• Remove trash and debris
• Shake out floor mats
• Wipe instrument panel and yoke
• Quick vacuum if equipped

That's it. Fifteen minutes preserves your detail for weeks longer.

Weekly Maintenance Tasks

If you fly regularly, add these weekly:

Exterior Walk-Around Wipe

Spray and wipe the whole aircraft with quick detailer. This removes light dust and contamination before it bonds. Takes 20-30 minutes depending on aircraft size.

Wheel and Gear Cleaning

Brake dust is corrosive. Wipe wheels, gear legs, and fairings weekly with a damp microfiber. Dry thoroughly.

Window Deep Clean

Interior and exterior windows with proper glass cleaner. Check for developing scratches or crazing.

Leather Quick Condition

Wipe leather seats with a conditioning wipe. Not a full treatment, just maintenance moisture.

Monthly Maintenance Tasks

Once a month, do a more thorough job:

Exhaust Area Cleaning

The belly and tail section behind exhausts collect dark residue. Use a dedicated exhaust stain remover (aviation-specific), let it dwell, and wipe clean.

Full Interior Vacuum

Every crack and crevice. Under seats, behind cushions, in all pockets. This prevents debris buildup that attracts pests and odors.

Tire and Strut Inspection

Clean and inspect tires. Wipe struts and check for proper extension. Address any fluid weeping promptly.

Brightwork Polish

Chrome, polished aluminum, and stainless need regular attention. Quick polish with appropriate metal polish maintains shine and prevents oxidation.

What NOT to Do Between Details

Some maintenance causes more problems than it solves:

Don't Wax Yourself

Wax application and removal requires proper technique. Bad waxing creates haze, streaks, and buildup in crevices. Leave waxing to professionals.

Don't Use Random Cleaners

That all-purpose cleaner from under your kitchen sink? Keep it there. Use only products designed for aircraft surfaces.

Don't Pressure Wash

Even for "just a quick rinse," pressure washing causes problems we discussed in our mistakes article. Garden hose only.

Don't Clean in Direct Sun

Same rule as full washes. Water spots happen fast on hot surfaces.

Don't Skip Rinsing

Even with quick detailer, a water rinse occasionally helps remove buildup. Don't let products accumulate.

When to Call the Professionals

Some situations need expert attention:

• Heavy bug accumulation that won't come off with quick detailer
• Oil or hydraulic fluid spills that need proper degreasers
• Bird dropping damage that has etched paint
• Mold or mildew in interior
• Stains you can't identify (better safe than sorry)

Jet's rule: If you're not sure how to clean something, stop. Call us before you cause damage.

Recommended Product Kit

For hangar maintenance, we suggest:

Ask us during your next detail and we'll point you to specific brands we trust.

The Bottom Line

A professional detail every 1-3 months combined with regular maintenance keeps your aircraft looking great year-round. The time investment is minimal: 15 minutes per flight, 30 minutes weekly, an hour monthly.

Compare that to the cost of paint correction from neglected contamination. Regular maintenance wins every time.

Aircraft Spa serves pilots at Reading Regional, Lancaster, Lehigh Valley, and 12 more airports across the region. Schedule your next professional detail or ask about our maintenance program.

Take care of your aircraft between details, and it'll keep looking like it just left the spa.