{"id":402,"date":"2026-11-03T20:31:37","date_gmt":"2026-11-04T02:31:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mobiledetailing.io\/blog\/dry-wash-aircraft\/"},"modified":"2026-11-03T20:31:40","modified_gmt":"2026-11-04T02:31:40","slug":"dry-wash-aircraft","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mobiledetailing.io\/blog\/dry-wash-aircraft\/","title":{"rendered":"Dry Wash for Aircraft: How It Works and When to Use It"},"content":{"rendered":"<\/p>\n<p>A dry wash cleans an aircraft\u2019s exterior with little or no water. A liquid product is applied by hand, loosens and encapsulates the dirt, and is wiped away before or just after it dries to a thin film. It works well for light dust, a few bugs and routine touch-ups on an aircraft that was recently washed. It is the wrong tool for heavy soil, salt, de-ice residue or exhaust and belly deposits. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aviation.govt.nz\/assets\/publications\/vector\/vector-article-archive\/2022\/vector-article-2022-1-aircraft-cleaning.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">New Zealand\u2019s aviation authority describes the method<\/a> as applying a cleaning liquid manually to the outer surface and removing it after it dries to a film, which takes the dirt with it.<\/p>\n<p>This guide covers how waterless washing differs from a wet wash, when it fits, which areas to keep it away from, how the process goes step by step, what the FAA says about who may do the work, and how to hire a mobile detailer who knows aircraft.<\/p>\n<div data-blg-cta=\"after_tldr\" data-blg-cta-layout=\"banner\" style=\"margin:28px 0;font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, &apos;Segoe UI&apos;, Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif\">\n<div style=\"border-radius:26px;padding:min(22px,3.2vw);background:radial-gradient(circle at 100% 0%,#d7d8db 0 150px,rgba(255,255,255,0) 151px),radial-gradient(circle at 0% 100%,#d7d8db 0 130px,rgba(255,255,255,0) 131px),linear-gradient(180deg,#e4e5e7 0%,#f2f2f3 100%)\">\n<div style=\"background:#ffffff;border-radius:18px;overflow:hidden\">\n<div style=\"padding:34px 30px;text-align:center\">\n<div style=\"margin:0 0 18px\"><span style=\"display:inline-block;max-width:100%;border-radius:999px;padding:6px 13px;font-size:12px;font-weight:800;letter-spacing:0.1em;text-transform:uppercase;line-height:1.3;background:#1F2937;color:#ffffff\">Mobiledetailing<\/span><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:26px;font-weight:800;line-height:1.2;letter-spacing:-0.01em;color:#1f2937;margin:0\">Find Aircraft Detailing Near You<\/div>\n<div style=\"width:56px;height:6px;border-radius:3px;background:#1F2937;margin:12px 0 14px;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;color:#64748b;margin:0 0 24px;max-width:44em;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto\">Search for local mobile detailers and compare businesses offering specialized services for aircraft.<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/mobiledetailing.io\/search?utm_source=babylovegrowth&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=blog-cta\" style=\"display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:9px;border-radius:10px;font-weight:700;font-size:15px;text-decoration:none;padding:13px 22px 13px 26px;background:#1F2937;color:#ffffff\">Find an aircraft detailer<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"table-of-contents\" tabindex=\"-1\">Table of Contents<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#dry-wash-vs-wet-wash-what-actually-differs\">Dry wash vs. wet wash: what actually differs<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#when-dry-washing-is-the-right-call\">When dry washing is the right call<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#when-dry-washing-is-the-wrong-call\">When dry washing is the wrong call<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#surfaces-to-keep-dry-wash-products-away-from\">Surfaces to keep dry-wash products away from<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#how-a-dry-wash-is-done-step-by-step\">How a dry wash is done, step by step<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#why-corrosion-is-the-real-stake\">Why corrosion is the real stake<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#who-is-allowed-to-wash-your-aircraft\">Who is allowed to wash your aircraft<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#hiring-a-mobile-detailer-for-an-aircraft\">Hiring a mobile detailer for an aircraft<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#doing-a-light-dry-wash-yourself\">Doing a light dry wash yourself<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#common-mistakes-to-avoid\">Common mistakes to avoid<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#faq\">FAQ<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#sources\">Sources<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"dry-wash-vs-wet-wash-what-actually-differs\" tabindex=\"-1\">Dry wash vs. wet wash: what actually differs<\/h2>\n<p>A wet wash uses water to carry soil off the surface. A dry wash, sometimes called a waterless wash, uses a product that <a href=\"https:\/\/allengroupe.com\/flight-deck\/dry-wash-or-wet-wash\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">wraps soil in a lubricating film<\/a> so it can be lifted into a towel instead of dragged across the finish. The chemistry does the work that rinsing would otherwise do.<\/p>\n<p>That difference drives every practical choice:<\/p>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th><\/th>\n<th>Dry (waterless) wash<\/th>\n<th>Wet wash<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Water use<\/td>\n<td>Little or none<\/td>\n<td>Rinse and wash water<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Best for<\/td>\n<td>Light dust, a few bugs, recently cleaned aircraft<\/td>\n<td>Heavy soil, salt, de-ice residue, exhaust and belly deposits<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Where it works<\/td>\n<td>Ramps, hangars or tie-downs where water is restricted or impractical<\/td>\n<td>Wash racks or areas with proper runoff handling<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Main risk<\/td>\n<td>Over-saturating the product and grinding grit into paint<\/td>\n<td>Driving water and detergent into joints and bearings<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Typical pace<\/td>\n<td>Section by section, hand work<\/td>\n<td>Rinse, wash, rinse, dry<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>Neither method is better in every case. The method should match how dirty the aircraft is, and what the aircraft\u2019s manufacturer allows.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"when-dry-washing-is-the-right-call\" tabindex=\"-1\">When dry washing is the right call<\/h2>\n<p>The clearest fit is a between-flight touch-up. According to a <a href=\"https:\/\/allengroupe.com\/flight-deck\/dry-wash-or-wet-wash\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">published comparison of the two methods<\/a>, dry washing suits an aircraft that was washed recently and now carries light dust and a few bugs. It also suits several real-world situations:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Water is restricted or unavailable.<\/strong> Some airports, hangars and tie-down areas limit wash water or runoff. A hand-applied product avoids the issue.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Cold weather.<\/strong> When temperatures make wet washing impractical, a hand-applied product can keep the finish clean between full washes.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Fabric-covered and antique aircraft.<\/strong> Australia\u2019s aviation safety regulator <a href=\"https:\/\/solidus.industries\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/AWB-02-019.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">recommends dry washing for fabric-covered and antique aircraft<\/a> to avoid saturating the structure with water and detergent.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Regular upkeep.<\/strong> An aircraft that is cleaned on a steady schedule rarely builds up the kind of film that forces a heavy wet wash.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If your aircraft is in one of those categories, a dry wash is a reasonable default. Always confirm against the maintenance manual or the manufacturer\u2019s cleaning instructions for your specific airframe and paint.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"when-dry-washing-is-the-wrong-call\" tabindex=\"-1\">When dry washing is the wrong call<\/h2>\n<p>Some conditions call for water, because there is simply too much soil for a film to hold. The same comparison lists heavy soil, salt, de-ice residue, and exhaust or belly deposits as jobs for a wet wash.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/mobiledetailing.io\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/1793608796582_Dark-deposits-visible-beneath-an-aircraft-fuselage.jpeg\" alt=\"Dark deposits visible beneath an aircraft fuselage\"><\/p>\n<p>The reason is physical. A dry wash product has a limited capacity to suspend soil. <a href=\"https:\/\/allengroupe.com\/flight-deck\/dry-wash-or-wet-wash\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Once it is saturated, the film stops holding particles<\/a>, and the towel effectively becomes a sanding block that can mark the finish. That is the failure that matters most, and it is why a good detailer changes towels often and works small areas.<\/p>\n<p>The same logic shows up in car care. A <a href=\"https:\/\/diamondbrite.co.uk\/wash-car-without-scratching\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">two-bucket wash and a pre-wash step<\/a> exist to remove loose grit before any contact with the paint. On an aircraft, the equivalent is to judge soil load honestly: if you can see gritty, caked or oily deposits, a waterless wipe is not the first step.<\/p>\n<p>Also skip dry washing when:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The aircraft has been sitting through a dusty or sandy stretch and the surface feels gritty to the touch.<\/li>\n<li>There is salt exposure from coastal operations or winter ground treatments.<\/li>\n<li>Deposits are oily, as around exhaust trails, engine areas or belly panels.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"surfaces-to-keep-dry-wash-products-away-from\" tabindex=\"-1\">Surfaces to keep dry-wash products away from<\/h2>\n<p>This is the part owners most often get wrong. A maintenance procedure for dry washing (TR 12-141) says to use only specified materials and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.frasersaerospace.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Dry-Wash-TR12-141-2.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">not to use dry-wash agents on windows, windshields, landing-gear bays, or rubber and plastic materials<\/a>, because the agents can damage them. The same document tells personnel to follow the manufacturer\u2019s instructions for the product.<\/p>\n<p>In practice, that means:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Windows and windshields.<\/strong> Acrylic can craze or haze. Use a cleaner and cloths made for aircraft transparencies, per the aircraft manual.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Landing-gear bays.<\/strong> These need a different process entirely.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Rubber seals, boots and plastic parts.<\/strong> Keep product off them. Bombardier\u2019s dry-wash guidance cautions <a href=\"https:\/\/www.frasersaerospace.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Dry-Wash-TR12-141-2.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">against letting any cleaning agent touch rubber or plastic seals<\/a>, and against scrubbing dry surfaces. Use hand pressure with moist cloths.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Openings.<\/strong> Keep agents away from openings, vents and ports.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These are the areas where a car-detailing habit does harm. A spray-and-wipe approach that is fine on a sedan\u2019s door panel is not fine near a pitot port or a windshield.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-a-dry-wash-is-done-step-by-step\" tabindex=\"-1\">How a dry wash is done, step by step<\/h2>\n<p>Products differ, so the label and the aircraft manual outrank any general outline. The sequence below reflects how published procedures describe the work.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Check the product against the aircraft.<\/strong> Use only materials approved or specified for your aircraft, and read the manufacturer\u2019s instructions. The FAA\u2019s guidance on selecting chemicals warns that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.faa.gov\/documentLibrary\/media\/Advisory_Circular\/AC%2043-205.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">substituting chemicals without tests and an acceptable application process<\/a> could damage the aircraft and cost it airworthiness.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Protect yourself.<\/strong> Maintenance procedures call for safety goggles and protective clothing.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Work top to bottom.<\/strong> CASA says <a href=\"https:\/\/solidus.industries\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/AWB-02-019.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">washing from top to bottom is generally good practice<\/a>, so you never drag dirt across a cleaned area.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Apply to a small section.<\/strong> One published procedure for a widely used product has the technician <a href=\"https:\/\/www.frasersaerospace.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Dry-Wash-with-NuPower-II-2021-1.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">spread and agitate a moderate film with a mop or pad<\/a> and wipe before it dries. Others describe spraying or applying to small sections, agitating to emulsify the dirt and wiping with a microfiber cloth.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Let a thin haze form.<\/strong> The remaining solution dries to a haze.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Buff off the haze.<\/strong> Remove it with a clean, dry cotton mop head or a clean, dry microfiber cloth.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Fold and swap towels constantly.<\/strong> A cloth that is loaded with grit is the tool that scratches paint.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>The FAA\u2019s chemical guidance also names mistakes that cause corrosion and structural damage: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.faa.gov\/documentLibrary\/media\/Advisory_Circular\/AC%2043-205.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">using cleaners above the recommended concentration, letting agents dry on surfaces, or mixing cleaners with other solvents<\/a>. Note that some products are meant to haze and be buffed, and others are not. Follow the label for dwell and removal.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"a-note-on-pressure-and-steam\" tabindex=\"-1\">A note on pressure and steam<\/h3>\n<p>If an aircraft is too dirty for a dry wash, do not jump to a pressure washer. FAA Advisory Circular 43-4A warns that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.faa.gov\/documentLibrary\/media\/Advisory_Circular\/AC_43-4a_.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">steam cleaning or high-pressure water<\/a> can erode paint, craze plastic, and drive water and detergents into bearings or joints, where they can cause corrosion. Gentle low-pressure wet washing under the manufacturer\u2019s guidance is the safer path.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"why-corrosion-is-the-real-stake\" tabindex=\"-1\">Why corrosion is the real stake<\/h2>\n<p>Owners sometimes treat washing as cosmetic. It is not. The FAA\u2019s corrosion guidance notes that even <a href=\"https:\/\/www.faa.gov\/documentLibrary\/media\/Advisory_Circular\/AC43-206part1.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">minute amounts of corrosion can cause intermittent malfunctions or complete equipment failures<\/a> in avionics. Cleaning protects the structure when it is done right, and it hurts when residue, trapped moisture or the wrong chemical is left behind.<\/p>\n<p>That is also why a shiny result is not proof of a safe one. After any wash, the useful checks are practical ones:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Look over seals, hinges and gaps for leftover product or haze.<\/li>\n<li>Check that windows and windshields are clear and unmarked.<\/li>\n<li>Make sure no towel lint or residue is lodged around openings and ports.<\/li>\n<li>Note any paint damage, chips or corrosion you spot while close to the surface, and bring it to your mechanic.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>How often to dry wash depends on where the aircraft lives, how it flies and what the manufacturer recommends. Check your maintenance manual and your paint or coating maker\u2019s care instructions rather than relying on a generic schedule.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"who-is-allowed-to-wash-your-aircraft\" tabindex=\"-1\">Who is allowed to wash your aircraft<\/h2>\n<p>This surprises people who hire a detailer from the car world. The FAA\u2019s InFO 16005 explains that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.faa.gov\/sites\/faa.gov\/files\/other_visit\/aviation_industry\/airline_operators\/airline_safety\/InFO16005.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">washing an aircraft by itself is generally not considered maintenance<\/a> or preventive maintenance. But when washing is part of the manufacturer\u2019s recommended procedures or a corrosion prevention and control program, the sequential steps, such as prep, inspection and lubrication, are classified as maintenance or preventive maintenance.<\/p>\n<p>In that second case, the same notice says that personnel who perform or supervise the tasks must be <a href=\"https:\/\/www.faa.gov\/sites\/faa.gov\/files\/other_visit\/aviation_industry\/airline_operators\/airline_safety\/InFO16005.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">appropriately authorized or certificated, and the work documented<\/a> under the 14 CFR requirements. If your aircraft is on a program like that, ask your maintenance provider how a washing contractor fits in before you book anyone.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"hiring-a-mobile-detailer-for-an-aircraft\" tabindex=\"-1\">Hiring a mobile detailer for an aircraft<\/h2>\n<p>Mobile detailers come to the hangar or ramp, which suits owners who do not want to move the aircraft. Not every car detailer works on aircraft, and the ones who do should be able to answer plainly. Questions worth asking:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>What products will you use, and are they approved for my aircraft?<\/strong> A pro should name the product and be willing to follow the manufacturer\u2019s instructions or your maintenance manual.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Which areas will you leave alone?<\/strong> The right answer includes windows, landing-gear bays, seals and openings.<\/li>\n<li><strong>How do you handle soil load?<\/strong> Look for a plan to switch to a wet wash when the aircraft is too dirty, not a plan to push through.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Is the work part of a maintenance program?<\/strong> If so, confirm who needs to sign off.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Do you have access permission at my airport?<\/strong> Airports and hangar operators often set their own rules for contractors and wash water.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Are you insured for aircraft work?<\/strong> Ask for proof rather than a verbal yes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Specialized work such as paint correction, wet sanding, coatings and hazardous chemical work is best left to professionals, and on an aircraft that applies doubly. Your airframe manufacturer\u2019s guidance on finishes and coatings comes first.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"finding-someone-near-you\" tabindex=\"-1\">Finding someone near you<\/h3>\n<p>Mobiledetailing.io is wrong, so to be precise: <a href=\"https:\/\/mobiledetailing.io\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">MobileDetailing.io<\/a> is a free directory where you can search by location and compare mobile detailing businesses, including ones that list aircraft work. One example is <a href=\"https:\/\/mobiledetailing.io\/listing\/mobile-automotive-and-aircraft-detailing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">a listing in Atlanta for mobile automotive and aircraft detailing<\/a>. You can read the profile, check services and photos, and then send a request through the local quote page. Vehicle owners pay nothing to use the directory. Verify each business\u2019s aircraft experience and insurance yourself before you book.<\/p>\n<p>If you also own a car with a specialty finish, the same approach applies. Our guide to <a href=\"https:\/\/mobiledetailing.io\/blog\/matte-paint-detailing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">matte paint detailing<\/a> shows how a finish-specific wash method changes what a good detailer does.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"doing-a-light-dry-wash-yourself\" tabindex=\"-1\">Doing a light dry wash yourself<\/h2>\n<p>Some owners handle light touch-ups on their own aircraft. If you do, keep it narrow:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Stick to the product your aircraft manual or maker specifies.<\/li>\n<li>Limit it to painted surfaces with light dust or a few bugs.<\/li>\n<li>Work small sections, top to bottom, with plenty of clean microfiber.<\/li>\n<li>Never use it on windows, near seals, in gear bays or around openings.<\/li>\n<li>Stop and switch to a proper wet wash if the towel starts to feel gritty.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Anything that looks like corrosion, damaged paint, or a coating you want applied belongs with a professional.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"common-mistakes-to-avoid\" tabindex=\"-1\">Common mistakes to avoid<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Treating a dry wash like a car quick-detailer spray.<\/strong> Car products are not tested against aircraft specifications, and substituting them is exactly the practice FAA guidance warns about.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/mobiledetailing.io\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/1793608856065_Five-common-aircraft-dry-wash-mistakes.jpeg\" alt=\"Five common aircraft dry wash mistakes\"><\/p>\n<p><strong>Letting product dry on the surface.<\/strong> Some products are formulated to dry to a haze, but leaving an unsuitable cleaner to dry is the problem the FAA\u2019s chemical guidance flags.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Using one towel for the whole aircraft.<\/strong> Saturated cloth is how scratches happen.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Skipping the wet wash when the aircraft needs one.<\/strong> A dry wash is upkeep, not a substitute for removing salt, de-ice residue or exhaust film.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Assuming a product claim is independent proof.<\/strong> Sellers describe their own products as silicone-free, low-runoff or fuel-saving. Those are the manufacturers\u2019 claims. Look for a listing against a named aircraft specification and check it with your maintenance provider.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"faq\" tabindex=\"-1\">FAQ<\/h2>\n<h3 id=\"is-a-waterless-aircraft-wash-the-same-as-a-dry-wash\" tabindex=\"-1\">Is a waterless aircraft wash the same as a dry wash?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes, the terms are used interchangeably. Both mean cleaning with a hand-applied product and little or no water. The product lifts the soil into a film that you wipe away, instead of rinsing it off.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"can-i-dry-wash-the-windows-and-windshield\" tabindex=\"-1\">Can I dry wash the windows and windshield?<\/h3>\n<p>No, not with a dry-wash agent. Maintenance procedures say to keep these agents off windows, windshields, landing-gear bays and rubber or plastic materials because they can damage them. Use a method approved for aircraft transparencies.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"can-a-car-detailer-dry-wash-my-airplane\" tabindex=\"-1\">Can a car detailer dry wash my airplane?<\/h3>\n<p>Washing alone is generally not considered maintenance under FAA guidance, but it can become maintenance when it is part of a manufacturer\u2019s procedures or a corrosion control program. Ask the detailer about aircraft experience, approved products and, if relevant, who signs off.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"how-do-i-know-if-my-aircraft-is-too-dirty-for-a-dry-wash\" tabindex=\"-1\">How do I know if my aircraft is too dirty for a dry wash?<\/h3>\n<p>If you see heavy soil, salt, de-ice residue or exhaust and belly deposits, or the surface feels gritty, use a wet wash. A dry wash product can only hold so much soil before the towel starts to scratch.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"sources\" tabindex=\"-1\">Sources<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aviation.govt.nz\/assets\/publications\/vector\/vector-article-archive\/2022\/vector-article-2022-1-aircraft-cleaning.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Aircraft cleaning, Vector article (New Zealand aviation authority)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/allengroupe.com\/flight-deck\/dry-wash-or-wet-wash\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Dry wash or wet wash, and when each one is wrong<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/solidus.industries\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/AWB-02-019.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">AWB 02-019 Issue 2, Aircraft Washing (CASA)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.frasersaerospace.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Dry-Wash-TR12-141-2.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Aircraft maintenance manual, Dry Wash TR 12-141<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.frasersaerospace.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Dry-Wash-with-NuPower-II-2021-1.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">How to Dry Wash Aircraft with NuPower II<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.faa.gov\/sites\/faa.gov\/files\/other_visit\/aviation_industry\/airline_operators\/airline_safety\/InFO16005.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">FAA InFO 16005<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.faa.gov\/documentLibrary\/media\/Advisory_Circular\/AC%2043-205.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">FAA AC 43-205, Guidance for Selecting Chemical<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.faa.gov\/documentLibrary\/media\/Advisory_Circular\/AC_43-4a_.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">FAA AC 43-4A, Corrosion Control for Aircraft<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.faa.gov\/documentLibrary\/media\/Advisory_Circular\/AC43-206part1.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">FAA AC 43-206, Inspection, Prevention, Control, and Repair of Corrosion on Avionics<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/diamondbrite.co.uk\/wash-car-without-scratching\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Two-bucket wash and pre-wash guide<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"recommended\" tabindex=\"-1\">Recommended<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/mobiledetailing.io\/blog\/aircraft-detailing-cost\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">U.S. Aircraft Detailing Costs, FAA Risks<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/mobiledetailing.io\/aircraft-detailing-in-washington\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Aircraft Detailing in Washington<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>MobileDetailing.io provides general educational information. Products, surfaces and vehicle finishes vary. Follow manufacturer instructions and consult a qualified detailing professional before using abrasive processes or chemical treatments.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A plain-English guide to waterless aircraft washing: when dry wash works, which surfaces to avoid, the step-by-step method, FAA rules, and how to hire a pro.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":403,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-402","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-detailing-guides"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mobiledetailing.io\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/402","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mobiledetailing.io\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mobiledetailing.io\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mobiledetailing.io\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mobiledetailing.io\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=402"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/mobiledetailing.io\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/402\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":406,"href":"https:\/\/mobiledetailing.io\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/402\/revisions\/406"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mobiledetailing.io\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/403"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mobiledetailing.io\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=402"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mobiledetailing.io\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=402"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mobiledetailing.io\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=402"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}