How to Clean Aircraft or Plastic Windows
Acrylic and glass aircraft windows need a non-abrasive approach with Plex Wax or Wash Wax ALL.
Clean Aircraft or Plastic Windows
Spray OnLet SoakSpray OnDamp TowelDry Towel
1
Pre-spray the window with Wash Wax ALL or Plex Wax.
2
Allow it to soak for 5–10 minutes.
3
Re-spray an area with Wash Wax ALL or Plex Wax.
4
Wipe the area with a damp towel.
5
Wipe the area dry with a dry towel before it dries on its own.
Notes
- Plastic is softer than paint. Pre-soak and soften dried bug residue before removal to prevent scratching. Use only high-quality, soft, absorbent microfiber towels, such as Aero Towels. Towels should be new or regularly laundered, inspected, and stored in a sealed container or bag to prevent exposure to dirt and contaminants.
- To prevent scratches, inspect each towel and pad for embedded contaminants after laundering and before use.
- If heavy dust is present, first remove the accumulation by blowing it off with compressed air, a blower, or by rinsing the windows with fresh water before cleaning. The best time to clean aircraft windows is immediately after a flight, when airflow has already removed most surface contaminants and bug residue is still soft. This often eliminates the need for the pre-soak and re-spray (Step 2 & Step 3).
- Avoid scratching the plastic window by removing rings, watches, bracelets, cufflinks, keys, and belts with buckles before cleaning. Shirt buttons and zippers may also cause scratches and must be kept clear of the window surface.
- Fold each towel in half twice to form a square. Wet and wring out several towels until they are lightly damp. Fold some dry towels the same way. This provides multiple clean sides per towel — flip or unfold as a side becomes dirty, replace the towel as needed.
- Do not use fabric softeners, as they will damage microfiber and cause streaking.
- Don’t use chamois. They are difficult to clean thoroughly, tend to trap dirt, and do not completely dry the surface, leaving streaks.
- Don’t use paper towels as most are too harsh on plastic.
- Wash Wax ALL or Plex Wax leaves a non-stick, hydrophobic coating on window surfaces that promotes water beading and shedding for improved visibility. It also helps prevent contaminants and bug residue from bonding, keeping windows cleaner longer and making future cleaning easier.
- Plex Wax is identical in formulation to Wash Wax ALL. It was rebranded to comply with flight department requirements for a product specifically labeled for aircraft window cleaning, with aircraft window cleaning instructions printed on the bottle.
- Polish ALL may be used to remove fine scratches from plastic and aircraft windows. Contact us for proper polishing procedures.
Note
- Both products are safe to use on aircraft windows, cockpit instruments, and displays.