Dawn dish washing detergent?

[Heybluez]

Just got my mooney and I've put a couple of drops of dawn and water into a spray bottle that I've been using to spray and wipe off the leading edges and any spots I want to clean after flight. I use a micro fiber cloth to do the wiping. But after a little research, I am thinking I may not want to be using dawn? Any thoughts? I'd hate to cause damage.. The paint is 30 years old and little bits of it has peels away so the aluminum is exposed.

Thanks,

MJP

[PTK]

http://mooneyspace.com/topic/14746-what-do-you-use-to-clean-the-bugs-off/?p=201075

I use it after every flight with a clean microfiber cloth for leading edges, underside of wings ailerons and flaps, cowl and plexiglass.

I've used Plexus and I find the ZEP to be much superior. A lot cheaper too!

[rbridges]

Dishwashing detergents are stronger than car wash soaps. They will strip any wax off the paint. I doubt it hurts the paint but any wax will be removed.

[rbridges]

Agreed with Jim. I use a spray bottle with tap water and a micro towel. I follow with a spray wax. Just keeps it quick and simple.

[PTK]

Does plain water dissolve the organic bug soil? I wonder.

Water being a covalently bonded polar molecule has no effect on non-polar organic molecules.

In some humid hot days there are a lot of bugs!

[rbridges]

It softens them up and the towel wipes them. I spray a cheap wax on it after every flight to keep it easier. It's a post flight routine.

I remember a website saying one way of removing dried bugs from paint was to put a wet rag on them and let it sit for a long time. It just softens them.

[carqwik]

Put Rejex on your leading edges and nose cowl.  Then use water/rag to wipe away bugs after each flight...they come right off.

[MHemperly]

I use zephyrs spo-dee-o-dee spray polish. It has carnauba wax in it and makes it easy to clean off the next time. The paint on my E was done in 99 and I have to say it is still a 9/10. I wax the plane once a year and use this in between and wash it with water only when it's really bad. I live in the desert so washing with water doesn't worry me with corrosion.

https://zephyrpro40.com/products/77--pro-33-spo-dee-o-dee-spray-wax-n-polish-.html

Mike

[carusoam]

It is better to stick with plane and automotive products then to experiment with home cleaners...

Ordinary Simple Green makes a nice cleaner, until you find it may eat aluminum.

Something to keep in mind,

-a-

[Hank]

I use Aerocosmetics Wash n Wax regular for the plane, red Degreaser formula for the belly, California Gold for the spinner and Plexus for windows. My post-flight routine is a simple water wipe down with some nice cloths I buy online, similar to chamois in their ability to hold water, but as thin a paper. One typically last me 4-6 years. I'm on my second one since Fall 07. They're great!

[ryoder]

I use Meguiars Quik Detailer think its called. I wash the whole plane with it and have not used a hose ever. It won't strip wax.

[M20F]

Dawn is going to strip off any wax you have so wouldn't use it unless that is your intent. A good wash followed by a waxing (I reccomend Collonite 845) is what you want. After flying use generic lemon pledge and a microfiber cloth, the bugs will slide right off.

[moodychief]

I use Snap Seal for plexiglass and any painted surfaces that need cleaned/waxed. People are always asking if I just replaced the glass all the way around. They are surprised when I tell them it is over 10 years old.

[moodychief]

Hey!!!! How did my Avatar change????? This isn't mine.

[cliffy]

Don't pick up so many bugs- fly higher! :-)

[Hank]

Don't pick up so many bugs- fly higher! :-)

But still have to take off and land . . . Lots of bugs AND birds around airports over this way, even if your desert doesn't have them.

[Guest]

Before Sky Harbour paint shop closed they told me that Ivory Snow was a very good cleaner and gentle on paint.

Clarence

[gsxrpilot]

I use Aerocosmetics Wash n Wax regular for the plane, red Degreaser formula for the belly, 

 

I use the Wash n Wax on the leading edges, windows, spinner, after every flight. That's how we keep these C's going so fast.