A TALKING personal guide for CLEANING your CIRRUS! How to FEEL confident with a clean plane!

[@jeffreyhughes7107]

I use Pledge to clean my Piper Cherokee windows. It’s available at any store. We use plexiglass and lexan (polycarbonate) for windows on movie sets and always used Pledge on them and it never scratches. Movie sets are lit with 12,000 watt lights which reveals all the blemishes in a window and we’ve never had a problem. Just in case you’re in a pinch.

[@noellopez1919]

I get so much practical advice about Cirrus airplanes from you..... Thanks!

[@charlesbeilman7077]

I tried your tip to clean off bugs with just water. Spray, sit, wipe. It works! Mind blown.

[@rogerhummel3023]

I agree, a clean airplane is necessary. If you’re going to spend big bucks on a Cirrus or another type of aircraft, you owe to yourself and the plane to keep it clean. Everything I use or have is well maintained.

[@al.waterloo]

Couldn’t agree more. I feel like a clean airplane is a great representation of how you approach aviation!

[@JBZTube]

Al, Why do you use Aviation Simple Green to remove oil on the belly and Zep 40 to remove oil/crud on the wheel pants? It seems that the two would be interchangeable. If not, why not? Thanks!

[@wrphelan]

Very cool video Al...

[@al.waterloo]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@rickhunter5226]

Super tutorial tnx for the product list!

[@al.waterloo]

Glad it was helpful!

[@budowens6478]

Thanks for sharing!!!

[@usahome]

Al: Many of you who know me, know that I love a clean airplane... Me: Subscribed.

[@al.waterloo]

Thats awesome. Clean planes are important. Definitely a reflection of you and your flying! Glad you love a clean plane.

[@josec4790]

Great Video Al. What do you usually use on the cowling and propeller?

[@joelmayo9763]

Nice!

[@al.waterloo]

Thanks!

[@chrismasters8884]

Do you think that slick spray increases speed?

[@f-16guy30]

Great tutorial. What are your thoughts on the ceramic coatings available, applied by trained technicians?

[@StephenMongie]

If he says what cirrus says, it’s not allowed. I asked at the factory and they said it becomes an insulator for static and will cause your radios to fail easier.

[@al.waterloo]

That’s right! Cirrus does not endorse the ceramic coatings. They make the plane look beautiful though but it can cause problems. I learned there are so many different types, manufacturers, ways to apply the coatings there is too much variability. It all roots back to a static insulation issue. It’s a good thing to stay away from to be safe.

[@f-16guy30]

@@al.waterloo Thanks guys !

[@iichronoii1881]

Ceramic Coating on Cirrus is Completely fine. I have done Dozens if not more over my 15 years of aircraft detailing, applied many different coatings, and never had a bad experience. This is Mostly said because they will push a sealer they have stock in or affiliate. Also when cleaning the windshield always clean in the direction of the wind it will prevent circular scratches.

[@rdakessian]

I cant believe just water cleans off all the bugs. I had to use 220 grit to remove bugs off my piper!!! Lol. I feel like going to the hangar now to do some cleaning. When you use zep 40 does it remove any of the wax? Do you have to reapply any sort of wax after zep40?

[@al.waterloo]

Water works awesome. It blue me away after a very dusty airplane once. You could just see the beads of water pull the dust in and suspend it. I tried lots of sprays before but just realized dust was what was making the plane “dirty.” Zep I just use for degreasing. I typically don’t really wax the wheel pants. Not to say they won’t need wax but I’m usually focused on the wings, cowl etc.

[@bertfarin8755]

Thanks for showing those products. You didn’t demonstrate the Smitty glass cleaner. Is there any technique there? Or is it as simple as applying, then rubbing with the enclosed cloth?

[@al.waterloo]

I should do a quick video on it. Essentially, you just put one dot of the wax on the glass cleaner rag and wipe it around on the screen. Then use a different side of the rag to polish it up and get any excess material off. A LITTLE GOES A LONG WAY!!!

[@markschussler567]

Al, are you using the Poly-Glide to actually clean the surfaces, or is it only used for the wax typw finish, if so, what are you using to actually clean the surfaces first, great video as usual

[@777SHW]

How long does it typically take to clean the aircraft (interior/exterior)? When do you spray the lubricant on joints,etc?

[@AudioTones67]

Follow up video on cleaning the Vision Jet please Al (no, I don't own one. Yes, I wish I did)

[@CraigLewis]

How often do you give your plane a full wash or do you hire a professional airplane washer?

[@mittman9977]

Hello Al I had the same question as Craig, do you ever break out the hose and Meguiar’s and truly wash the entire plane? If so, any cautions to be aware of to avoid swirls or scratches in the finish? What do you like to use to remove any mars you find in the paint?

[@al.waterloo]

To be honest, I tried getting the hose out at my airport once before on a Cirrus and it went horribly wrong. Washing a plane is much different than washing a car. The water quality was very poor, I was out doors in the breeze and sun, just wasn’t the right conditions to wash with the hose. When I personally owned my SR20, I did give it an 8 hour detail before with clay bar and everything. It was awesome and I loved it. So satisfying but now I hire and advise other plane owners to have a professional detail service come out. It’s usually a dry was/detail.

[@al.waterloo]

See my comment below...I personally owned a 2004 SR20 and when I did, I did a full clay bar on it. Took a long time and that made the paint incredible!

[@qwerdasfuhgeo6248]

Thanks

[@jeffkeisling3558]

Any issues using poly glide on tks panels?

[@alanford9328]

I noticed that you cleaned the TKS panels by wiping side-to-side. The CAV Ice Protection system cleaning instructions say to never wipe side-to-side and only wipe chordwise. (www.cav-systems.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/How-to-clean-your-TKS-panels.pdf). Does the cleaning motion not matter on a Cirrus? I have a 2008 SR22TN Perspective and I don't see any instructions on cleaning motion.

[@wolfpackreceiving500]

Can anyone suggest how much I should charge for a basic clean? Thank you

[@jeffwommack1364]

Al do you wash your microfiber or do you throw them away and use a new one each time?

[@al.waterloo]

I actually retire them pretty quickly. The microfibers pick up so much dust. I always use a FRESH microfiber on the windscreen - never reuse.

[@ezzflyer123]

is smittys approved by Garmin?

[@al.waterloo]

I will double check!

[@tonylibra8493]

When you sprayed the aero magnolia on the plane - it looked like you caught the leading edge. Won’t it clog the weeping wing holes?

[@al.waterloo]

Hi Tony, typically I try to avoid the panels. I’m not too worried because this isn’t really a way. It’s mainly an ounce of the arrow magnolia and the rest diluted in water. I’ve had great results with it and no issues with the panels (but I still try and actively avoid them). I REALLY can’t emphasize enough how much a long way a small amount of this will go. That’s why I focus on a fine mist.

[@treyzaire5713]

i guess it's kinda randomly asking but do anybody know a good website to watch newly released tv shows online ?

[@Kianarevision]

Nice video! I believe you'd enjoy my videos too. Keep up with the fantastic work! 💛❤️