There is much more to private jet cleaning than meets the eye. The sheer size of the aircraft alone makes it a much more challenging and time-consuming chore than cleaning a car, RV or truck. There is also a number of safety measures and aircraft-specific procedures to take into consideration when cleaning the exterior and interior of a jet. These are important jobs that have to be done right. You could be cruising at heights of 40,000 ft or more in your jet. Therefore, you can’t risk using cleaning products or techniques that may cause corrosion or interfere with aircraft electronics.

However, if private jet cleaning and detailing are carried out correctly the benefits include a safe and sanitized environment for aircrew and passengers. An effective and regular cleaning schedule also ensures your aircraft always looks spotless and well-maintained. Bespoke air travel is a luxurious experience. It is important to always create a good impression. Keeping your aircraft clean and in good condition will also expand the lifespan of your vessel and should also help you to secure a better resale price.

5 Reasons Why DIY Private Jet Cleaning is Not Recommended

Some cleaning jobs are best left to the experts. This includes private jet cleaning and detailing. Whether you are the owner or are an operator overseeing the hiring and maintenance of a private jet, selecting a reputable airplane detailing service provider will give you peace of mind. If you are planning to do it yourself, however, here are some reasons that might make you rethink this decision.

1. Private Jet Cleaning is Time-Consuming Work

If you want the job to be done well, you can’t rush the process of private jet cleaning. It takes time to meticulously clean and sanitize the flight deck, cabin and cargo hold. You also have to clean, wax and polish the entire outside of the aircraft. First and foremost, the size of a jet determines the time scale of the job. Sizes range from small light jets and midsize cabin jets to super midsize jets and the much more spacious large cabin heavy jets. The bigger the jet, the more there is of everything to clean. However, even cleaning a smaller aircraft is still a time-consuming job and requires meticulous attention to detail. Private jet detailing tasks include:

• Cleaning and disinfecting toilets and washbasins.
• Sanitizing high touchpoints such as seatbelts, armrests, tray tables, window shades and overhead stowage bins.
• Vacuuming carpets and carefully cleaning high-end upholstery.
• Cleaning galleys, including coffee makers, storage drawers/lockers and trolleys.
• Removing dried-on insects, dirt, soot and grease from the exterior of the plane.
• Polishing brightwork.
• Waxing the exterior of the aircraft.

Do you have time to do all of the above and more? Private jet cleaning is not a one-person job. An aircraft detailing service provider will allocate you a team of highly trained cleaning professionals to carry out the work in compliance with industry standards. It will save you time and effort.

2. Using the Wrong Cleaning Supplies

You need to use aviation-approved cleaning products and disinfectant solutions for private jet cleaning. This is important for the health and safety of your passengers and crew. Aviation-compatible cleaning supplies are also a must where flight desk avionics and instrumentation are concerned. If you mistakenly use the wrong disinfectant or polish, you risk causing corrosion and damage to expensive aircraft components and the overall structure of the aircraft. This may cause in-flight problems and also invalidate any insurance claims.

Seek out a service provider that is up to speed with current airline industry rules and regulations. DetailXPerts adheres to a process that is compliant with US Environmental Protection Agency standards. This includes using organic cleaning solutions and the minimum amount of water.

3. Lack of Professional Aircraft Cleaning Equipment and Technologies

Using the correct equipment makes private jet cleaning much quicker and easier without cutting corners. For example, you will need a maintenance platform stand with a telescopic ladder to reach the windows, the wings and upper parts of larger planes. As well as investing in top-of-the-range equipment you also need to know how to operate it safely and have somewhere to store it when not in use.

Furthermore, cleaning procedures have also been stepped up considerably since the global COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, deep cleaning is encouraged to help prevent viral spread. For example, DetailXPerts provide state-of-the-art private jet cleaning services. Our specialist steam cleaning technology operated by skilled detailers works effectively and efficiently at killing viruses to ensure safe and sanitized results. Examples of other industry-approved aircraft cleaning equipment include:

• Polishing machines to create a swirl-free shine on aircraft exterior.
• Electronic buffers for aircraft aluminum polishing.
• Mobile aircraft cleaning unit with storage units for cleaning supplies and onboard generator to power vacuum cleaners and other electrical cleaning equipment.

Professional cleaning staff will follow recommended aircraft interior cleaning procedures. This includes using different cleaning tools, such as cloths and mops, in different areas to reduce cross-contamination. They know the most effective ways to clean the aircraft exterior.

4. Not Enough Experience or the Required Skillset

Are you familiar with the most effective ways to clean a multi-million dollar aircraft? Specialist knowledge is important if you plan to do your own private jet cleaning. If you are not entirely sure what you are doing, it is advisable to hire outside help otherwise you risk making very costly mistakes. When you hire an established aircraft detailer with a good reputation you benefit from their skills and experience. Familiarizing yourself with an aircraft detailer job description will also give you a better understanding of a detailer’s duties and responsibilities.

5. Private Jet Cleaning at Different Locations

You cannot guarantee that you will always be at your home base when it is time to clean your aircraft. Aviation travel takes you to different locations and terminals around the world. You will have passengers and crew boarding and disembarking at different destinations. Before you jet off on your next adventure, the aircraft will need to be cleaned to maintain high standards of cleanliness. Will you have access to all the cleaning facilities you need at different terminals? You may find it easier to hire the services of a detailer on site. Ask about airplane detailing cost to get an idea of what is included in the price.

Conclusion

Private jet cleaning is a big job to tackle on your own. It takes a lot of time and a huge amount of effort to do it right. There is also strict industry guidance on cleaning and disinfection protocol to ensure the health and safety of passengers and crew. You need to know what you are doing. Furthermore, private jets cost millions of dollars. You may run into a problem with your insurance if you clean the interior or exterior of your jet incorrectly and cause damage.

For your own peace of mind, why not get ready for take-off by handing over the cleaning responsibilities to a professional detailing service provider? Check DetailXPerts’ superior aircraft washing and detailing services and schedule an appointment with us. We use innovative steam-cleaning technology and aviation-approved cleaning products to ensure a safe and sanitized clean.

Also, take a moment to connect with DetailXPerts on Pinterest where you can browse the latest ideas on our Aviation Lovers board.