Aircraft cleaning services

Part of ground handling or ramp services, lavatory and potable water services, aircraft cleaning needs a professional approach and is often done overnight.

Aircraft cleaning was originally a function carried out by the catering or engineering departments of airlines, but following the pattern of commercial and industrial cleaning, there has been a move away from direct labour to employing specialist aircraft cleaning contractors. Cleaning has become a sophisticated business, employing specialised chemicals, materials and equipment, with the need for trained and supervised staff. Specialist contractors save costs. A service to airlines or handling agents, exterior wash includes complete exterior wash, degreasing bottom, bug removal, clean and polish all exterior windows. Sometimes excessive oil and grease pose a challenge. Aircraft interior wash includes complete interior vacuuming and all interior windows cleaned, Carpet & Upholstery Shampoo.

Aircraft cleaning and the environment

Environmental protection laws usually necessitate permits for the disposal of cleaning waste and products. The USA for example operates the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System. Here are just a few of the commonest chemicals in cleaning products... Ammonia is an effective cleaner but is also a severe irritant to eyes and lungs even when diluted.

Ammonia is also dangerous when it mixes with bleach as it reacts to form poisonous chlorine gas. Ethoxylated Nonyl Phenol (NPE) is found in laundry detergents, spray cleaners and cleaning agents. Now a banned product in the EU, the product gets into water from laundry waste and is very hard to remove. Hydrochloric Acid is most concentrated in drain cleaners and at varying strengths in all kinds of other cleaners. Monoethanolamine (MEA) in floor cleaners has been associated with birth defects in animals. Morpholine is a corrosive chemical solvent found in cleaning products such as abrasive cleaners and some furniture polishes.

Paradichlorobenzene (PDCB) is a synthetic corrosive chemical found in mothballs, de-odorisers, solid toilet bowl tablets, liquid dishwasher detergents, and particularly products that remove mildew and lime. Phosphates have long been recognised as harmful to the environment and banned in some countries.

However phosphates and phosphoric acid – a listed toxic chemical and extremely damaging to the environment - are still found regularly in cleaning products such as toilet cleaners, lime scale removers, liquid detergents, and metal cleaners. Sodium Hydroxide is found in oven cleaners and other household scouring products. Sodium Hypochlorite (Bleach) is a common household cleaning product found in a range of items in varying strengths.

Environmental Attributes include being biodegradable, aqueous-based, VOC compliant, low emulsifying, non-corrosive, non-flammable, zero Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAP's), zero Ozone Depleting Chemicals (ODS), zero solvents or SARA 313 Targeted Chemicals.