Should You Clean an Airplane Windscreen Before Every Flight?

A dirty or scratched windshield can be a potential safety hazard.

Meg Godlewski

Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at 12:28 PM ET

Verified

Plain water and a clean microfiber cloth are a good start for cleaning an aircraft windscreen. [Credit: Adobe Stock]

Key Takeaways:

Cleaning an aircraft windscreen is crucial for safety and to avoid expensive damage, requiring a gentle approach.
Use plain water and a fresh microfiber cloth, rinsing first and stroking gently from top to bottom; never scrub, press hard, or use abrasive materials like paper towels or dropped cloths.
Never use Windex due to its ammonia content, which can damage plexiglass; for tougher grime, use specialized aircraft windscreen cleaners like Prist, following directions carefully.

See a mistake? Contact us.

Question: How important is it to clean the windscreen of an airplane before every flight? And what do I clean it with? I’ve heard horror stories about accidental damage.

Answer: Kudos to you for wanting to be proactive and doing your homework. A dirty or scratched windshield can be a potential safety hazard, and replacing a windscreen that was scratched by poor cleaning technique is not something you want to deal with. It can cost thousands of dollars in supplies and labor. If the aircraft is on leaseback to a flight school, it could also lead to a loss of revenue.