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

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

Key Takeaways:

Cleaning an airplane windscreen is critical for safety and to prevent costly damage, which can amount to thousands of dollars and potential loss of revenue.
Use plain water and a fresh microfiber cloth, rinsing the windscreen first and then gently stroking from top to bottom; never scrub in circles or press hard.
Avoid using abrasive materials like paper towels, dropped cloths, or Windex, as ammonia in Windex can damage plexiglass, causing haziness.
For stubborn dirt or bugs, specialized cleaners like Prist are recommended; always follow product directions and use gentle strokes.

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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.