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How to Clean a Windshield

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Properly cleaning an aircraft windshield is essential for flight safety by maintaining visibility and for prolonging the windshield's lifespan, avoiding costly replacements.
  • Never use Windex, paper towels, or dirty rags on acrylic aircraft windshields, as they can easily scratch the surface; also, avoid circular wiping motions.
  • The optimal cleaning method involves ample water, dish soap, and a soft, clean rag (cotton or microfiber), wiping gently in an up-and-down motion, or using specialized aircraft windshield cleaning products like Plexus.
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Having a clean windshield is not a matter of being a clean freak. A dirty or scratched up windshield can be a potential flight hazard, as it can significantly reduce forward visibility, particularly at certain sun angles. Knowing how to clean a windshield so you get the dust and grime off is important, and it has to be done properly to prevent scratching. Installing a new windshield costs several hundred dollars or more – money that could be spent on more exciting things if you take good care of the windshield you have.

Pia Bergqvist

Pia Bergqvist joined FLYING in December 2010. A passionate aviator, Pia started flying in 1999 and quickly obtained her single- and multi-engine commercial, instrument and instructor ratings. After a decade of working in general aviation, Pia has accumulated almost 3,000 hours of flight time in nearly 40 different types of aircraft.

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