Start with your Pilot Operating Handbook (POH) and manufacturer guidance for approved cleaning agents and material care. When in doubt, test any product on a small, inconspicuous area first. And if a product can’t clearly explain what it’s safe on (paint, metal, acrylic, leather), that’s your sign to skip it.

Yes. Hangaring helps, but it doesn’t eliminate UV exposure, runway grime, bugs, moisture, or handling wear. Protective products help reduce oxidation, staining, and surface degradation, and they make routine cleaning faster and safer.

Household cleaners are formulated for kitchens and bathrooms NOT aircraft paint, acrylic, metals, leather, or sensitive interior materials. Many are too harsh (or leave residues) and can cause dulling, staining, premature wear, or long term damage. Aircraft safe products are designed to clean effectively without compromising the surface you’re trying to protect.

High strength detergents can strip wax/sealant, dry out materials, and accelerate oxidation. Degreasers can be especially risky around paint, plastics, and interior surfaces if they’re not aircraft approved. In short: the wrong chemical can turn “quick clean” into “expensive fix.”

Avoid paper towels, bath towels, shop rags, and random microfiber of unknown quality. Coarse fibers, cheap blends, or dirty towels can create swirl marks and micro-scratches especially on acrylic and high gloss finishes. Use microfiber that's purposefully built, clean, soft, and dedicated to the surface you’re working on.

Drying is where a lot of damage happens. Dragging, slipping, or using a towel that isn’t truly soft/clean can create fine scratches that show up as swirls in natural light. A premium drying towel reduces friction and grabs water efficiently so you don’t need to “work” the surface as hard. Let the towel work harder than you do.

Many household glass cleaners contain ingredients (like ammonia) that can damage plastic transparencies, leading to hazing, crazing, or micro cracks. Even if it looks fine today, repeated use can cause visibility issues over time.

Use an aviation safe window cleaner designed for acrylic/plastic transparencies, and wipe using high quality microfiber (not paper towels). Acrylic scratches and hazes far more easily than glass, so the goal is gentle cleaning with the right towel.