How Professional Aircraft Cleaning Helps Prevent Corrosion

When most people think about aircraft cleaning, they imagine polished windows, spotless interiors, and shiny exteriors that look great for passengers. But beyond appearances, there’s a much more critical reason why airlines, operators, and private jet owners invest in professional aircraft cleaning: corrosion prevention.

Corrosion is one of the leading causes of structural damage in aircraft, costing the aviation industry billions each year in repairs and downtime. Proper cleaning and maintenance are the first lines of defense.

What Causes Aircraft Corrosion?

Aircraft operate in some of the harshest environments on earth. From high-altitude moisture to runway contaminants, a range of factors contribute to corrosion:

• Moisture and humidity – Especially on long-haul flights and tropical climates.

• Salt exposure – Aircraft flying near coastal regions face higher salt deposits.

• De-icing fluids – While necessary for safety, they can leave corrosive residues.

• Fuel and oil leaks – Residues around engines and undercarriages can eat into surfaces.

• Everyday grime – Dust, dirt, and pollutants cling to the aircraft’s skin and accelerate wear.

Why Professional Cleaning Matters

Quick rinses or surface wipes won’t stop corrosion. Professional cleaning uses:

• Aviation-grade, non-corrosive agents.

• Skilled technicians trained to spot vulnerable areas.

• Targeted cleaning for wheel wells, landing gear, wing joints, and engines.

• Full compliance with aviation safety standards.

How The Smart Wash Exterior Clean Prevents Corrosion

Our exterior clean goes beyond appearance. It’s a preventive maintenance service designed with corrosion control in mind.

Here’s how it works:

1. Salt & Moisture Removal

Salt and water are the biggest culprits in accelerating corrosion. Our wash uses aviation-safe solutions that lift away these deposits without harming paintwork or coatings.

2. Focus on High-Risk Areas

We target areas where corrosion often starts but is easily overlooked:

• Landing gear and wheel wells – prone to grease, de-icing fluids, and runway contaminants.

• Engine inlets and exhausts – hotspots for fuel and oil residues.

• Wing joints and seams – moisture can collect in tiny gaps that need specialist care.

👉 Learn more about our full Aircraft Exterior Clean Service

3. Protective Finishing

After cleaning, we leave behind a protective barrier that helps shield surfaces from future contaminants. This slows down the corrosion process and keeps your aircraft looking newer for longer.

The Role of Interior Cleaning in Corrosion Prevention

Many people assume corrosion is only an exterior problem, but that’s not the case. The aircraft cabin also plays a role.

• Moisture in carpets and upholstery can spread to structural components below the floor.

• Food and drink spills attract bacteria and moisture, increasing corrosion risks.

• Galleys and lavatories are high-risk areas if not cleaned thoroughly and regularly.

That’s why we recommend combining your exterior wash with our Interior Clean Service. Together, they provide full-circle protection against corrosion while also maintaining a hygienic and welcoming environment for passengers.

Long-Term Savings for Operators and Owners

Professional aircraft cleaning is not just about compliance or appearances, it’s about saving money, protecting your investment, and operating more sustainably.

Here’s what our regular Cleans deliver

• Lower maintenance costs.

• Extended aircraft lifespan.

• Eco-friendly cleaning with reduced water and chemical use.

• Stronger safety compliance.

• Higher resale or lease return value.

For charter operators and airlines, this also means fewer unexpected delays and less downtime. For private jet owners, it’s the peace of mind of knowing your aircraft is always protected, inside and out.

Corrosion is an unavoidable risk in aviation, but how you manage it makes all the difference. With our exterior clean, you’re not just booking a wash you’re investing in the long-term safety, performance, and value of your aircraft.

Pair it with our Interior clean service for full protection inside and out.

👉 Ready to protect your aircraft from corrosion? Book An Appointment With Us Today

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