We all love to jump on a plane and go somewhere exotic – and usually all we need to think about is our reading materials and what snacks we’ll enjoy during the flight.
Have you ever considered how a plane is cleaned though? DCS Multiserve, a cleaning company in Newcastle has investigated how often planes are cleaned, as well as what methods are used to clean them. Find out more below…
Why is it important that planes are cleaned?
A plane’s exterior is very exposed when landing and during flight, so dirt and bacteria can easily build up on the surface. Bird excrement, bugs and oil from the hydraulics all cover a plane’s surface during flight, the existence of which could cause damage over time, impacting on the plane’s overall efficiency.
The approach
Precision is key when it comes to cleaning a plane. Time is money so the work needs to be fast, efficient and effective, so the plane can head off on its next destination in the best condition.
Real-time data is used to determine the exact arrival of planes, so the cleaning crew can be quickly deployed and do their work.
The exterior
Pressure washers are often a top choice for cleaning the exterior of a plane – stripping away dirt and grime with ease. Work is done from working platforms, to keep cleaners safe and balanced against the force of the washer.
Cleaning is done from tail to the nose – with a particular focus on the tail, as it’s the most likely to get dirty during the flight. The washer is used in a top-to- bottom motion, with detergent added when needed to remove more stubborn dirt around the exhaust and engine.
The wheels are also done by a pressure washer, with added help from a brush and detergent, and finished with a rinse of cold water.
The windows are often done by hand, and pilots have been known to clean their own windscreens themselves.
How often the exterior of a plane is cleaned depends on the airline. According to Travel Skills, who made enquires with a number of airlines, United Airlines cleans their planes’ exterior every 50 days, Singapore Airlines monthly and British Airways work on six to eight weeks, but shorter flights typically get more cleans.
The interior
A turn clean is made during swift turnarounds. This is often done between short-haul flights, when the plane is only grounded for a couple of hours. It targets several key areas, including the galleys, the Business and First Class areas and the toilets. There’s also a litter pick, vacuum and tidy.
Longer stays allow for a deeper clean in the cabin.
The toilets are a priority in any time restriction. The waste tanks are emptied by a lavatory truck, the interior and exterior of the toilets are both scrubbed, and a lavatory truck empties the waste tank.
Sources
http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20151004-how- to-clean- an-airliner
http://www.ultimatewasher.com/articles/airplane-washing.htm
http://travelskills.com/2014/10/31/often-planes- get-baths/