Special Report: Cleaning Products

Flitz Polish for Bizjet Maintainers
Flitz Metal Polish is a concentrated cream used to clean, polish, deoxidize, and protect most metal surfaces, including stainless steel, aluminum, anodized aluminum, brass, copper, sterling silver, chrome, nickel, bronze, gold, platinum, and painted surfaces. It can also be used on Formica, cultured marble, Corian, glass, plastics, and fiberglass. The polish can remove tarnish, rust, water stains, chalking, lime deposits, heat discoloration, oxidation, bugs, tar, oil, tree sap, and bird droppings, among other difficult stains. It can be used for cleaning and polishing leading edges, aluminum and painted spinners, propellers, thrust reversers, and exhaust stacks, according to the company. The polish also can be used on Plexiglas windows and lights to remove fading. Treatment lasts up to six months in fresh water and up to three months in salt water. The non-abrasive, non-toxic, non-flammable product is available in various sizes, ranging from a sample 1.76 ounce tube to a two pound can. Flitz International, 262-534-5898, www.flitz.com.

Eagle One Leather Cleaner
Eagle One Leather Cleaner is a pH balanced cleaner designed to safely and effectively clean leather surfaces without causing excessive drying. This product removes dirt from most types of leather interiors. It is a clear liquid with a spray application and a pleasant scent. The cleaner is lanolin fortified to prevent excessive drying and can be used with a scrub brush for more stubborn stains. Test for colorfastness on an inconspicuous area. Eagle One also makes a leather conditioner. Eagle One, 800-682-6994, www.eagleone.com.

Durham's Spill Control Cabinet
A cabinet, specifically designed to hold a wide range of spill control products, has been introduced by The Durham Manufacturing Company, Durham, Connecticut. Manufactured of cold rolled steel and featuring all-welded construction, the cabinet measures approximately 14 inches wide by 30 inches high by 13 inches deep and has two adjustable shelves with ample space for absorbents; wipes, towels and tissues; neutralizers, fluid solidifiers, cellulose wadding and other products. A plexiglass window permits easy viewing of contents, and keyholes are provided to permit wall mounting. Durham Manufacturing Company, www.durhammfg.com, 800-243-3774.

Spray Nine Cleaner Reduces Environmental Impact
Spray Nine's AV-8 is a Type IV cleaner designed to clean aircraft alloys with less environmental impact than Type I cleaners. Spray Nine says AV-8 contains no ozone depleting substances, hazardous air pollutants, carcinogens, ketones, or volatile organic compounds. Low emulsifying properties promote cleaner waste water and easier recycling/reclamation. AV-8 conforms to U.S. Air Force technical orders, meets commercial specs, and recently gained status as a qualified product under Mil Spec: MIL-PRF-87937 Type IV. Spray Nine Corporation, 800-477-7299, ext. 120, www.spraynine.com.

Simple Green Uses Water-Based Formula
Simple Green is a water-based formula for cleaning aircraft, vehicles, engines, metals, plastics, alloys, and parts. It is a non-corrosive, low-foaming cleaner/degreaser that will not cause rust or degrade elastic materials, such as rubber. Simple Green, 800-228-07099, www.simplegreen.com.

Celeste's Solution is Biodegradable
Celeste Industries' cleaning solution is the biodegradable 86000 Exterior Cleaner. It offers flexibility by replacing multiple fluids. The 86000 cleaner removes insect residue, grease, oil, and carbon, and inhibits corrosion, according to Celeste. The material safety data sheet for the 86000 Exterior Cleaner lists insignificant hazard ratings and does not require the use of respiratory protection. The cleaner is water-soluble, has a "mild surfactant" odor, and contains no solvents. During field trials, one user said that the 86000 Exterior Cleaner replaced two cleaners used previously and didn't leave any streaks on the airplanes. Celeste Industries, www.celestecorp.com.

Xzilon Protects Exteriors
Xzilon 3, developed by Granitize, uses molecular adhesion designed to prevent parasitic drag on aircraft, extend the paint life, and prevent corrosion on polished and unpolished bare metal surfaces. Application gives UV protection of painted surfaces, prolongs paint life, and prevents fading and stains from acid rain. Xzilon 3 has been approved for application on Boeing and Airbus aircraft. Granitize Products, Inc. 562-923-5438, www.granitize.com.

Rebel Wash for Parts Washer Sinks
Landa has introduced a new detergent formulated for use with parts washer sinks that clean with hot water. Rebel Wash is a liquid detergent designed to be used with a new parts washer called the Rebel, but would be effective in any manual or automatic parts washer that cleans with hot water. Rebel Wash contains an exclusive multi-metal corrosion inhibitor formulation designed to protect parts from flash rusting, and is biodegradable. It is also phosphate-free. Some municipalities ban the use of phosphates. The Landa detergent comes in five-gallon and 55-gallon containers and can be diluted with water at a ratio of up to 64 to 1. It is safe to use on all metals, painted surfaces and plastic. Landa, 800-547-8672, www.landa.com.