Aircraft Detailing

Aviation Surfaces Require Aviation Expertise

An aircraft is not a car with wings. Every surface on an airplane — from the painted aluminum fuselage to the plexiglass windshield to the interior upholstery — is manufactured to specific aerospace standards and must be maintained with products and techniques compatible with those materials. Using the wrong cleaner on plexiglass causes hazing — our guide on cleaning aircraft windshields safely covers the correct technique. Applying automotive polish to painted aluminum can compromise corrosion protection. Introducing moisture near avionics creates a safety concern, not just a cosmetic one.

Boise Mobile Auto Detailing provides professional-grade aircraft detailing services to private and general aviation owners across the Boise area. We work with aviation-safe products, understand the material sensitivities involved, and deliver hangar-based service at KBOI (Boise Airport), KEUL (Caldwell Industrial Airport), and KMAN (Nampa Municipal Airport).

Who It’s For

This service is designed for owners of private, general aviation, and light business aircraft based in or transiting through the Treasure Valley. Whether you keep your airplane in a T-hangar at KBOI, at one of the FBOs on the field, or at KEUL or KMAN, we come to your location and perform the work on-site.

Aircraft detailing is particularly relevant:

• Before annual inspection. A clean aircraft allows your mechanic to inspect surfaces without contaminant interference. Inspectors notice a well-maintained aircraft.
• After extended storage. Hangared aircraft accumulate dust, and insects find their way into every crevice. Aircraft stored outdoors collect exponentially more contamination.
• Before a sale or partnership change. First impressions matter in aircraft transactions. A detailed aircraft communicates care and maintenance discipline.
• Seasonal maintenance. A post-winter detail removes road treatment residue tracked in from the ramp, and a fall detail prepares the aircraft for reduced flying activity.

What’s Included

Fuselage Wash and Polish

We begin with a thorough rinse to remove loose debris, followed by a hand wash using aviation-approved soap that does not strip paint or compromise corrosion-inhibiting treatments. For painted surfaces, we use polishes formulated for aerospace paint systems, which differ from automotive clear coat in composition and hardness. Exhaust staining on the belly and around exhaust outlets is treated with targeted cleaners designed to dissolve carbon and oil residue without aggressive abrasion.

Plexiglass and Windshield Care

Plexiglass windshields and side windows are among the most sensitive surfaces on any aircraft. Standard glass cleaners, paper towels, and even certain microfiber cloths can introduce micro-scratches that accumulate into haze over time. We clean plexiglass with aviation-specific plexiglass cleaners and ultra-soft cloths, applying zero pressure and allowing the product to do the work. For windshields with existing hazing, we offer a multi-step plexiglass polishing process that restores optical clarity without removing material thickness.

Belly and Landing Gear

The belly of any piston aircraft accumulates oil residue, exhaust soot, and road grime from taxiing. We degrease and clean the belly area using products safe for painted and unpainted aluminum surfaces. Landing gear, wheel pants, and fairings are cleaned and inspected for any surface irregularities. Brake dust is removed from wheels and calipers.

Brightwork and Metal

Exposed aluminum, chrome trim, and stainless hardware are polished to restore their appearance. Spinner cones, leading edge strips, and any anodized surfaces are treated with appropriate products that clean without damaging protective coatings.

Interior

Aircraft interiors present a specific set of materials: aviation leather, specialized carpet, headliners, instrument panels, and avionics bezels. We clean leather seats and side panels with pH-balanced leather cleaner, followed by a conditioner that maintains flexibility without leaving residue that could transfer to clothing. Carpet is vacuumed and spot-treated. The instrument panel is cleaned carefully, avoiding any moisture introduction around instruments, circuit breakers, and avionics stacks. We use compressed air and detailing brushes for areas where liquid cleaners are not appropriate.

Propeller and Engine Area

Propeller blades are cleaned and any leading-edge nicks are noted for your awareness (though repair is a maintenance item, not a detailing item). The exposed engine area is degreased where appropriate, with attention to keeping cleaning products away from engine inlets, filters, and electrical connections.

Our Process

1. Pre-Detail Walkthrough — We review the aircraft with you, noting any areas of concern, recent maintenance, or surfaces you want us to pay particular attention to.

2. Exterior Rinse — Thorough rinse to remove loose contamination from all exterior surfaces.

3. Hand Wash — Aviation-approved soap applied by hand to the fuselage, wings, empennage, and belly.

4. Decontamination — Targeted treatment of exhaust stains, oil residue, bug remains, and mineral deposits.

5. Polish and Protect — Aviation-safe polish applied to painted surfaces. Sealant applied for UV protection.

6. Plexiglass — Careful cleaning and, if needed, polishing of all transparent surfaces.

7. Brightwork — Metal trim, spinners, and hardware polished.

8. Interior — Complete cabin cleaning: leather, carpet, headliner, panels, glass, and instrument areas.

9. Final Walkthrough — We review the completed aircraft with you and address any questions.

Aviation-Safe Products Are Non-Negotiable

We maintain a dedicated inventory of aviation-approved products separate from our automotive supplies. This includes MIL-SPEC compliant washes, plexiglass-safe cleaners, and products that meet the requirements for use around certified aircraft. We do not substitute automotive products for aviation applications under any circumstances. The material science is different, the stakes are different, and our approach reflects that.

Schedule Hangar Service

We perform aircraft detailing at your hangar, tie-down, or FBO location. KBOI, KEUL, and KMAN are all within our regular service area. For aircraft at other regional strips in the Treasure Valley, contact us to confirm availability.

Call (208) 609-9465 to schedule your aircraft detail, or reach us at info@boisemobiledetailing.com to coordinate hangar access and timing.