Gdogg Member
Registered: 10/29/08
Posts: 89
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Reply with quote | #1 | Seriously? I was talking to a buddy i work with as he is part owner of a 1974 Cessna 182 and was just asking about the products they use to keep things clean and he talked about the normal Aeroshell product line and some other products they use and the once a year full detail they do on it, etc. But he also threw me a curve ball and said that they use Lemon Pledge on the leading edges to remove bugs and that it also leaves a smooth finish to it. I have to admit i was thrown for a loop with this one but he swears by it. I've heard of some using Pledge to really put a shine on paint for auctions but this is the first i've heard of using it on an aircraft. Any thoughts on this or is this a normal practice?
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trusted

Senior Member
Registered: 11/02/07
Posts: 664
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Reply with quote | #2 | The Marines used to use Lemon Pledge on the president's helicopter. A trick fire fighers use to get their trucks looking really good just before a parade is to spray the trucks with Lemon Pledge !
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Relaited Senior Member
Registered: 01/28/08
Posts: 827
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Reply with quote | #3 | What's the trick?
Lower cost?
Can't get same result with a Commercial Detailing product?
Level of effort too high?
I am seeing some waterless products that have some amazing shine, nano technology to repel the charge of dirt / dust, etc ( I think that is an attribute of Pledge?) Same thing from some spray wax type stuff.
If it does not have paint deterioration qualities ... what makes it so good?
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WorldFamousSuperiorShine

Senior Member
Registered: 12/30/03
Posts: 2,563
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Reply with quote | #4 | I witnessed that this weekend detailing an airplane. The guy a few planes down broke out a can of pledge and went to work.
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Gdogg Member
Registered: 10/29/08
Posts: 89
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Reply with quote | #5 | That's wild. Yeah, i don't no what the deal is other than it works for the bugs apparently on the leading edges of the plane which pick them up and he says it leaves a smooth finish which is what they want? I just didn't expect to hear the word pledge come out of his mouth today when i asked about detailing products they are using.
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Relaited Senior Member
Registered: 01/28/08
Posts: 827
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Reply with quote | #6 | Here's waht I found when I googled it ... looks like these folks you referenced are not the only ones.
http://www.mombu.com/aviation/aviators/t-limitations-of-lemon-pledge-2652428.html
This company says use Pledge unless otherwise directed http://74.125.155.132/search?q=cache:XMiEYraZNZUJ:www.pofvolunteer.org/Aircraft_Detailers_Pocket_Guide.doc+pledge+airplane&cd=6&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us
____________________ http://www.windshield-repair-forum.com/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=4488
This is a cut and paste on routine acrylic cleaning from another aviation technical source:
Lemon Pledge?????????????????????????????????????????
THE DON'TS WHILE CLEANING AIRCRAFT ACRYLIC
Never use a circular motion when rubbing the window surface. Remaining dirt will cause random, round scratches, dramatically reducing vision and optical clarity when flying into the sun. Vertical patterns are less noticeable than horizontal.
Never wipe plastic that's dry. Dust and foreign particles will scratch the surface. Worse, wiping "dry acrylic" builds up a tremendous static charge, attracting even more dust and dirt.
Never employ a used cloth. Only fresh clean cotton should ever be used. Anything less will only have left1over dirt, debris and dust from previous usage.
Never use paper towels or cloth containing nylon or synthetic fibers, all of which are abrasive. Use only 100 percent cotton when cleaning or restoring acrylic.
Never use a cover on acrylic. Even 100 percent cotton can ruin a windshield after the wind chaffs it from the dirt that gets blown under the cover.
Never use any of the following to clean acrylic: gasoline, benzine, alcohol, acetone, carbon tetrachloride, lacquer thinner or glass cleaner. Each will damage the plastic in one form or another. You can't go wrong using water alone.
Never use a wax or filler unless it's specifically designed for acrylic applications. Petroleum-based waxes, for example, will attack acrylic. Safe Glass Technologies
Delta Kits Certified N.W.R.A. Certified N. G. A. Certified 2008 WRO Silver 2009 WSRPOT I have zero expertise here, just facinated by these old tricks of the trade. Why Lemon Pledge? And I see it also used on lots of motorcycle web sites ... Why Lemon? |
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Gdogg Member
Registered: 10/29/08
Posts: 89
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Reply with quote | #7 | The only thing i can think of is that lemons are a natural citrus cleaner and that combined with the Pledge oils apparantly makes it perfect for this application. Also, being that it's for wood it would have to be delicate enough to use it i suppose? Kind of a mind blower if you've never heard of people using it for planes.
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RennyDoyle

Moderator - Attention to Details Vendor Forum
Registered: 11/17/04
Posts: 2,741
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Reply with quote | #8 | This has been used for decades and a decade ago, we assisted a very large chemical company at finding out several factors with the use of the product on aircraft and to keep this short, here is what was learned.
- This product works
- Is safe when used correctly with the right methods/techniques
- Has not been known to cause damages to aircraft
Others may claim otherwise but I took part in a spendy study and witnessed the results...but eyes will never see that report again I am sure...not what they expected to learn and I am sure has seen the interior elements of a shredder.
I used this method back in the 70's when I was 13 years old at Rialto Airport as a true gentleman, angel and the man who gave me a kick start in life shared this with me and while I do not use the product on aircraft now...I did for many, many years...
Here is a link to the online version of the Air Care Guide I wrote For Shell Oil (Aeroshell) Check it out here. I have printed versions that we provide at aviation events worldwide.
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Relaited Senior Member
Registered: 01/28/08
Posts: 827
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Reply with quote | #9 | What about this product that makes it work so well?
Why can't this be replicated?
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RennyDoyle

Moderator - Attention to Details Vendor Forum
Registered: 11/17/04
Posts: 2,741
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Reply with quote | #10 | It can be duplicated and has been within several product options but the aviation gang is a different breed...half million dollar aircraft and many will risk the paint going bad to save a couple bucks!
We aim at the small percentage that get it...the rest are cheap...
I have been a guest speaker at more events then I can count and the scary stories I have heard are to many to number...its aviation and many of us have had this conversation countless times...its a funny fact within such a glorious industry.
Quote: Originally Posted by Relaited What about this product that makes it work so well?
Why can't this be replicated?
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Relaited Senior Member
Registered: 01/28/08
Posts: 827
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Reply with quote | #11 | It appears to also be used in the motorcycle crowd.
Although long held beliefs, even those that are flat out wrong & defy logic and fact ... are very hard to change, my gut is telling me that many new products, outside aviation, are now behaving similarly, without possible downside.
I am excited to start to see next generation "waterless' stuff is coming out with 3 different dilution ratios for "waterless", spray wax & window cleaner, all from one base concentrate.
That the base technology is nano, that can introduce opposite charge that can repel dirt.
Pretty cool stuff.
This one just caught my eye, and tickled the fascination.
Thanks for sharing
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RennyDoyle

Moderator - Attention to Details Vendor Forum
Registered: 11/17/04
Posts: 2,741
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Reply with quote | #12 | The waterless trend started in aviation 30 years ago and while Pledge may not be the ideal pick, it looks to be safe and does not pollute so while I would like to see others using products like the Aeroshell Flight Jacket, which has a spray and wipe cleaner called Touch & Go...many pilots are a tough crowd to change...Shell spent millions trying to do just that and it had a great impact and we educated thousands of pilots but I am afraid it was a small dent in the over all picture...but we continue to educate and be an example...
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