Cleaning and Maintaining Aircraft Interiors
Proper care of leather and materials used in the aircraft, including routine cleaning and maintenance, is imperative to extending its life and also retain its original beauty throughout the useful life. Aircraft owners and crews can unknowingly use damaging chemicals and procedures on or around their seats or seat covers. Such practices can temporarily or permanently damage performance leathers and materials. In addition, unauthorized use of cleaning products or procedures may also void the warranty.
Crews should also understand that different materials provided by different manufacturers may have different guidelines and recommendations on material care and maintenance, thus it is always recommended to review the manufacturer’s guidance and cleaning procedures to ensure proper care and maintenance.
It is always recommended to use aircraft-grade cleaners and disinfectants. As per the latest guidance from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), consumer grade sanitizers and disinfectants that are arbitrarily applied to aircraft interior surfaces can lead to harmful and corrosive residues and endanger the health of passengers and crew.
Cleaning and maintaining leather, wood, and other materials used in the aircraft
Leather is like skin. Likewise, any chemicals or cleaners that are placed on leather will naturally be absorbed given enough time. Leather, like skin, has natural oils that give it its suppleness. However, leather does not have the ability to regenerate or remoisturize itself, unlike skin. When using cleaners that are harsh on oils, you can remove what may be the biggest benefit of the leather in the aircraft. Also remember to remove any excess product using dry and clean clothes.
Avoid using products on leather interior that “seal” the leather. As soft materials like leather, even vinyl and faux leather, need to breath, using sealers can prevent this natural process from occurring. Cleaners that should be avoided at all costs includes cleaners containing alcohol or bleach, ie. Rubbing Alcohol, Clorox Wipes; household disinfectants, i.e. Lysol Sprays; and industrial disinfectants not intend for leather material.
It is also recommended to thoroughly read through product packaging and instructions prior to use. Often, leather seats and appointments that have been treated with expensive products that are specifically designed for treating leather, are not used properly and in fact may damage the leathers.
Wood and faux wood veneer are a lot more forgivable in most cases (*but not all). Coated veneers should be cleaned with a manufacturer-approved cleaner, which is typically something that is suitable for cleaning plastics. Never, ever use glass cleaners of any kind on wood veneer. It’s tempting given the glossy finish, but it will break down the polymer coating. Unlike leather and soft goods, isopropyl alcohol is generally acceptable, but be sure to use a dedicated microfiber cloth when applying and removing.
One of the most critical places in terms of internal dirt, in constant contact with shoes and suitcase wheels, are carpets and rugs. Unlike what we do in our homes, in business aviation it is not recommended that these materials be swept. This can lead to the suspension of dust particles, contaminating environments that have already been sanitized or affecting the aircraft’s air conditioning system. More appropriately, vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters – highly efficient – are used to remove dirt from these carpets and fabrics.
Cleaning and maintaining aircraft interiors post-pandemic
Due to the global pandemic, there has been various disinfecting procedures in the market, noting that it may vary by material, type of operation, region in use, aircraft type and more. We recommend following a combination of internationally recognized and published best practices and guidelines established by the aircraft and material manufacturers. Additionally, being able to communicate to your passengers on the disinfection measures and protocols taken to protect their safety is also important to ensuring their peace of mind throughout their journey.
So, if you happen to spot a passenger trying to protect themselves with their hand sanitizers, alcohol wipes and using them on seats or even the wood tables, you might just want to take these following steps:
- Politely explain that the substance(s) they have spread on the seat/veneer/other may have an adverse effect on the material and, more importantly, their safety and yours.
- Offer to remove the substance immediately, preferably with a spray bottle pre-loaded with light soap and water and using a dedicated microfiber cloth as outlined below.
- Immediately remove any residual soap and water from the surface.
- While performing the above, explain to your passengers what steps have been taken within the cabin to ensure their safety and negate the need for their handiwork in your cabin. This is the most important step: assuring their safety and peace of mind!
Best practices from the experts – the interior completions team:
● Have microfiber cloths stored in individual Ziplock bags and each dedicated to cleaning different types of surfaces to prevent contamination or the possibility of introducing abrasive foreign objects onto the cloth. Do not dual purpose your microfibers.
● Clean your cabin between flights – this is always a best practice anyway!
● Talk to your passengers and discuss the cleaning and disinfecting that you’ve done and why.
● When it comes to cleaning specifically, avoid overuse of products – a better option is soap and water on a regular basis between flights, but cleaning products periodically as recommended.