Airplanes are a critical part of today’s society. They allow people to travel long distances in a short amount of time. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, there were 895,306 commercial airline flights in the United States in 2017. That is an average of 2,437 flights per day! Airplanes are also critical for business travel. A study by the Global Business Travel Association found that in 2021, travelers were up to 2.3 billion.
Given the fact that so many people rely on airplanes, they must be safe and well-maintained. This means regular cleaning and maintenance of the aircraft’s inside and outside must be performed to ensure a comfortable, secure experience for passengers. Cleaning an airplane is a challenging task, though. It involves a step-by-step process that requires attention to detail, proper safety protocols, and specialized equipment. Here are a few steps involved in the process.
Pre-Cleaning Process
Before an airplane gets cleaned, you must take a few preparatory steps. One of the most important is ensuring all the trash and debris is removed from the aircraft. This is done in a few ways:
- The cabin crew will sweep the cabin and pick up any loose items. They will also check for any food or drink that may have been spilled and clean it up.
- The ground crew will use industrial blowers to remove any dirt or dust from the aircraft. They will also check for oil or fuel leaks and clean them up.
- The aircraft is sprayed with a cleaning solution to remove bacteria or other contaminants.
This pre-cleaning process is essential because it ensures that the aircraft is clean and safe for passengers before actual cleaning begins. It also helps prevent further damage or contamination during the cleaning process. While this step may seem like a hassle, it’s essential for the safety of passengers and crew.
Cleaning the Interior
Once the pre-cleaning process is complete, it’s time to clean the aircraft’s interior. This involves vacuuming carpets and wiping down all surfaces with an anti-bacterial solution. It also includes disinfecting any touch screens or other electronic devices on board. The crew will also check for any damage that may have occurred during previous flights and make repairs as needed.
Finally, airplane cleaning personnel should check window shades, overhead bins, seatback pockets, and other areas for cleanliness before moving on to the exterior cleaning process. They may also need equipment like vacuum cleaners, steamers, and other specialized cleaning tools.
Focusing on the Lavatory
The lavatory is a critical part of the airplane. Unfortunately, it will most likely become contaminated with bacteria and other germs. A study by the American Journal of Infection Control found that airplane lavatories are breeding grounds for bacteria and can cause health issues in passengers. To prevent this, it is essential to thoroughly clean the lavatory with an anti-bacterial solution before every flight.
This means wiping surfaces, cleaning toilets and sinks, and removing debris or trash. Also, it’s essential to check for any damage or leaks that may have occurred during previous flights and make repairs as needed. You can also call an airplane lavatory cleaning service for more specialized cleaning tasks. The service will help keep the lavatory clean and safe for passengers.
Cleaning the Exterior
Once the interior is clean, it’s time to focus on the aircraft’s exterior. This involves washing and polishing the aircraft’s outside and checking for any damage or corrosion. Specialized cleaners, waxes, and polishes are usually needed for this step. The ground crew will also check for bird droppings, which can cause damage to an airplane if not removed quickly.
Finally, they will inspect all external doors and windows to ensure they are securely fastened before takeoff. They may also need minor repairs, such as changing a lightbulb or replacing a window seal. Once everything is cleaned, and in working order, it’s time to move on to the final step.
Safety Checks and Final Touches
The last step in cleaning an airplane is performing safety checks and making any final touches. This includes checking for fuel or oil leaks, inspecting emergency lighting, and ensuring all safety equipment is functioning properly. The crew will also double-check that all lights and signals work correctly before takeoff. Finally, they will provide all passengers have been boarded and all cargo is securely stored away. Once these tasks are completed, the aircraft is ready for departure!
Final Thoughts
Cleaning an airplane is a critical process that ensures the safety and comfort of passengers. Following all the steps outlined above is essential to ensure that your aircraft is clean and in working order before takeoff. Taking the time to clean an airplane thoroughly can make all the difference in keeping passengers safe during their flight!
