The International Cessna 170 Association

I don't have a problem with using wax on the windshield. Pledge or most any wax is probably OK if you aren't going to use one of the products specifically made for plastic windshields/windows. Plain water does a good job if the bugs are removed right after a flight, but if they are several days old (dried) they can be somewhat difficult to remove. The thing I have been told is to NEVER wipe the windshield when it has dust or dirt/mud on it because it will possibly scratch the plastic. Spray or pour water over the area first to wash off the dust, etc. Also I was told many years ago not to wipe in a circular manner. Circular motion, if it does scratch, will leave a circular pattern in the windshield and when the sun hits it at a certain angle it causes glare or reflections that are difficult to see through. Always use an up & down or across motion when cleaning/waxing plastic windshields or windows.
My 2 cents worth.

as for bug removal on the wings and other metal surfaces, i use turtle wax car wash that you mix with water. either that or just straight water of course. it cleans nicely, and adds a little coat of wax to all of the surfaces... niiiice

for the windshield, i use plexiglass cleaner from tap plastics. i buy it in one gallon containers and use their little spray applicator bottle to keep in the airplane, it polishes up nicely. just spray on, let sit for 15-30 seconds and wipe off.

I absolutely hate washing my airplane... but I hate what those little yellow windshield suckers do to my paint even more. I finally wised up and washed my airplane at the beginning of summer, then after each flight I get a bucket of water,a soft rag, and a canuba wax (don't remember which brand), and wax those bugs right off the leading edges, I wind up keeping a thick and fresh coat of wax on the surface which helps when I take the bugs off each time.
As far as the windshield goes, I had a crop duster show me his method which consists of the softest paper towels you can find (Brawny I think) and using turtle wax to take the bugs off. I did this for a while until I realized that it seems to make the dust collect and stick (static electricity). It works well for him because he cleans his wind screen about 50 times a day. I switched to Plexus and that works even better.
I think finding a gallon of plexiglass cleaner would be great if it is cheaper than the plexus!
David

Hi David,

Aircraft Spruce sells Plexus by the gallon.

Aircraft windshields and windows will last 25 years or more if properly taken care of. The savings over a years time to use anything other than a product made for aviation windshields and windows wouldn't add up to a case of beer. Where's the logic in using anything else?

All paper towels always leave small sratches.

I use two products on the exterior of my plane, Rejex and WashWaxAll.

Rejex is made by the same folks who make Corrosion-X and is specifically made for preserving all aircraft exteriors from turbine engine exhaust. It is also the best leading edge bug repellent I have found. They just wipe off with a wet towel. It will keep the whole plane looking like new for months at a time. It does not have any silicone in it.

WashWaxAll makes cleaners which are specifically made for aircraft use. They are non-corrosive, non-toxic, bio-degradeable, and water soluable. The regular is good for windows and bugs. Heavy duty is best for oil and brake dust on wheel pants. I have used them for years and can say they work great. And that's on a plane with a radial engine.

Both products can be found at aircraft supply houses or on the internet, http://www.corrosionx.com/rejex.html and http://www.washwaxall.com.

Use the softest cloth you can for both products to get the best results.