A seasoned commercial pilot has revealed how the windows on planes are cleaned – and a surprising product is used in the process.
Some pilots use fizzy drinks such as sparkling water to clean the plane windshield.
The trick was revealed in a video on Instagram, where pilot Joi Schweitzer explained why it is used.
In the clip, posted on her account @thejoischweitzer, she says: ‘Believe it or not, this actually works.’
She points to another clip of a pilot cleaning a plane windshield with what appears to be Sprite – but says it is likely soda water.
Joi adds: ‘There’s no sugar or stickiness in soda water. Soda water has a tiny bit of natural acidity called carbonic acid, and that acid helps break down dirt, bugs, grime and probably even a little bit of bird poo.
‘And it won’t damage the windshield coating.’
She says it’s not standard procedure, but if you’ve called in bug wash and you’re in a rush, she says this is ‘old-school pilot resourcefulness.’
A seasoned commercial pilot has explained how the windows on planes can be cleaned
Joi adds it is a ‘bold, audacious move’.
Former commercial pilot Daniel Bubb told Reader’s Digest that sparkling beverages are sometimes used to help clean off any dirt from the plane.
Daniel said: ‘It is critical to keep aeroplane windshields clean for visibility and safety reasons.’
‘Personally, I’ve never used soda water,’ he says, ‘but if it works, is not abrasive and does not cause damage over time, why not use it?’
And the reason fizzy drinks are effective is explained by science.
Carbonation helps loosen and lift dirt and grime from glass surfaces.
Plus, the mineral content adds some cleaning power without harsh chemicals.
Fizzy drinks, like club soda or sparkling water, also don’t leave behind streaks or a sticky, sugary residue.
The tactic is ‘old-school pilot resourcefulness’
It can’t be used for all cleaning – just dead bugs and residue – as heavier dirt, such as grease or oil, needs stronger products.
It comes after a flight attendant revealed the one area in a plane that is dirtier than the toilets because it ‘never gets cleaned’.
Brenda Orelus, from Miami, who goes by Flight Bae B online, said the seat-back pockets are riddled with ‘germs’ and have no regular maintenance or cleaning, unlike the lavatories.
The glamorous frequent flyer alerted her 98,000 TikTok followers to the alarming fact in a video and said she’s seen passengers put all sorts of things in the pockets, from discarded food to used tissues and even dirty nappies.
