TM 1-1500-204-23-1 CHAPTER  13 AIRCRAFT CLEANING 13-1.  General. Proper  and  frequent  cleaning  is  the most important part of a corrosion control program. Fre- quency of cleaning and related treatment will depend on type of aircraft and local conditions. All aircraft shall be washed and cleaned every 30 days, unless aircraft are stationed  within  two  miles  of  salt  water.  Extended  or  low level operations over salt water require daily fresh water rising. External corrosion prone areas will require more frequent cleaning. Do  not  use  synthetic  wiping  cloths  with  highly flammable solvents having a flash point of 100°F (37.8°C) or less, such as aliphatic naphtha TT-N-95. Static electricity may build up and cause ignition. Do not use aircraft cleaning compounds MIL-C-43616  or  MIL-C-25769  at  strength other  than  specified  because  this  will  damage aircraft finish and components. Do not allow cleaning solutions to dry on aircraft surface. NOTE Use  only  authorized  cleaning  materials  and equipment. 13-2. Cleaning Practices and Procedures. The fol- lowing  paragraphs  explain  preparation  for  cleaning, cleaning  methods,  cleaning  of  corrosion  prone  areas, and post-cleaning. a. Preparation for Cleaning. Prepare  aircraft  for cleaning by accomplishing the following procedures: Make sure that static vents are not fouled by tape adhesive transfer. Cover static vents with  a  properly  sized  disc  of  suitable  material, then apply masking tape. Fouled vents will give wrong readings. (1)  Prior  to  lubricating  any  components  or parts, remove all foreign matter from joints, fittings, and bearing surfaces. Cleaning cloth CCC-C-46 shall be used for this purpose. Clean up all spilled or excess oil or grease. Some solvents can damage rubber, neo- prene, and electrical insulation. They can also damage paint and should be removed as soon as possible. (2) To  protect  against  cleaning  solution  entrap- ment,  inspect  all  lubrication  points  that  have  exposure type lubrication fittings. Lubricate those that have not been  regularly  lubricated  in  accordance  with  the  applica- ble maintenance manual. (3) Close all doors and emergency openings. (4) Make sure that all drain holes are clear by inserting a probe such as a pipe cleaner, except where pressurized flapper valves are located. b.  Cleaning  Methods.    Various cleaning methods are explained in the following paragraphs. The method used depends upon the availability of tap water. (1) Waterless wipedown. Waterless wipedown procedures will be used when water is not available for rinsing or when cold weather prevents the use of water. The preferred waterless wipedown method for removing soils and corrosive salt residues is accomplished using the following procedures. Open all circuit breakers associated with bat- tery power prior to application of MIL-C-43616 cleaning compound. This compound  is  flammable. When using  cleaning compounds MIL- C-25769, MIL-C-43616 or MIL-C-85570, wear faceshield or goggles, rubber gloves and coveralls. These compounds are toxic and can cause skin irritation. (a) Spray  the  exterior  surfaces  of  the  air- craft    with    water    emulsion    cleaning    compound MIL-C-43616. Change 2 13-1