If you park at DeKalb-Peachtree (PDK), Fulton County (FTY), or any major airfield in the Greater Atlanta area, you have likely encountered strict environmental regulations regarding water runoff.
The days of dragging a hose across the ramp and flooding the tarmac are ending. The EPA and local airport authorities are cracking down on "wet washing" to prevent chemicals and heavy metals from entering storm drains.
But for many aircraft owners and Directors of Maintenance, the phrase "Dry Wash" sounds risky. The fear is simple: "If you wipe a dry airplane, aren't you just grinding dirt into the paint?"
The answer is no—but only if the process is performed correctly using the science of encapsulation.
The biggest misconception in aviation detailing is that a dry wash involves rubbing a dirty towel against dry paint. We never do that.
At AllSouth, we utilize a process based on chemical encapsulation.
When we spray our aviation-grade polymer solution onto your aircraft, it doesn't just sit on top of the dust. The chemistry is designed to instantly emulsify (lift) the dirt particles from the surface and encapsulate them in a microscopic, slippery shell of polymer lubrication.
Once the dirt is encapsulated, it is no longer touching your paint—it is floating in the solution.
When our technicians wipe the surface, they are removing the suspended dirt, not grinding it against the airframe. The result is a scratch-free, swirl-free finish that leaves behind a protective sealant layer.
This encapsulation technology allows us to clean a Gulfstream or Citation right where it sits, without a single drop of water touching the ground.
Beyond the paint, dry washing is significantly safer for your aircraft's sensitive components.
High-pressure water is the enemy of aviation hardware. "Wet washing" carries the inherent risk of forcing water into:
By using a controlled, spray-on/wipe-off encapsulation method, we control exactly where the cleaning solution goes. We clean the aircraft inch-by-inch, ensuring that your static ports remain dry and your lubrication remains intact.
Because our process produces zero runoff, we are approved to operate in strict environments where wet washing is banned.
No Towing Required
We clean your aircraft inside your hangar or on the ramp
No Puddles
We leave the floor as dry as we found it
EPA Compliant
Meets all stormwater pollution prevention standards
We don't just spray and wipe. Our technicians follow a rigorous protocol to ensure the safety of your asset:
We saturate the panel to ensure full encapsulation of contaminants
We use high-GSM microfiber towels, rolling the towel as we wipe to ensure a fresh, clean surface is always touching the paint
A second, clean dry towel is used to buff the surface to a high-gloss shine
Don't let environmental restrictions keep your aircraft grounded. Experience the gloss and protection of a professional dry wash.
Request a Dry Wash Quote