Airports And Airplanes: Keeping Floors Sparkling Clean

Cleanliness in airports and airplanes is crucial for health and safety reasons, as well as for the overall passenger experience. The cleaning procedures and techniques vary depending on the time available, the type of flight, and the specific areas being cleaned. For example, short-haul or domestic flights have a shorter turnaround time, requiring a quicker and more focused cleaning. On the other hand, overnight flights allow for a more comprehensive cleaning process. The use of approved cleaning products and specific procedures, such as opening overhead bins and tray tables, rinsing windows, and vacuuming, are all part of the meticulous process of ensuring the cleanliness of these spaces.

Cleaning products and methods

The cleaning products and methods used to clean airplane and airport floors vary depending on the surface being cleaned and the time available. Here is an overview of the recommended cleaning products and methods for different surfaces:

Floors

For carpeted floors, a steam cleaner that achieves a minimum temperature of 71 °C should be used, unless the carpet is not heat tolerant. In that case, a lower temperature setting should be used to avoid shrinkage and colour runs. Hard floors should be cleaned with a detergent solution and sanitiser.

Windows

Windows should be cleaned with an approved cleaning product and a non-abrasive cloth. Once cleaned, they should be rinsed with water and dried with a cloth.

Seats

Leather-covered seats should be cleaned with an approved dusting product, while cloth-covered seats should be vacuumed. Stains should be removed with an approved stain removal product.

Tray Tables and Other Surfaces

Tray tables, control unit panels, and in-seat monitors should be cleaned with approved cleaning materials and a microfibre cloth. Frequently touched surfaces, such as door handles, toilet flushers, faucets, dryers, and counters, should be sanitised regularly.

General Cleaning Methods

Disposable paper wipes should be used to avoid cross-contamination, and proper chemical sanitising agents should be used according to the manufacturer's instructions. Hand-washing signs should be posted to encourage good hand hygiene among staff and guests.

Cleaning schedules

The cleaning schedule of an aircraft depends on several factors, including the time the plane will be on the ground and whether the flight is domestic or international. Domestic flights, for instance, have shorter turnaround times, leaving less time for cleaning. International flights have longer turnarounds, allowing for a more thorough cleaning.

A typical cleaning schedule for a domestic flight with a short layover involves a quick clean, focusing on key areas such as waste removal, wiping down visible dirt, and sanitising the lavatories. Tray tables and touchscreens are often rechecked during this phase.

For international flights or overnight stays, aircraft undergo a more comprehensive cleaning process, known as a deep clean. This includes disinfecting all surfaces, including hard-to-reach spots, as well as cleaning vents, upholstery, and carpets. Deep cleaning may also involve applying long-lasting antimicrobial coatings to surfaces for extended protection.

To ensure efficiency, cleaning companies use software and wireless devices to track aircraft arrivals, determine the required cleaning type, and dispatch cleaning crews.

In addition to aircraft cleaning, maintaining hygiene in airport public areas is also crucial. This includes frequent cleaning and sanitising of surfaces, door handles, toilet fixtures, counters, and other hand contact areas. Carpeted areas should be steam cleaned, and soft furnishings sanitised using heat-tolerant methods. To promote good hygiene practices, hand-washing signs should be displayed, and hand dryers or disposable paper towels provided.

Cleaning public areas

The process of cleaning an airline cabin varies depending on factors such as the time the plane spends on the ground and whether the flight is domestic or international. For instance, short-haul or domestic flights have a shorter turnaround time, so the cleaning process is often quicker and lighter, focusing on areas such as the galley, lavatories, and trash removal. On the other hand, overnight flights have a longer window for cleaning, ranging from 8 to 10 hours.

Regardless of the flight type, cleaning crews work diligently to ensure a safe and pleasant environment for passengers. This includes disinfecting and cleaning cabin surfaces, seats, seatback pockets, tray tables, and floors. Special attention is given to high-touch areas, such as control sticks, handles, knobs, and buttons, to prevent the spread of germs.

To streamline the cleaning process, companies like ABM Aviation use software and wireless devices to track arriving planes, determine the required cleaning type, and dispatch crews efficiently. This technology ensures that cleaning operations are tailored to the specific needs of each aircraft.

In addition to the cabin, other public areas in airports require thorough cleaning. This includes frequently sanitizing garbage cans, door handles, toilet flushers, faucets, dryers, counters, and other hand contact surfaces. Carpeted areas should be steam cleaned, achieving a minimum temperature of 71 °C to sanitize effectively while avoiding shrinkage and colour runs.

To prevent cross-contamination, disposable paper wipes are recommended for cleaning. Additionally, hand-washing signs should be posted to encourage good hygiene practices among staff and guests, and staff should be required to wash their hands frequently.

Cleaning aircraft interiors

The precise steps for cleaning an airline cabin vary depending on factors such as the time the plane spends on the ground and whether the flight is domestic or international. However, there are standard procedures for cleaning aircraft interiors.

Firstly, cabin cleaning should start immediately after passengers disembark. If there are transit passengers remaining on board, cleaning should be performed to minimise disturbance. Windows should be cleaned with an approved non-abrasive cleaning product and then rinsed and dried with a cloth. Cloth-covered seats should be vacuumed, but first, sticky objects should be removed with a spatula. Leather-covered seats should be cleaned with an approved dusting product, and stains should be removed with an approved stain removal product. Passenger seat control unit panels should be cleaned with approved cleaning materials and non-abrasive paper towels. In-seat monitors should be cleaned with approved cleaning materials and a microfibre cloth. Carpet stains should be removed with an approved stain removal product, and carpets should be steam cleaned to a minimum temperature of 71°C unless they are not heat-tolerant.

Other standard procedures include disinfecting cabin surfaces, seats, seatback pockets, tray tables, and floors. Ashtrays should be emptied and cleaned unless they are permanently blocked. During the COVID-19 pandemic, airlines have been taking extra precautions, with some fogging plane interiors with an EPA-registered disinfectant and virucide effective against many communicable diseases.

Hand-washing and hygiene

Before and during your travel:

Prepare a portable hygiene pack: Create a personalized cleaning kit with essential items such as disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer, antibacterial soap, and disposable paper towels. This kit will enable you to clean your hands and surrounding surfaces effectively.

Wash your hands before boarding: Before entering the airport or boarding the plane, take the time to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. This simple act can significantly reduce your risk of exposure to pathogens.

During your time at the airport:

Wash your hands frequently: Airports are bustling places with people from all over the world. To minimize the risk of picking up or spreading germs, wash your hands regularly, especially after touching surfaces like door handles, shuttle handles, and bathroom fixtures.

Use hand sanitizer: Carry a small vial of alcohol-based hand sanitizer with you. When you don't have access to soap and water, hand sanitizer is a convenient alternative to maintain hand hygiene.

Avoid high-risk areas: Bathrooms, including those in airports and on airplanes, are high-traffic and enclosed spaces, increasing the risk of virus transmission. If possible, avoid using the bathroom in the airport. If you must use it, wash your hands thoroughly before leaving.

Spend time outdoors: Opt for outdoor areas, such as observation decks or patios, to wait for your flight. Being outdoors reduces your exposure to recycled air and close contact with large groups of people.

On the airplane:

Clean your seat area: Use disinfectant wipes to wipe down your seat, armrests, tray table, seatbelt buckle, and other high-touch surfaces. This includes in-flight entertainment screens, remotes, and handles. Ensure the wipes contain active ingredients that effectively destroy bacteria and viruses.

Practice hand hygiene: After cleaning your seat area and before eating, wash your hands or use hand sanitizer. Avoid eating directly from the tray table, and always wash your hands or sanitize them after using the in-flight entertainment system.

Follow general hygiene practices: Avoid touching your face, and cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when coughing or sneezing. Use card payments or exact change to reduce the handling of cash, which can transmit germs.

By following these hand-washing and hygiene instructions, you can significantly reduce your risk of exposure to pathogens and help create a cleaner and healthier environment for yourself and other travellers.

Frequently asked questions