Rags for Planes: From Assembly to Takeoff
In the aerospace industry, precision and cleanliness are non-negotiable. Whether it’s assembling a fuselage, detailing a cockpit, or prepping a plane for its next mission, every stage of the process demands tools that support both efficiency and safety. While high-tech equipment often takes the spotlight, one of the most overlooked essentials is also one of the most effective: rags.
From white sheeting rags on the assembly line to barmops and microfiber rags for maintenance crews, these simple supplies keep production running smoothly and aircraft ready for takeoff.
Assembly: Protecting and Cleaning During Build
Aircraft assembly is a meticulous process. Dust, grease, or metal shavings left on a part can compromise fit, finish, or even safety. White sheeting rags, made from recycled cotton, are ideal for aerospace manufacturing because:
- Lint-Free Performance White sheeting rags leave minimal residue, which is crucial when wiping down sensitive parts, hydraulic systems, or sealed areas.
- Non-Abrasive Material They won’t scratch delicate surfaces, painted sections, or instrument panels during build.
- Absorbent and Durable Perfect for catching oil drips, cleaning adhesives, or wiping down machinery during assembly.
In hangars and production floors, crews use white rags to protect exposed surfaces, keep tools clean, and ensure every piece is contamination-free before installation. With FAA standards requiring exacting quality checks, using the right rags helps manufacturers avoid costly rework and delays.
Maintenance: Keeping Aircraft Flight-Ready
Once a plane leaves the factory, cleanliness becomes a matter of safety and passenger experience. Maintenance crews rely on barmops and microfiber rags to handle tough jobs across the hangar and on the runway.
Bar Mops
These heavy-duty cotton rags are perfect for grease, oil, and hydraulic fluid cleanup in hangars. Their absorbency and durability make them indispensable for ground crews working on engines, landing gear, and fuel lines.
Microfiber Rags
Known for trapping dust and dirt without chemicals, microfiber rags are widely used for interior detailing. They’re ideal for cleaning cockpit controls, passenger windows, tray tables, and high-touch areas. With increasing focus on passenger health and hygiene, microfiber rags offer a cost-effective way to maintain spotless interiors.
Airlines and MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) teams are under constant pressure to turn aircraft around quickly. Using the right cleaning supplies cuts down on time, reduces waste compared to disposables, and ensures a consistently high standard of care.
Cost Savings and Compliance
The aerospace sector is no stranger to strict regulations and budget constraints. Choosing rags over single-use products provides measurable benefits:
- Lower Costs Reusable rags can be washed and reused dozens of times, saving thousands annually compared to disposable wipes or paper towels.
- Environmental Advantage Reducing waste aligns with sustainability initiatives many airlines and manufacturers are adopting.
- Regulatory Compliance Clean, lint-free surfaces support compliance with FAA, OSHA, and ISO standards for aerospace facilities.
By standardizing rag use across assembly and maintenance, companies can ensure consistent quality control without unnecessary expense.
Choosing the Right Rag for the Job
Every aerospace facility should maintain a range of rags tailored to specific tasks:
- White Sheeting Rags For assembly lines, sensitive parts, and paint-ready surfaces.
- Barmops For hangar floors, heavy-duty grease cleanup, and ground support operations.
- Microfiber Rags For interior detailing, cockpit cleaning, and high-touch areas.
Stocking all three ensures crews always have the right tool in hand, whether they’re tightening rivets or wiping down cabin interiors.
From Assembly to Takeoff
Rags may seem like a small detail in the massive world of aerospace, but they directly impact efficiency, safety, and passenger satisfaction. From assembly lines to final takeoff, white sheeting, barmops, and microfiber rags play an essential role in keeping aircraft production and maintenance on track.
For manufacturers, airlines, and MRO providers, investing in the right rags is more than a cost-saving measure—it’s a commitment to quality at every stage of flight.
What is Lint Free or Low Lint?
What is the big deal with lint free wiping rags?
What is the big deal with lint free wiping rags?
Well first off, most types of rags produce some type of lint that is left behind when being used. If you are cleaning glass, windows, mirrors, automobiles or electronics you will want as little lint as possible. There is nothing like cleaning a window and seeing lint all over it once you finish. That’s just not right! To get the best results with a wiping rag in these situations you want to use a low lint rag.
What exactly is Lint?
Lint is a small, fine fiber that detaches from the surface of cloth and yarn. With cotton a tighter weave means less lint but also means less softness. Typically the softer the item the more lint you will see. A lint free cloth is a special type of cleaning cloth that does not give up any fluff or lint when being used.
Cleaning Electronics with Lint Free Rags
It is very important when cleaning electronics to use a low lint cloth. Being free of lint means the cloth is less likely to build up a charge that can possibly harm electronic equipment. There is a concept called ESD where lint and fluff can gain an electric charge.
Cleaning Tip for Lint Free Rags
If you wish to keep your wiping rags to having low lint you need to wash them correctly. Don’t wash with other items that have lint such as bath towels because they will drop lint in the wash.
Examples of Lint Free or Low Lint:
A&A Wiping Cloth has a large supply of wiping cloth products that are low lint and lint free.