Every pilot has had the moment: rolled out on final, late-afternoon sun ahead, and suddenly the windshield that looked fine on the ramp lights up with streaks, smudges, and specks of lint. The runway is still there, but picking out traffic or the runway environment through that haze takes more effort than it should, right when your workload is highest.
Much of that comes down to what was used to clean the windshield. A towel that sheds leaves fibers behind. A towel that’s been used on the belly or the wheels can carry grit and residue that scratch or smear the window. Aircraft windows are usually acrylic, which is softer than glass and easy to mark.
The simplest fix is to keep a stack of towels that are only for windows. When they never touch oil, wax, or the hangar floor, the last wipe of your preflight leaves the windshield clear instead of just rearranging the smudges.
Quick answer: The Aero Cosmetics Aero Window Towel 12-Pack is a set of 12 lint-free towels made for cleaning windows and leaving them clear and streak-free. Having 12 in a pack means you can keep plenty on hand for multiple uses. Aero Cosmetics part number: AWT. Available on Skyfarer and at Skyfarer Shop.
What’s in the pack
- 12 towels. Enough to keep a couple in the airplane, a few in the hangar, and spares in the wash rotation.
- Lint-free. Made so fibers don’t get left behind on the window.
- Made for windows. Intended for clear, streak-free window cleaning.
How to clean an aircraft window without scratching it
- Rinse or wet the surface first. Loosen bugs and dust with a cleaner made for aircraft windows or plenty of clean water. Never wipe a dry, dusty windshield.
- Wipe gently in straight lines. Light pressure, without scrubbing in circles, and turn the towel often so you’re always on a clean face.
- Finish with a dry, clean towel. Buff off any remaining cleaner to leave the surface streak-free.
- Keep window towels separate. Store and launder them apart from towels used on oil, wax, or wheels, so they don’t pick up grit or residue.
Pilot tip: Use only cleaners approved for aircraft acrylic windows. Many household glass cleaners contain ammonia or other chemicals that can damage or craze acrylic. When in doubt, check your aircraft’s maintenance manual or ask your mechanic.
Related Aero Cosmetics towels
For general cleaning and polishing, the Aero Diaper 12-Pack offers soft, lint-free 100% cotton cloths. For greasy engine and wheel work, use something you don’t mind getting dirty, like Aero Towels On A Roll.
More photos
Where to buy
The Aero Cosmetics Aero Window Towel 12-Pack is sold by Skyfarer Shop. Find it on the Skyfarer marketplace or order directly from Skyfarer Shop. Either link shows the current price. In-stock items ship in 1–3 business days with tracking, U.S. orders over $70 ship free, and most items can be returned within 30 days of delivery.
Frequently asked questions
How many towels come in the pack?
Twelve.
Are they lint-free?
Yes. The Aero Window Towel is made to be lint-free for window cleaning.
What are they for?
Cleaning windows and leaving them clear and streak-free.
Can I use them on other surfaces?
You can, but keeping them only for windows helps them stay clean and free of grit and residue that could mark acrylic.
