FAA Shade cleaning doc.pdf

Cleaning instructions for ATCT mylar film shades.

We here at Solar Screen realize the concern of ATCT operators in regard to seeking out methods to try to keep the mylar film shades clean.

The best way to maintain the optical clarity of mylar film shades, is to avoid the dust adhesion caused by the natural static charge that occurs with all mylar film shades.

Optimally, if all ATCTs had perfect air filtration systems, the dust accumulation would be minimal, and operations would only have to deal with the occasional squashed bug or hand smudge. Unfortunately, perfect conditions don’t exist.

Solar Screen recommends only a light feather dusting on a regular basis. This method’s success can be enhanced if the cleaning personnel spray an anti-static aerosol on the dusting implement. These anti-static sprays are available at home centers, hardware stores and cleaning supply companies. Look for ‘electronics anti-static’ sprays such as 3M and ‘Endust for Electronics’. The spray will attract the dust and leave the mylar film ‘neutrally’ charged.

A good rule of thumb is to dust the shades every 6 months, depending upon the cab’s dust level. One of the better items to use is a ‘swifter-type’ mop with the dry cleaning cloth. Its long push handle makes it easier to reach in behind the shade for dusting the window side of the film. Use it only with the anti-static spray, and replace the cloth often while cleaning.

Never use a Windex-type cleaner with ammonia. It will age the film and quite possibly leave additional chemicals on the surface, compromising the optical clarity of the mylar.

If there is a smudged area, the factory suggests using a mild detergent, such as a highly diluted dishwashing liquid, with a clean soft cloth, applied gently to avoid scratching the surface. If cleaned in this manner, it should be done only on a small surface – the idea being that for the shades to maintain clarity, the surface must be completely dry before it is re-rolled back around the tube, otherwise, permanent marking of the film surface may occur.

FAA Solicitation 697DCK-22-R-00122

One of the other methods our installers sometimes use for smudges is the liquid naphtha, which is Zippo lighter fluid. The installer’s method is to pour some onto a wad of toilet paper and in a circular fashion, lightly rub the smudged area. The naphtha evaporates almost immediately, allowing the smudge residue to bond to the toilet paper.

It will almost instantly remove something as small as a finger print, right up to a dried squashed insect. The naphtha is available at building supply stores in quart cans, and works quite well. Because of its flammability, however, Solar Screen cannot endorse its use, but simply passes on the information.

Solar Screen understands that there are many shade cleaning services out there, some offering in-place cleaning, and others offering removal to clean, with re-install. We don’t recommend ever removing the shades from their mounts. Obviously, the more handling of the shades, the more likely damage will occur.

Also, re-installation may not be ‘up to par’, meaning possible misplacement of sized shades to certain windows; new locking cotter pins not being re-installed; springs not properly wound; and/or hold-down cords improperly re-set.

Lastly, and most importantly, is the whole idea that just like a pair of eyeglasses, no mylar film is scratch-proof. Simply put, the more ‘scrubbing’ that is done to the surface of mylar film shades, the more scratches will appear.

The life of a typical mylar film shade, with correct installation and proper operation should easily reach 7 years. Maintaining their mountings and with proper cleaning as stated above, will keep their optical clarity at an optimum, easily achieving that 7 year lifespan.

Figure that each time a shade is cleaned by a contact method, it shortens its optical life by an estimated 6 months. If the cleaning is done by a non-touch ‘spraying’ method, with proper drying, the scratch factor is minimized, however the problems of handling and re-mounting still exist. Also, any liquid intrusion into the spring assembly will corrode the parts and shorten the shade’s operational life.

If regular cleaning is insisted upon, having it done more than once a year is unnecessary, if proper maintenance is incorporated. Keeping the mylar film shades cleaner, can usually be achieved by simply changing the air handler filters much more often – once a month at least.