Tan stain on belly of airplane

[Big Flapper]

I was cleaning the belly of my "New Plane" the other day and I noticed a faint tan stain on the belly coming from the exhaust pipe area.

What is the best/easiest way to remove this? My plane is a 2008 model and doesn't use any oil to speak of.

[GlennM]

I used NuFinish wax and it came right off. I don't get that stain now that I use 94UL.

[Skunkworks85]

I also us a high quality wax, that removes the stain. 

[FastEddieB]

Popular among Cirrus owners is Scrubbing Bubbles bathroom cleaner.

It does warn that it’s not for painted surfaces, but seems to do no harm if sprayed on and wiped back off fairly quickly. 

[LS Bruce]

I got this for my CTLS because it’s safe. But, I now use it everywhere. Mix it rich (3:1) for exhaust on your plane belly. Leaner for other cleaning.

https://simplegreen.com/downloads/TDS_EN-US_SimpleGreenExtremeAircraftPrecisionCleaner.pdf

[Tom Baker]

I use Aero Gloss polish. They have been using it around the airport here for probably 40 years or more. They used it for cleaning windshields among other things, but I don't se it for that any more. 

[Big Flapper]

Thanks for all the suggestions, better to learn from experience than doing all the research myself. 

[FlyingMonkey]

I have some oil stain streaks on the belly that have resisted all attempts at complete removal.  I don't have to look at them unless I'm under the airplane, so I guess I will live with it.  I might try some of these suggestions though.  I have tried "Oil Eater" cleaner, it generally works well but not this time.

[GrassStripFlyBoy]

For what's worth, I've been using those blue paper shop towels, drain some gas from the sump, and this cleans the belly up nice - probably about every 50 hours this is done.  Then follow up with the composite clean brand spray wax to slick up the surface.  Whatever you choose to clean with, extend all that hard work by adding some wax back on.

[Big Flapper]

Thanks Roger, in other words, don't make a bigger mess than I have!

[Anticept]

Gasoline is actually a fantastic cleaner! It's surprising how well it works.

Mineral spirits work well too for cutting exhaust stains.

Keep up a wax coating in that area and it makes it easy to clean in the future.