At Shine My Ride 757, a dry wash for a very light jet (VLJ) in Hampton Roads costs $550–$850 per turn, or $1,450 a month on a recurring retainer. Every other aircraft is quoted by tail number, and you get a written quote before any work starts.
What is an aircraft dry wash?
A dry wash is a waterless clean done right where the aircraft is parked. Instead of hosing the airframe down, we apply aircraft-safe cleaning products by hand and lift dust, exhaust film and bug residue off the surface with soft microfiber. There's no runoff, so it works on ramps and in hangars where water use is restricted or where a full wet wash isn't practical between trips.
Before we touch the surface, sensitive areas like pitot tubes, static ports, vents and sensors are covered, and they stay covered until we're done. We don't do maintenance, so any lubrication or inspection after a wash stays with your A&P.
What does "per turn" mean for a VLJ dry wash?
A turn is one visit between flights: we arrive, clean the aircraft and leave it ready for the next departure. For a very light jet, a single dry wash turn runs $550–$850. Where your aircraft lands in that range depends on how much exhaust film, bug residue and grime has built up since the last cleaning, and on what you want covered.
If the aircraft flies often, the $1,450 monthly retainer keeps it on a recurring schedule instead of booking each turn one at a time. We'll recommend whichever option fits how often you fly. Both are estimates until we confirm your aircraft and its condition in a written quote.
How much does a dry wash cost for a turboprop, piston or larger jet?
Those aircraft are quoted individually. Size is the biggest factor: a single-engine piston has far less surface than a midsize or super-midsize jet. Condition matters too, along with where the aircraft is parked and whether you want brightwork, interior or ceramic work added on the same visit.
The fastest way to get a number is to text your tail number or aircraft type to 757-689-9821. We'll ask a few questions about condition and location, then send a written quote. See the services and estimate tool on our aircraft detailing in Hampton Roads page.
Can I add ceramic protection to a dry wash program?
Yes. A ceramic layer adds gloss and makes bugs, exhaust residue and grime easier to wipe off between flights, so routine dry washes go faster. Our seam and exhaust aero ceramic add-on targets the areas that collect the most residue and costs $2,250.
Full airframe ceramic runs $4,500–$6,500 for a very light jet and $8,000–$15,000 for a Challenger. Other aircraft are quoted. As a System X partner, we apply System X coatings, and the products and scope are confirmed for your aircraft before we start. Read more about System X ceramic coating, or compare our car and boat packages on the pricing page.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a dry wash for a very light jet?
A dry wash for a very light jet costs $550 to $850 per turn at Shine My Ride 757.
Is there a monthly plan for aircraft dry washes?
Yes. A very light jet can go on a $1,450 per month retainer for recurring dry washes.
How do I get a quote for a different aircraft?
Text your tail number or aircraft type to 757-689-9821, and we will send a written quote.
Book or ask: call or text 757-689-9821 with your tail number, see aircraft detailing in Hampton Roads, or see packages and prices. Serving Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Hampton, Hampton Roads and the OBX.