What type of cleaning agents should be used to remove grease, oil or fuel from aircraft tires?

The most effective cleaning agents for removing grease, oil, or fuel from aircraft tires are soap and water. This approach is preferred because it is gentle yet effective on the tire material and won't cause damage or degradation. Soap acts as a surfactant, allowing it to emulsify oils and greases, thereby facilitating their removal when rinsed with water.

Using soap and water also minimizes the risk of leaving harmful residues that could affect the tire's integrity or performance. Moreover, the physical scrubbing action combined with a gentle detergent helps ensure that contaminants are thoroughly removed from the tire surface without introducing harsh chemicals that could potentially harm the rubber.

While other cleaning agents like alcohol-based cleaners, acidic cleaners, and solvent-based cleaners have specific applications, they can pose risks. Solvent-based cleaners, for instance, may degrade rubber compounds over time, while acidic cleaners can cause corrosion or damage if not used properly. Therefore, the safest and most effective method for cleaning aircraft tires involves a relatively simple mixture of soap and water.