Piper ARCHER III Pilot Operating Handbook page 196

SECTION 8
HANDLING, SERV & MAINT
(b) Cleaning Landing Gear
Before cleaning the landing gear, place a plastic cover or similar
material over the wheel and brake assembly.
(1) Place a pan under the gear to catch waste.
(2) Spray or brush the gear area with solvent or a mixture of solvent
and degreaser, as desired. Where heavy grease and dirt deposits
have collected, it may be necessary to brush areas that were
sprayed, in order to clean them.
(3) Allow the solvent to remain on the gear from five to ten minutes.
Then rinse the gear with additional solvent and allow to dry.
(4) Remove the cover from the wheel and remove the catch pan.
(5) Lubricate the gear in accordance with the Lubrication Chart.
(c) Cleaning Exterior Surfaces
The airplane should be washed with a mild soap and water. Harsh
abrasives or alkaline soaps or detergents could make scratches on
painted or plastic surfaces or could cause corrosion of metal. Cover
areas where cleaning solution could cause damage. To wash the
airplane, use the following procedure:
(1) Flush away loose dirt with water.
(2) Apply cleaning solution with a soft cloth, a sponge or soft bristle
brush.
(3) To remove exhaust stains, allow the solution to remain on the
surface longer.
(4) To remove stubborn oil and grease, use a cloth dampened with
naphtha.
(5) Rinse all surfaces thoroughly.
(6) Any good automotive wax may be used to preserve painted
surfaces. Soft cleaning cloths or a chamois should be used to
prevent scratches when cleaning or polishing. A heavier coating
of wax on the leading surfaces will reduce the abrasion problems
in these areas.
REPORT: VB-1611
8-18
PA-28-181, ARCHER III
ISSUED: JULY 12, 1995