
Master the art of professional car cleaning with Nielsen
Keeping your vehicle in top condition is more than a quick wash – it’s about protecting your investment, enhancing appearance, and maintaining long-term value. This step-by-step guide to professional car cleaning walks you through each stage of the process using Nielsen’s expert-grade products, trusted across the industry for their performance, efficiency, and care.
From wheel cleaning and snow foam pre-washes to interior sanitisation and finishing waxes, each stage is designed to deliver a spotless, showroom-quality finish.
Whether you’re a professional detailer or an enthusiast, this step-by-step guide on how to clean cars offers the expertise you need to make cleaning easier, faster, and more effective – safely removing contaminants, protecting every surface, and extending the life and look of your vehicle.
Follow our detailed steps to achieve professional-grade results and discover how Nielsen’s trusted cleaning range can transform your car care routine.
Professional car cleaning steps
(Click on the menu for quick navigation!)
- Preparation
- Wheels first (acidic, non-acidic wheel cleaners or fallout remover as required))
- Pre-wash areas (TFR / Powerfoam / Impact Extra)
- Snow foam & hand contact wash (Super Foam II / Shampoo & Wax)
- Waxing (Wax Rinse / Exhibition Wax)
- Engine dressing (Rapport)
- Tyre dressing (Brilliance / Non-sil Tyre & Plastic Dressing)
- Windows & mirrors (Blue Window Clean II)
- Interior cleaning (APC / NAP / Leather Maintainer)
- Interior sanitisation (Biocidal Cleaner / One Shot)
- Interior dressing (Choice / Sheen / Fabric Protector)

1. Preparation

- Pressure wash exterior surfaces.
- Follow CoSHH guidelines for all product symbols.
- Wear the appropriate PPE for each product.
- Always read instructions carefully before use.
2. Wheels first!
Choosing the right product:

Non-Acidic Wheel Cleaner
Removes road film, grease, brake dust, and oxide films without harsh acids – safe for aluminium surfaces.

Acid Wheel Cleaner
Quickly dissolves heavy brake dust and grime, restoring wheels efficiently with excellent dilution economy.

Fallout Remover
Reacts on contact with iron deposits, turning purple as it safely dissolves fallout for an easy rinse-away finish.
Application
Follow dilution and usage instructions per product, ensuring thorough rinsing and avoiding drying on surfaces. Test compatibility on all finishes first to ensure a premium professional car cleaning process!


Non-Acidic Wheel Cleaner
- Dilute Acid Wheel Cleaner between 1:4 and 1:30 and apply via brush or spray to surfaces and allow to stand for up to 5 minutes.
- Agitate stubborn deposits if required and hose off thoroughly with water.
Notes: Do not allow product to dry out on surfaces. Always test painted surfaces, aluminium and allow materials for compatibility prior to full application. Do not apply to anodised aluminium. Non-Acidic Wheel Cleaner is designed to etch aluminium and alloy materials and as such may affect or change surface’s appearance and finish.
Acid Wheel Cleaner
- Dilute Acid Wheel Cleaner 1:12 with water and spray liberally onto wheels.
- Allow for a short contact time agitating lightly with a wheel brush as required.
- Rinse thoroughly with high-pressure water.
Notes: Do not allow the product to dry out on surfaces. Do not apply to chrome, anodised aluminium or un-lacquered wheels. Avoid contact with surfaces where the lacquer has become scratched or abraded.
Fallout Remover
- For painted panels: Apply product to damp panels and allow to dwell for several minutes. Mist with water to avoid drying out. Rinse with fresh water or snow foam to ensure all of the product is removed.
For wheels: Jet wash wheels with clean water to remove heavy soiling then apply product liberally. - Agitate with a wheel brush and allow several minutes dwell time, during which, a deep purple colour will develop.
- Jet wash wheels clean with fresh water and allow to air dry.

3. Pre-wash areas
Choosing the right product:

Powerfoam Plus
High-foaming TFR that clings to surfaces, ensures longer dwell time and effective grime removal.

Premium TFR
Non-caustic, heavy-duty cleaner for sensitive paintwork, livery, and commercial vehicles.

Impact Extra
Strong emulsifiers for grease removal on haulage, buses, and plant equipment.
Application
Apply from bottom up, allow short contact time, and rinse thoroughly. Never allow product to dry on paintwork for the best car cleaning results.
Powerfoam Plus
- Can be used directly through the pressure washer using a high foaming system at the final nozzle concentration of 1:30.
- Apply from the bottom of the vehicle working upwards.
- Allow 5-minute contact time and rinse thoroughly with high-pressure water.
Notes: Never allow the product to dry out on paintwork.
Premium TFR
- Pressure Washer: Can be used directly through the pressure washer using a high foaming system at final nozzle. Dilution of 1:100 – 1:150.
Pre-Spray: Can be used on a pre-wet surface at a dilution of 1:20. Cost Control: To help dilution and cost control, can be pre-diluted between 1:1 and 1:9 prior to application through the pressure washer. Dilution 1:80 – 1:150. - Apply product from bottom up.
- Rinse with water.
Notes: Always use at recommended dilutions, or sensitive paint finishes may be damaged. Never allow the product to dry out on paint.
Impact Extra
- Pressure Washer: Use through pressure washer at 0.5% to 3% at the nozzle.
Pre-Spray: Can be used on a pre-wet surface at 1:20.
Notes: Always use at recommended dilutions, or sensitive paint finishes may be damage. Never allow the product to dry out on paintwork.
4. Snow foam & hand contact wash
Choosing the right product:

Transport Super Foam II
Transport Superfoam II is a mild, high-foaming vehicle wash for manual or brush wash use. Dense foam clings for better cleaning, while low dilution use makes it highly economical.

Shampoo & Wax
High-foam, high-wax shampoo removes dirt effectively, combining foaming surfactants and waxes for a streak-free, glossy finish. Waxes aid water runoff, reducing drying time and improving washing efficiency.
Application
Ensure thorough rinsing and drying for optimal professional car cleaning results.


Transport Super Foam II
- Use automatic dosing for brush wash at 1:200.
Where high foam is required, foam sprayers or air injection may be employed.
For manual use, dilute up to 1:200. - Rinse well after washing.
Notes: Suitable for manual use or through brush wash machines.
Shampoo & Wax
- Dilute up to 1:400 in a bucket with water.
- Apply to vehicle exterior with a sponge or soft brush.
- Rinse off with clean water and leather dry.
Notes: Suitable for manual use or through a brush wash machine.
5. Waxing
Choosing the right product:

Wax Rinse
Adds shine and de-watering protection, reducing re-soiling.

Exhibition Wax
Premium carnauba blend delivering durable gloss and weather resistance.

Application
Apply evenly and buff with a soft microfibre cloth for a high-gloss, professional car cleaning finish.
Wax Rinse
- After washing and drying the vehicle, apply Exhibition Polish with a clean polishing cloth or sponge.
- When dry buff off with a soft, dry, microfiber cloth to leave a high gloss finish.
Notes: Shake well before use.
Exhibition Wax
- After washing and drying the vehicle, apply Exhibition Polish with a clean polishing cloth or sponge.
- When dry buff off with a soft, dry, microfiber cloth to leave a high gloss finish.
Notes: Shake well before use.
6. Engine dressing

Rapport
Water-based, silicone-free dressing that restores rubber, vinyl, and plastic surfaces.

Application
Apply evenly with sprayer or brush to clean, dry surfaces, then wipe away excess.
Rapport
- Apply Rapport undiluted by a hand sprayer, brush or cloth spreading to foam an even film.
- Wipe away excess material and allow to stand.
Notes: Surfaces should be clean and dry before use.
7. Tyre dressing
Choosing the right product:

Brilliance
High-silicone dressing offering a durable, weather-resistant gloss.

Non-silicone tyre & plastic dressing
Solvent-based, silicone-free option ideal for bodyshops.

Application
Apply sparingly to clean, dry surfaces for optimal car cleaning results. Avoid brake assemblies and motorcycle tyres.
Brilliance
- Apply using a brush, cloth, sponge or hand sprayer.
- Wipes or brush away excess material and allow to dry.
- A light covering or wiping will provide a natural sheen.
- Apply liberally with a brush for a high-gloss finish.
Notes: For optimum car cleaning results surfaces should be clean and dry. Do not directly onto brake assemblies. Do not apply to motorcycle tyres.
Non-silicone tyre & plastic dressing
- Apply using a brush, cloth, sponge or hand sprayer.
- Wipe or brush away excess material and allow to dry.
Notes: Clean the tyres first. The long-lasting, water-resistant dressing can be applied by paintbrush, hand sprayer or by sponge. For optimum results surfaces should be clean and dry. Do not directly onto brake assemblies.
8. Windows & mirrors

Blue Window Clean II
Blue Window Clean II is a premium, streak-free glass cleaner removing flies, road film, and nicotine. Its non-flammable formula cleans and brightens glass effortlessly, restoring clarity and brilliance with easy application.

Application
Apply undiluted, wipe, and buff dry with lint-free cloth for the best crystal-clear professional car cleaning results.
Blue Window Clean II
- Apply the product undiluted via a cloth or hand sprayer.
- Wipe over the surface of the glass and buff dry with a lint free cloth or absorbent paper to a bright clear finish.
9. Interior cleaning
Choosing the right product:

All-purpose cleaner
Versatile degreaser for fabrics, plastics, and trims.

NAP Extra
Concentrated fabric cleaner for heavy soiling.

Leather Maintainer
Premium cleaner with essential oils for supple, rejuvenated leather.
Application
Always test on inconspicuous areas and follow with Nielsen Interior Cleaner for the best car cleaning results.
All-purpose cleaner
- Dilute All Purpose Cleaner between 1:4 and 1:50 parts water, depending upon degree of soiling.
- Apply the product via hand sprayer, brush or mop.
- Allow for a short contact time, agitating stubborn deposits as required.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water or a damp cloth.
NAP Extra
- Dilute between 1:10 and 1:100 with water.
- Apply as a light spray or with a damp sponge.
- Allow a short contact time and agitate if necessary.
- Rinse with water and allow to dry naturally, or with a cloth.
Leather Maintainer
- Spray product onto cloth and work into leather surfaces.
- Allow a short contact time for heavily soiled leather to help restore appearance.
Notes: For best interior results use alongside Nielsen Interior Cleaner Use only as directed. It is recommended to test on an inconspicuous area before use.

10. Interior sanitisation
Choosing the right product:

One Shot
Odour-neutralising air-con treatment that removes bacteria and stale smells in one application.
Application
Ensure vehicles are unoccupied during treatment and ventilate after use.
Biocidal Cleaner
- Biocidal Cleaner can be applied by a high or low-pressure sprays, mop, swab or cloth.
- Apply diluted to the surface.
- Allow a short contact time to penetrate soiling.
- Agitate stubborn marks where required and rinse with clean water.
Notes: For terminal sanitisation first clean and rinse the surface to ensure it is clean and free of debris. Apply diluted Biocidal Cleaner and allow to drain. Wear suitable protective clothing and gloves.
One Shot
- Start the engine.
- Turn on the air conditioning system and set for maximum cooling, the fan should be set to full speed.
- Set the air to re circulate, which draws air from the cockpit back through the air conditioning system.
- Point side vents into the centre of the car (this prevents product from condensing on the side window).
- Place the can upright onto the front passenger side floor, if the floor is uneven support the can to prevent it falling over. Ensure that the can is positioned in such a way as to ensure that the product does not spray directly onto the dashboard or other trim.
- If leather seats are fitted it is advised that a dry cloth or duster is placed over the base of the passenger seat to prevent spotting of sensitive leathers.
- Press the button on the top of the can close the doors and allow the can to discharge fully (approx. 5 minutes).
Notes: Do not use the product with anybody inside the car. Once discharged the vehicle may be switched off and treatment is complete. There are however benefits to leaving the product in the car longer to allow more complete absorption of fragrance into porous surfaces, though this is not essential. Return the ventilation system to normal settings N.B. Before driving the car, open doors and allow to ventilate for 2 minutes to allow vapours to disperse. Never smoke when using this product. The button of this product contains a lock down tab, which allows the can to discharge all its contents in one application. Do not depress the button until you are ready to commence treatment.
11. Interior dressing
Choosing the right product:

Choice
Choice is a high-active silicone interior dressing. Used neat for deep gloss, diluted for light sheen to natural lustre, and versatile enough to act as a waterless detailer.

Sheen
Sheen is a multi-purpose dry finish silicone spray with a fresh linen scent, restoring colour and lustre to trims, rubber, and plastics. Available in Fresh Linen, Citrus, Cranberry, and Eau de Cologne.

Fabric Protector
Fabric Protector is a one-time application that repels water, oil, and dirt on most automotive upholstery, keeping fabrics clean without altering feel, and typically lasts a lifetime.
Application
Apply from bottom up, allow short contact time, and rinse thoroughly. Never allow product to dry on paintwork.

Choice
- Apply Choice to dash and interior vehicle trim via cloth or spray.
- Wipe over surfaces and allow to dry.
Notes: Choice would typically use to give a high gloss finish but may be diluted 1:3 with water to give a natural sheen and diluted 1:10 with water to be used as a waterless detailer.
Sheen
- Suitable for use on interior plastic and vinyl trim. Hold can 6-9 inches from surface, spray evenly and polish using a clean lint free cloth.
- Ventilate area well after use.
Fabric Protector
- Spray evenly, from 15-20cm away, across clean fabric or carpet avoiding saturation.
- Apply a second coat immediately perpendicular to the first.
- Touch dry within 20 minutes. Allow 6 hours to cure for maximum protection.
Notes: It is highly recommended that Fabric Protector is tested on an inconspicuous area of fabric before use. Avoid wetting and contact with plastic or rubber. Shake can well before use.

Popular products from our range
For an all-encompassing professional car cleaning solution, Nielsen offers a range of high-quality vehicle cleaning products
Fast local delivery
Along with our extensive nationwide logistics, we also offer a fast local delivery service within a 50-mile radius of our manufacturing facilities.

Why use Nielsen Professional?
With over 50 years of experience, Nielsen has built a reputation for excellence, innovation, and reliability in professional car cleaning solutions. Here’s why industry leaders trust us:

COMPLETE RANGE
of car cleaning & maintenance products for the professional

1st CLASS SERVICE
Friendly support and expertise

RATED EXCELLENT
On quality & service

OVER 50 YEARS
Car care excellence
Get Started Today
Revamp your car cleaning process with Nielsen Professional – trusted by professionals, proven by results. Browse our full range on our website and elevate your wash performance.
Call us now on 01283 2222 77 – email us at sales@nielsenchemicals.com
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