Master the art of fleet and commercial vehicle cleaning with Nielsen
Keeping your fleet clean isn’t just about appearance – it’s about protecting your assets, enhancing your brand image, and maximising operational efficiency. Regular, professional cleaning extends the life of your vehicles, prevents corrosion, and ensures every truck, van, and trailer projects the professional image your business deserves.
This comprehensive guide walks you through every stage of cleaning large commercial vehicles – from curtain sides and chassis cleaning to cab interiors and finishing protection – using the Nielsen Commercial Vehicle range trusted by fleet operators, logistics companies, and professional valeters.
Each product is formulated for performance, efficiency, and safety, helping you deliver consistent, high-quality results while controlling costs and protecting vehicle surfaces.
Professional commercial vehicle cleaning steps
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- Preparation
- Wheels & lower sections (acidic, non-acidic wheel cleaners or fallout remover as required))
- Pre-wash areas (TFR / Powerfoam / Impact Extra)
- Curtain sides, cab & body panels (Premium TFR / Impact Extra)
- Snow Foam & contact wash (Transport Super Foam II / Shampoo & Wax)
- Wax Rinse & finishing protection (Wax Rinse/Exhibition Wax)
- Engine & chassis dressing (Rapport)
- Tyre dressing (light commercial vehicles only (Brilliance / Non-Sil Tyre & Plastic Dressing)
- Windows & mirrors (Blue Window Clean II)
- Interior cab cleaning (APC / NAP / Leather Maintainer)
- Interior sanitisation (Biocidal Cleaner / One Shot)
- Interior dressing (Choice / Sheen / Fabric Protector)
1. Preparation
Before you begin
- Pressure wash the exterior to remove loose dirt.
- Follow all CoSHH guidelines for the symbols shown on each product.
- Always wear appropriate PPE, including gloves, eye protection, and overalls.
- Work in a well-ventilated area and ensure runoff is captured or drained safely.
- Read product labels carefully before use.
For best results, wash vehicles in shade or under cover to prevent products from drying on surfaces.
2. Wheels & lower sections
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.
How to use
- Dilute Non-Acidic Wheel Cleaner between 1:4 and 1:30, or Acid Wheel Cleaner at 1:12, depending on contamination level.
- Apply via brush or spray, allowing 2–5 minutes dwell time.
- Agitate stubborn deposits with a wheel brush if required.
- Rinse thoroughly with a pressure washer.
- For fallout removal, apply to damp panels or wheels, allow reaction, then rinse clean.
Notes:
• Do not allow products to dry on surfaces.
• Test compatibility on aluminium and painted finishes.
• Avoid chrome and anodised aluminium.
3. Pre-wash: chassis, engine bay, door shuts & trailer frames
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.
How to use
- Apply from the bottom up to ensure even coverage.
- Use through a pressure washer at final nozzle dilutions:
• Powerfoam Plus: 1:30
• Premium TFR: 1:100 – 1:150
• Impact Extra: 0.5–3% at the nozzle - Allow 3–5 minutes dwell time (do not allow to dry).
- Rinse thoroughly with high-pressure water.
- For chassis and engines, apply cleaner directly, agitate with a brush if required, then rinse clean.
Notes:
• Avoid direct application to hot surfaces.
• Use correct dilutions to protect sensitive paintwork.
4. Curtain sides, cab & body panels
Choosing the right product:
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.
How to use
- Impact Extra or Premium TFR 1:5 to 1:20 depending on soiling.
- Apply via low-pressure sprayer or soft brush.
- Allow 5-minute contact time, agitating stubborn areas.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
- For enhanced shine, follow with Wax Rinse or Exhibition Wax.
Notes:
• Test on an inconspicuous area first.
• Avoid prolonged dwell time on printed or aged PVC.
5. Snow Foam & contact wash
Choosing the right product:
Transport Superfoam II
A mild, high-foaming wash that clings to surfaces, lifting dirt gently while protecting paint and signage.
Shampoo & Wax
A foaming wash-and-protect formula combining surfactants and waxes for a streak-free, glossy finish.
How to use
- Foam lance or brush wash: Dilute up to 1:200 (Transport Super Foam II).
- Manual use: Dilute up to 1:400 (Shampoo & Wax) in warm water.
- Apply from top to bottom with a sponge or soft brush.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water and allow to dry naturally or with an air blower.
Notes:
• Suitable for automatic brush systems and manual application.
• Avoid drying on paintwork or windows.
6. Wax Rinse & finishing protection
Choosing the right product
Wax Rinse
A de-watering agent that accelerates drying and leaves a water-repellent film to reduce re-soiling.
Exhibition Wax
Provides a durable, high-gloss finish using premium carnauba and synthetic waxes – ideal for display or executive fleet vehicles.
How to use
- After final rinse, apply Wax Rinse with a low-pressure sprayer or via automatic dosing.
- Allow water to bead and run off naturally.
- For Exhibition Wax, apply by cloth or sponge to clean, dry panels.
- Buff with a microfiber cloth for maximum shine.
Notes:
• Shake before use.
• Do not apply to hot or direct sunlight surfaces.
7. Engine & chassis dressing
Choosing the right product:
Rapport
A water-based, silicone-free dressing that revives and protects rubber, vinyl, and plastic components, giving a clean, natural finish. Ideal for engine bays, mud flaps, bumpers, and hoses.
How to use
- Ensure surfaces are clean and dry.
- Apply undiluted using a sprayer, brush, or cloth.
- Spread evenly and wipe away excess.
- Allow to dry naturally.
Notes:
• Avoid electrical components during application.
• Do not apply to areas requiring grip.
8. Tyre dressing (light commercial vehicles only)
Choosing the right product
Brilliance
A premium silicone-based dressing providing deep, durable gloss and weather resistance.
Non-Sil Tyre & Plastic Dressing
A solvent-based, silicone-free option suitable for body shop environments.
How to use
- Apply to clean, dry tyres with a brush, cloth, or hand sprayer.
- Wipe away excess and allow to dry.
- For higher gloss, apply liberally.
Notes:
• For smaller vans only – not suitable for HGV tyres.
• Do not apply to brake components or tread areas.
9. Windows & mirrors
Choosing the right product:
Blue Window Clean II
A non-flammable, streak-free glass cleaner that cuts through road film, diesel residue, and grease, restoring clarity.
How to use
- Apply undiluted with a cloth or sprayer.
- Wipe evenly across the glass.
- Buff dry with a lint-free cloth or paper towel.
Notes:
• Ideal for interior and exterior glass, mirrors, and polycarbonate windows.
10. Interior cab cleaning
Choosing the right product:
All Purpose Cleaner (APC)
Removes oil, grease, and general dirt from dashboards, plastics, and floors.
.
NAP Extra
A powerful cleaner for upholstery, carpets, and fabric trims.
Leather Maintainer
Cleans, conditions, and protects leather seats for long-lasting comfort and appearance.
How to use
- Dilute APC between 1:4 and 1:50 depending on soiling.
- Apply with sprayer or cloth, agitate, and wipe clean.
- For fabrics, dilute NAP Extra 1:10 to 1:100, spray lightly, agitate, and rinse with a damp cloth.
- For leather, spray onto a cloth and wipe evenly.
Notes:
• Test all materials on a small area first.
• Avoid oversaturating fabrics.
11. Interior sanitisation
Choosing the right product:
Biocidal Cleaner
A cleaner and degreaser containing biocides for sanitising all hard surfaces.
One Shot
A single-use aerosol odour neutraliser that refreshes the cab interior and air conditioning system.
How to use
Biocidal Cleaner
- Dilute as directed, apply by spray or cloth, allow short dwell time, rinse or wipe clean.
- Ideal for steering wheels, dashboards, handles, and control panels.
One Shot
- Start the engine and air-con on recirculate.
- Place can on passenger-side floor, depress tab, close doors, and allow full discharge (~5 mins).
- Ventilate before driving.
Notes:
• Do not use with occupants inside the vehicle.
• Provides long-lasting freshness and bactericidal protection.
12. Interior dressing & protection
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.
How to use
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
Want to get the most from your fleet cleaning routine?
Explore the full Nielsen Commercial Vehicle range for trucks, trailers, buses, vans, and plant equipment. Designed for performance, cost efficiency, and operator safety, each product delivers professional results across large-scale fleet operations.
Contact us on our website, call 01283 222 277 or Email and don’t forget to follow us on LinkedIn for product news, case studies, and professional cleaning insights.
