Break through the grime, protect the shine.
Grease, road film, bug splatters, and oil are the kind of messes that can ruin your finish before you even get to the wash. Nielsen Pre-Wash cuts through the dirt with a concentrated, non-caustic formula. It is tough where it needs to be, and safe where it matters.
Why pre-wash matters
Paint protection
Removing heavy soil beforehand minimises the risk of scratches and swirl marks during the contact wash.
Efficiency
Letting the pre-wash do the heavy lifting means less scrubbing, less time, and less water.
Longevity of finish
Dirt and contaminants left on surfaces degrade waxes, sealants, and coatings. Pre-wash helps preserve them.
Versatility & safety
Because it’s non-caustic, silicone-free, and NTA-free, our Pre-Wash is safe for trim, livery, painted surfaces, and sensitive finishes.
Why choose Nielsen Pre-Wash over others?
Concentrated formula means cost-effective for users who dilute correctly.
Non-caustic and gentle on sensitive finishes like painted logos, wrapped surfaces, and plastic/rubber trims.
Free from harsh additives like silicone and NTA, helping reduce surface residues and adverse reactions.
Works well in snow foam, trigger spray, or low-pressure wash application, giving flexible use.
Where does it works best, and how?
- Commercial fleets, coaches, and delivery vans. It is a necessary step for heavy grime.
- Vehicles with painted or vinyl graphics/livery that need extra care.
- Car wash businesses that use snow foam or touchless pre-clean stages.
- Outdoor equipment, bikes, boats — any surface exposed to oil, bugs, or environmental fallout.
- Your household vehicles!
Pre-wash solutions generally lift and encapsulate contaminants so they can be rinsed away with minimal contact. This prevents scratching.
Surfactants in the mix help reduce surface tension, enabling the formula to spread and penetrate grime quickly.
Aggressive degreasers or pre-washes are useful on lower panels, wheels, and areas with lots of road film. But less is more, especially on painted surfaces: avoid letting the product dry on the paint and always rinse thoroughly.
How to use Nielsen Pre-Wash for best results
 | Dilution & prep |
| Mix 1 part Nielsen Pre-Wash to 10 parts clean water (or follow the “safe dilution” label for foam vs spray). Apply to a pre-wet surface to help distribute the chemical more evenly. | |
 | Application types |
| Trigger spray: for spot treatment or smaller vehicle use. Low-pressure spray/snow foam: for full front and surfaces to allow good dwell time. | |
 | Contact time |
| Allow approximately five minutes dwell time, just enough for the formula to break down grime, but never let it dry on the surface. Drying could lead to streaks or stains, especially on trim or sensitive paint. | |
 | Rinse off |
| Use clean water with a pressure washer or high-volume hose. Rinse top-down to avoid dirty water running back over clean areas. | |
 | Follow-up wash |
| After the pre-wash rinse, move into a full contact wash with shampoo or soap to fully clean the surface, then finish with your usual drying/protection steps. |
💡 Tip: Use snow foam where possible: it helps extend the dwell time and reduces the chance of drying.
💡 Tip: Work on shaded surfaces or early morning/evening so the product doesn’t evaporate too quickly.
💡 Tip: Use separate cloths or mitts for wheels or bug-heavy areas to avoid cross-contamination of grime.
💡 Top Tip: Always rinse thoroughly: trapped cleaner or residue can dull the shine.
Ready to tackle grime and protect the shine?
Let your paint do the talking. Nielsen Cherry Shampoo gives you a glossy, streak-free clean that keeps your car looking its best between protection top-ups. It’s easy to use, safe for all surfaces, and designed with real users in mind.
It is also available in our Maintenance Bundle!
Questions? Let’s chat.
📧 Email us: info@nielsenchemicals.com
📞 Call: 01283 530011
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