Car wash chemicals are the consumables used through the wash, from the pre-wash that loosens road film before the vehicle is touched, through the shampoo that does the wash itself, to the wheel, glass, interior and finishing products used once it has been rinsed. They are supplied as concentrates and diluted for use, so a drum treats a large number of vehicles.
The chemical shortens the wash and protects the paint. A pre-wash or foam is applied first and given time to lift the road film and bonded dirt, so the high pressure rinse does most of the work and less is dragged across the panel by hand. A degreaser is used where water alone will not shift the grease - the engine bay, chassis and wheels - and a pH-balanced shampoo handles the everyday wash. Once the vehicle is rinsed, the wheels, glass, trim and interior each have their own product.
Most of the range is Kränzle-branded and sourced locally in South Africa. Alongside it we supply the Nerta Car and Truck Care range - Belgian touchless-cleaning chemicals used mainly for touchless washing and for rim and acid work. Both are supplied direct from our premises in Brackenfell, Cape Town, rather than through the dealer network, and Western Cape customers are supplied and supported from there. Dilution ratios and pack sizes are given on each product below, and foam cannons and applicators are supplied under foamers.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between pre-wash and car shampoo?
Pre-wash is an alkaline degreaser - Kränzle Pre-Wash runs pH 12 - that loosens road film before contact, so less grit is dragged across the paint. Shampoo is pH-balanced and does the wash itself. Using shampoo alone on a heavily soiled vehicle means scrubbing dirt that could have been rinsed off first.
How far does a 25 litre drum go?
Kränzle Foam-X is specified at a dilution of 1:50, so 25 litres of concentrate makes approximately 1,250 litres of wash solution. Because products are supplied at different concentrations, the dilution ratio rather than the container size determines how far a drum goes.
What does touchless washing need?
An alkaline pre-wash chemical - Kränzle Pre-Wash or Nerta Active Diamond Foam - a foam cannon or lance to apply it, and a high pressure cleaner to rinse. Applied to a dry vehicle, left to activate for one to two minutes, then rinsed working within about 30 cm of the surface.
Are these safe on vehicle paint?
Kränzle Foam-X and Kränzle Wash & Wax are pH-balanced for regular vehicle washing. Kränzle Pre-Wash and Kränzle Xtreme Degreaser are alkaline products for heavy soiling and workshop use - dilute to the ratio on the label, do not let them dry on a panel, and test an unfamiliar surface first. The current safety data sheet should be obtained and followed before using any of the concentrated acid, alkaline or solvent products.
Do you supply in bulk?
Yes. The Kränzle-branded range is supplied in 5 litre and 25 litre, the 25 litre in a drum. The Nerta range is supplied in 1 litre, 5 litre and 20 litre. Both ranges are supplied direct rather than through the dealer network.
Where are the chemicals supplied from?
From our premises at Brackengate Business Park, Brackenfell, Cape Town. Unlike the machines, neither chemical range is sold through the dealer network, so both are supplied direct, and Western Cape customers are supplied and supported from Brackenfell.
