Cleaning my FILTHY Van - How I Clean My VW Caddy

In this video I'll walk you through how I clean my own VW Caddy Van.
I'll walk you through the basics from wheel cleaning, washing the vehicle, drying the video and finally the finishing touches.
► Like the video? Why not share a coffee with me ☕️ www.buymeacoffee.com/HCDetailing
► Links to my frequently used products
Kranzle K7 - amzn.to/3JMsmeL
Canon 250 D - amzn.to/40FmJ7U
Quick Release Carpet Arch Cleaning Nozzle - amzn.to/3RKbXcQ
Extraction Vacuum BISSELL SpotClean Pro - amzn.to/3jIO60w
Drill Brush attachment - amzn.to/3JOgPvm
Bilt Hamber Auto-Foam - amzn.to/3DO9fx3
Bilt Hamber Korrosol - amzn.to/3YvExRk
Bilt Hamber Surfex - amzn.to/3YyOv4h
Auto Finesse Tripple all in one polish - amzn.to/3o75CZi​
EZ Wheel Brush - amzn.to/3xo77sp
Wash Mitt -amzn.to/3lgTPuM
Detail Factory Ultra-Soft Detailing Brush Small - amzn.to/38RAwhP​
Carpro Perl - Multi-Purpose Dressing - amzn.to/3na57MF​
Sonax Perfect Finish Polish - amzn.to/3rMWdIx​
Britemax Metal Polish - amzn.to/343LXnK
Paintwork
Pressure Washer: Kranzle K7
Wash Mitt: Chenille Wash Mitt/microfibre Wash Mitt
Car Shampoo: KKD pH Neutral Shampoo
All-Purpose Degreaser: KKD Citrus Magic/Bilt Hamber Surfex
Quick Detail Spray: Bouncers Done & Dusted Si Edition/Koch Chemie FSE/Bead Maker
Limescale Remover: Labocosmetica Energo/Chemical Guys Heavy Duty Water Spot Remover
Glass Cleaner: KKD Glass Cleaner or IPA 70%
Drying Towel: Korean Microfiber Twisted Pile Drying Towel
Tar Remover: Valet Pro Citrus Tar & Glue Removerm or Autosmart Tardis
Iron Remover: Bilt Hamber Korrosol
Wheels
Wheel Cleaner: KKD Brake Away
Wheel Brush: ValetPro 1 Inch Wheel Brush
Wheel Brush Inner Barrel: EZ Wheel Brush
Iron Remover: Bilt Hamber Korrosol
Tar Remover: Valet Pro Citrus Tar & Glue Remover
Tyre Dressing: Carpro PERL
All-Purpose Degreaser: KKD Citrus Magic
Interior
Leather Cleaner: Koch Chemie POL Star
Glass Cleaner: KKD Glass Cleaner
Fabric Cleaner: KKD Citrus Magic/Koch Chemie POL Star
Dressing: Carpro PERL
Metal Polish: Britemax Easy Cut Polish/Labocosmetica Cronos
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Instagram: / harperscardetailing
Facebook: / harperscardeta​ling
Website: www.harperscardetailing.co.uk
As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases (paid link)
#cardetailing​ #cleaning​ #carcareproducts​ #detailingchannel

[@Zior888]

I love it when car detailers give it a go on their own workhorse. It feels so satisfied

[@kristerisaksson8217]

Now i want to see the inside of the van! ;) Have a nice holiday in the alps!

[@smanderson117]

I always thought this process for wheels seemed backwards? Theory behind this is that korrosol, an iron fallout remover, is best used and most potent when applied directly to iron contaminants on the wheel surface, not the layer of dirt coated onto this which will reduce its potency. I was under the impression and always do this myself, that using an APC or snow foam FIRST followed by a rinse would be best. This would serve to loosen surface contaminants and anything not bonded into the wheel powdercoat without agitating and causing marring/swirling etc which will remove 90% of the dirt on the wheel. This can then be followed up with a fallout remover/active wheel cleaner to get the remnants/bonded contaminants off the wheel with agitation and you will be using the products to their full potential then. This is just my process based on research from detailingworld forums, detailing studios posts etc however I fully accept no ones perfect, I don't do this for a living etc, Could you explain if I'm down the wrong path or if theres a reason for your process etc? Thank you

[@HarpersCarDetailing]

I agree, but the wheels weren’t that dirty, and you can see with the final results that they are spotless. If there was thick mud on the wheels then I would definitely use a wheel cleaner then an iron remover after rinse.

[@alexbryan7641]

Iron removers(sodium thiogycolate) are significantly decreased in their effectiveness when diluted with water. They are best applied and most effective when applied to a dry wheel. This is why almost all iron removers designated for wheels suggest applications be on a cool, dry surface. If heavy dirt is visible give it a good rinse then apply the product. Just remember the chemical will need more dwell time when applied to a wet surface. Nick just followed the instructions. Great job buddy!

[@barumxxy]

Superb job

[@eamonkelly2792]

Great job Nick, , the caddy looks amazing 👍👍

[@dhanybegood]

Great job!

[@tripsingh3642]

Very professionally done very nice 👍 Love the pressure of the pressure washer

[@McLoom1]

Very good Nick …. The Painter has painted his own house 😅 lovely neat van …. First impressions last when the customer sees you arrive 🫵🍻👏

[@HarpersCarDetailing]

Thanks Owen. I couldn’t agree more. No matter how busy I am, the van will always be clean every week…apart from this time as I have been saving up the dirt for this video 😂

[@McLoom1]

@@HarpersCarDetailing your welcome Nick 🍻

[@grahamjohnstone9983]

As always perfect

[@autocleanet40]

Congratulations for the 35K and happy new year

[@HarpersCarDetailing]

Thank you very much 🙌🏼

[@andrewbeatty3713]

Just subscribed as I really enjoyed the video. The elastic band tip is brilliant 👏

[@HarpersCarDetailing]

Thanks Andrew! It’s the little tips that make the difference 👌🏼

[@stevenhadler9747]

Excellent job. didn't know detailing was hard work and I only detail family and friends vehicles I'm no where near a professional but I get so much satisfaction doing it. And getting tips from experts like yourself is a great help........

[@HarpersCarDetailing]

Thanks Steven, I’m glad you have found the video informative 👍🏼 It’s quite therapeutic isn’t it. Earphones in and relax 😊

[@sinedits3074]

I've got to say out of all the videos I watch, your process is very similar to mine which is reassuring because I always have doubts if I'm doing it correctly compared to others. Very good video!

[@HarpersCarDetailing]

Thanks man. It vertically works for me, so glad it works for you 👍🏼

[@jeffreyrobert9460]

Perhaps the classiest looking work van on KZbin Great job. Did you add a topper for some extra gloss?

[@HarpersCarDetailing]

Thanks Jeffrey 👍🏼 No, just a 2 stage machine and coating 👍🏼

[@md-detailing]

Ah yes i havent watched Harper in a while but i really enjoyed this video and i will watch you more often! :D

[@HarpersCarDetailing]

Thanks man 🙏🏼

[@ObsessiveCarDetailer]

Hi Nick, Im not the biggest fan of Bilt Hamber or Auto finesse but the Caddy came up really well. The ceramic coating just makes cleaning so easy. Those wheels are a real pain to clean if not properly protected & they looked awesome 👍

[@Bnkzy]

If your not the biggest fan of bilt hamber then you should be. Best stuff on the market in my opinion 👍🏻

[@HarpersCarDetailing]

What Donny you like about BH? I rarely use Auto Finesse in all honesty. They aren’t to bad, fortunately they are only 16 inch so easier to clean 👍🏼

[@ObsessiveCarDetailer]

@@HarpersCarDetailing hi , the dilution rate is just ridiculous & I think Garage Therapy Snow Foam is a better product. I think it cleans better and you use less product. But BH is very popular and I get a lot of stick from my subscribers but detailing is all about what works for you at the end of the day. Plus I guess as you detail as a business you need to keep an eye on the cost and buy in bulk. I’m just an enthusiast so can pick and choose. Have to, love your channel 👍

[@peterowen4456]

Great job. I always notice clean vans more than clean cars because most people don't bother with the work vehicle. It's a big mistake in my view because, whatever trade you are in, a clean vehicle inspires confidence amongst customers.

[@HarpersCarDetailing]

I absolutely agree, regardless of the industry it sets a good image 👍🏼

[@elios.503]

Amazing Washing as always in your videos! You have one of the most elegant Caddy I have seen, especially with these wheels. One question ... the Golf mk7 GTD in white was selled?

[@HarpersCarDetailing]

Thanks Elio. I’m quite lucky with it. I found it at the perfect time. I wasn’t sure with the wheels, but they have grown on me. Yep, the GTD has gone 👍🏼

[@hawks922]

I liked your presentation, but yet again like others I seen washing vans, how did you clean the roof and what did you use for the glass?

[@HarpersCarDetailing]

Thanks👍🏼 just used a step ladder for the roof. Nothing for the glass. Just a wipe with the drying towel leaves a smear free finish 👍🏼

[@jorgeaceves2068]

Bravo Nick very good job, car detailing technicians not only clean and detail cars to make money our passion goes too far for our equipment too, but I also have a question Nick can you recommend a car dryer cloth like the one have you used in the video. Best.

[@HarpersCarDetailing]

Thanks Jorge. Pretty much any twist and loop 1400gsm drying towel 👍🏼

[@jorgeaceves2068]

@@HarpersCarDetailing I appreciate it👍

[@James_08_07]

The more of these videos I see the more I wonder how insane it is that we are allowed to pollute so much without any controls. All those chemicals...

[@user-hi4dy7mz8y]

Hi, did you do the 2 stage polish and ceramic coating over the top of the livery or was it prior to having the livery put on? Many thanks 😊

[@HarpersCarDetailing]

Before applying the logo I performed a 2 stage machine correction. Lettering applied then ceramic coating over the top 👍🏼

[@tonyhill1916]

Looks great. I also use a Caddy for my valeting business. Notice you have the rear wiper removed but still have part of it protruding from the door.....doesn't that annoy you?

[@HarpersCarDetailing]

Yeah I haven’t t had time to remove it. It did annoy me at the start but doesn’t much anymore

[@Mas-lx5nc]

Have you ever tried using hot water in the sprayer with citrus magic? Wonder if it would make it more effective

[@HarpersCarDetailing]

I haven’t, no. It might possibly help but I only imagine marginally. I assume all these chemicals have been developed with cold water in mind 👍🏼

[@AlexJH1]

Ignition on, ignition off, take key out and press wiper stalk down once for service mode 👍

[@HarpersCarDetailing]

If it was going to clean the blades I would, but can comfortably get the wash mitt under the wiper 👍🏼

[@mazda_rt24-p]

that's sick, I would kill for a van like that

[@amyk9813]

What dilution ratio did you use for the snow foam please?

[@HarpersCarDetailing]

Hi Amy, it should be mentioned on the video. I use 4% Panel Impact Ratio so around 200 ml in my snow foam lance topped with 800ml water 👍🏼

[@amyk9813]

@@HarpersCarDetailing thank you for the reply! Yes I've tried to match that but it didn't work as intended unfortunately. I'll give those measurements a go ☺️

[@James_08_07]

A few of your amazon links don't seem to be working.

[@staceyismine]

Whats your van setup like be good to see it

[@HarpersCarDetailing]

It’s honestly nothing special. Very minimalist so I can take certain equipment out on an evening

[@nerdiep3456]

Is it legal to wash your car on your drive way? Not in sweden at least

[@HarpersCarDetailing]

In the Uk it’s perfectly fine 👍🏼 I know you guys have laws around chemicals? I’m conscious of this anyway so try and use as many water based or sugar based and biodegradable products as possible

[@77Guv]

Any good detailers in Birmingham?

[@HarpersCarDetailing]

Not a clue

[@hartlanddetailer5670]

Mr Harper, I think in your line of business it would be imperative to keep your van spotless?

[@HarpersCarDetailing]

100% agree!

[@terptv710]

What about the roof 🤔

[@HarpersCarDetailing]

Do you think I would miss the roof?

[@theowarmelink7347]

Looks great, but a bit to elaborate for the type of vehicle i.m.o. Especially because it is well maintained and coated. Different strengths of Bilt Hamber seems a bit unnecessary. Also i think your PIR of the BH prewash is way to high seeing the prep before that and how clean the van wash before aplying. And why mix up a litre, knowing you'll only use half? I guess you could have skipped the citrus and go straight to the highly concentrated BH foam and gotten the same result. Do you always wash your van this way? Or just regularly foam and rinse? For a work and daily i'd do the last option most of the time. This time of year, after a couple of km/miles it will look pretty much the same anyway.

[@HarpersCarDetailing]

4% BH is the suggested amount. I mix up a litre at a time given that I will use it the following day, as I do this for a living… Yes I always wash it like this. Foam and rinse is a waste of time and will leave water-spots and won’t look great. I have a reputation to uphold, which is why the van always looks great.

[@theowarmelink7347]

@@HarpersCarDetailing Thanks for replying. Obviously this is how you make a living. I see why you want your van to look great. Yet again you don't trailer this vehicle to your jobs. Ergo it will get (a bit) dirty. Your starting point in this video is extremely dirty. This doesn't happen in a day, it builds up. Some days more than others. I know you purposely didn't wash the van for this video. My point, you can't arrive looking show-ready. Unless you wash it immediatlely before every appointment. You said it yourself in this video, you wash this van regularly (I recall weekly). Your last appointment will not give the same first impression as your first. Foaming and rinsing (blow drying or even distilled water optional) between (or at jobs) will enhance the overall appearence. BH can be diluted a lot more (from 1-5 PIR% suggested), depending on its use. This will effect it's foaming capabilities, yet again this is not it's strong point. Cleaning is.

[@buggeroff9]

Is the van dark blue or black? Whatever it looks mint now. A de-badge would finish the job perfectly.💦💦

[@HarpersCarDetailing]

Tim’s midnight blue 👍🏼 I think I will de-badge and possibly do a video on it.

[@kroks06]

too long brush? cut it :)

[@HarpersCarDetailing]

Then it won’t have the soft tip unfortunately

[@dickiemcvitie1752]

Just a freindly and respectfull observation... Can you not put the wipers in the "service" position? I have a VW Group vehicle and I do it when i give the car a wash. I find it so much easier to get the screen and surrounding area clean..

[@darrenboston342]

Hope you didn’t forget the roof🤔

[@HarpersCarDetailing]

What do you think…