April 24th, 2023 by Shauna Hammond

Snow foam has fast become one the most popular cleaning products for car cleaning over recent years so chances are you have probably already heard of it – but you might not know what it actually is, how to use it and if it is really worth all the hype! Well in this blog we will go over all these points and more so you can decide if it’s something you want to include in your car cleaning routine.  

What Is Snow Foam?

Let’s start from the very beginning by answering the question what is snow foam? There is often some misconception about this so let’s start by clarifying that first and foremost. Snow foam is not a shampoo but rather a pre-wash designed to be used before contact washing using your normal car shampoo. Now if kept up regularly you will likely find that the pre-wash alone is enough to clean the car however snow foam is in fact designed to be used as a pre-wash.  

How does Snow Foam Work?

So now we know what it is – you might be wondering what does it do? Well as mentioned it is a pre-wash and this is applied using a pressure washer and a snow foam lance (we will go into this in more detail later on). This forms on the surface like a blanket of snow, this thick foam then dwells on the surface for a few minutes during this time it breaks down dirt and caked-on mud making it glide easily off the surface when rinsed and making the follow-up contact wash much easier.

Why Should I Use Snow Foam?

So, if you are wondering why should I even bother with snow foam if I still have to shampoo my car after using it? Well while ultimately it is your choice to add an additional step there are many benefits offered by snow foam that really make it worth it.

Possibly the biggest benefit of snow foam is that it not only that it makes washing your car much easier, but it also loosens dirt and creates a smooth surface which means dirt slides off much easier and even the most stubborn dirt will glide off the surface reducing the risks of scratching and damaging the paintwork which can happen while trying to remove dirt with standard shampoo.

Many snow foam formulas also include a healthy dose of wax too which will remain on the surface helping to repel dust for longer a reduce streaking and watermarks while also leaving your paintwork with a high shine. So, in short, if you would like to minimise the risk of damage, break dirt down quicker and make your car wash overall easier snow foam is a great investment.

Can Snow Foam Only Be Used on Cars?

Snow foam is a wonderfully versatile product which can be used on all manner of vehicles from cars, vans, lorries and buses to even motorcycles and bicycles too.

Can Snow Foam Damage Paintwork?

Now taking care of your car is obviously important so it is understandable that you do not want to risk damaging your vehicle with abrasive products. Well luckily snow foam will not cause any damage to your car provided all manufacturer instructions are carefully followed. You can also opt for pH-neutral formulas that will not affect pre-existing coatings or wax.

How to Use Snow Foam

It is incredibly easy to use snow foam providing you have the correct equipment which consists of a pressure washer and a snow3 foam lance that is compatible. Without either of these things, snow foam will not work correctly, as the pressure and the nozzle are both required in order to create a thick foam. After you have the correct equipment set up follow the below steps:

Step 1: Prepare the snow foam solution

The best way to mix snow foam is to follow the manufacturer's instructions however typically, you will need to dilute the solution with warm water, the concentration will depend on the brand however, this can usually be adjusted depending on your needs.

Step 2: Apply the snow foam to the car

Once you have prepared the solution, you can now apply it to the car. Start from the bottom and work your way up, making sure to cover the entire surface of the vehicle.

Step 3: Let the foam dwell

After applying the snow foam to the car, you need to let it dwell for a few minutes. This will allow the solution to break down dirt and grime on the surface of the car. The solution may start to run after around a minute but this is totally normal.

Step 4: Rinse off the snow foam

After allowing the foam to dwell for a few minutes, you can now rinse it off with water. Make sure to use a high-pressure setting on your pressure washer to remove all of the snow foam from the car.

Step 5: Follow up with contact wash

After the snow foam has been rinsed away you can now follow up with your usual contact wash however in some cases where the car has not been too dirty you may be able to simply buff your vehicle’s paintwork with a micro-fibre cloth.

What is The Best Mixture for Thick Snow Foam 

Getting the perfect snow foam mixture can be somewhat tricky, while generally following the manufacturer’s instructions will provide you with thick foam, this is because it can be affected by a lot of different factors ranging from temperature, pressure, hard water or soft water and more. So, it may require some tweaks to achieve your perfect snow foam. Here at Pro-Kleen, we find that our solution works best with a 3:1 solution of detergent and lukewarm water. However, you can increase the concentration if required.

When is the Best Time to Use Snow Foam?

Snow foam is safe to use all year round however there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing when exactly you clean your car. For example, it’s best to avoid cleaning your car in any way during freezing temperatures as the use of warm can cause cracking on the windscreen. Likewise, it is not advisable to wash your car and use snow foam during very hot weather or too soon after your vehicle has been used as the heat will prevent the foam from being able to dwell on the surface causing it to simply slide off the paintwork before being able to break down the dirt, this can also result in soap marks that are difficult to remove and look unsightly.

So, that’s snow foam 101 – hopefully, this blog has given you a better understanding of what it is, and how to use it and will enable you to make the choice about whether you want to give it a try!

Snow Foam Lance with 5L Cherry Snow Foam

Price: £34.99

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