Ran out of snow foam. Instead, poured Turtle Wax shampoo into the snow foam bottle, diluting to same ratio as snow foam instructions, hooked it all up to the power washer and... the effect seemed near identical to the snow foam detergent/ liquid. Maybe dissipated marginally quicker but based on fact you're supposed to power hose the foam off thereafter, which I did, there was no discernible difference based on having used both types of cleaner.

Thoughts welcome

For me then yes using Snow Foam and then washing with a shampoo product produces better results than just shampooing on its own.

Currently using a valet pro snow foam, but also had good results with bilt hamer snow foam

wether its a specific snow foam brand or a home made jobbie just using lots of car shampoo, its the cling property of the high density detergent that makes the difference. cling detergent grips the dirt and slowly slides down the car .

The genuine article does stick better which means it has longer to soften stubborn dirt like the dead flies. That said anything is better than nothing.

Spoke to the guy who does all our company vehicles about snow foam. He said, " Is there any physical action?". "No," I replied. "There you go then", he said. From someone who washes vehicles for a living - time is money!

I have snow foam, and use it to soften dirt before going at the cars with mops. Don't rinse it off either. Seems to be best approach. (Car gets a rinse off first with water before foaming) Makes washing easier, still have to go over every inch with a mop though.

Need a middle answer in poll:

"Probably makes no difference, but memories of Bugsy Malone and Splurge Guns adds some fun to carwash time" .
Experience is the only genuine knowledge, but as time passes, I have forgotten more than I can remember
Volvo V70 P2 2006 2.4 Petrol 170bhp Estate SE
MG Midget Mk1 1962

Previous: L322 Range Rover TDV8 3.6 2008; L322 Range Rover TD6 3.0 2002; P38A Range Rover V8 1999

Fundamentally shampoo and foam are lubricants, their purpose is to actually lift the dirt from the surface of the paint with as little friction as possible via a lubricating or foaming action.

Friction causes light scratching and swirl marks which over time make the paintwork look dull and tatty.

The point of foam is that it completely emulsifies the entire surface of the paintwork and starts to lift dust and dirt without actually requiring as much of a rubbing action. Or possibly none at all if the surface is dusty and a simple hose off will suffice.

Its all dependent on how much care you want to take care of your car / investment and keeping it look like new or better.

just my opinion

Apologies for the slight off topic here....

I am wanting a snow foam bottle that is a normal hozelock connection so it's not under pressure (for caravan).

Any advice? Is this where I put the car details and a bit about myself ?........

It's a Karcher type rectangular twist and lock one I use, not a hose lock type fitment. If you've got a power washer can you not just twist the lance nozzle so it's less powerful?

Any good?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/PRESSURE-WASHER-...0998612203
"THE ITEM YOU ARE BUY IS A FOAM BOTTLE LANCE KIT FOR THE HOZELOCK 100 & 130 RANGE WITH MALE BAYONET SPIGGOT COUPLING, OTHER ATTACHMENTS CAN BE BOUGHT IN MY SHOP TO FIT ANY MAKE OF MACHINE."

Carplan do a snow foam in a 2 litre container which comes with a Hozelock attachment on it already, so its a single contained unit. Its called Demon Snow Foam and the container is reusable. They also do a car wash shine in the same format. Current Fleet:-
2018 Discovery 5 3.0 HSE
2021 Ford Ranger Wildtrack
2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt 5.0 V8
1993 Defender 90 200TDI Pickup

Gone - not forgotten
2016 L405 4.4 SDV8 Vogue SE
2012 L322 4.4 Westminster
2004 L322 4.4 V8 Autobiography LE
2000 P38 RR 4.0 HSE (ex Clarkson test car)

Have bought the car plan demon foam, actually very good tbh ! Is this where I put the car details and a bit about myself ?........

Bl@@dy snow foam lance has stopped foaming, stripped the thing down, all to no avail. Might start another thread to see if anyone can assist , I've probably not put it back together properly!