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Undoubtedly, our favourite part of any car cleaning task has to be unleashing a cool coating of snow foam on a car. It's the gentlest of the prewashes, designed to help soften and even totally remove some of the larger pieces of dirt present on a car before properly washing it.
Left to dwell for a few minutes, the detergents within the foam will work their magic and should leave your paintwork far easier to clean with a quality car shampoo. Softening mud, road film and those dead insects that have seemingly turned to concrete on the front bumper, it makes sense to deploy some the next time you clean your car.
The best snow foams tested 2024 at a glance:
• The best snow foam: Bilt Hamber Touch-Less - Buy now from Amazon
• The best snow foam for beginners: Autoglym Polar Blast - Buy now from Amazon
• The best value snow foam: Koch Chemie Gentle Snow Foam - Buy now from Amazon
Best applied via a pressure washer, it's not essential, but it is a valuable addition if you care about swirl marks in your paintwork. It's also a fun and aesthetically pleasing method of car cleaning, so we've gathered the latest examples from the top manufacturers to see which snow foam is best.
How we tested the snow foams
All of the tried and tested snow foams were tested on a number of press vehicles being run by CAR. Predominantly, a Range Rover Sport, which was covered in dirt and salt, was our test subject - where we tested the majority of the snow foams.
We used an AVA Master P60 pressure washer, with the optional snow foam lance, to apply the snow foams onto a corner of the vehicle at a time. We then compared the results as well as the application and cleanliness of the body panels afterwards.
At different time periods, we applied other snow foams onto other press vehicles that weren't part of our main snow foam test on the Range Rover. A Volkswagen I.D Buzz was used as well as a Citroen C4-X to try out the snow foams across the entire bodywork. We still measure those products for the same criteria, albeit different pressure washers (from the likes of Karcher and Nilfisk) were used instead of the AVA P60.
What we look for in snow foams
Primarily, we're looking for cleaning performance. Contrary to popular belief, snow foams don't do as much as you might think. If anything, all they do is assist with pre-wash prior to properly washing a vehicle with a mitt and shampoo.
When agitating the pre-wash, you can either use a little detailing brush or layer the vehicle in snow foam. Of course, the more exciting option is snow foam, but you can never expect it to fully clean a vehicle. However, some will lift off the top layer of dirt more vigorously than others - and that's what we're looking for here. This is where features will come in, because some snow foams can also double as pre-wash, which helps streamline the cleaning process massively.
Value for money is also another important aspect. If a product both nails its ability to do what snow foams do and represents a good purchase, we'll rate it accordingly.
The best snow foams tried and tested 2024
Recently updated with a more concentrated formula and shrunken size, this powerful alkaline snow foam from Bilt Hamber is designed to maximise cleaning power without using harsh, caustic chemicals that could cause potential damage to the paint or any applied protection.
Made using sugar and with a pH level of 10.5, it’s a strong yet biodegradable cleaner that’ll cut through grease and grime like little else on the market. The final flourish is the inclusion of corrosion inhibitors, a welcome extra for anyone wanting to keep rust at bay.
It was by far the best snow foam we tested when it came to the job of cleaning. The foam wasn't particularly thick, but it effectively removed the road grime and mud. For the job of prewashing a car before cleaning, it’s the best snow foam, let down only by confusing dilution instructions.
Review by Ryan Gilmore
Pros
- A very effective snow foam for cleaning
- Excellent value for money at £15 for 1L
- Doubles as a pre-wash, which streamlines vehicle detailing
Cons
- The dilution instructions are slightly annoying
| Volume | 1000ml |
| pH level | 10.5 |
| Biodegradable? | Yes |
| Extras | Rust inhibitors, wax safe |
- Tested Piers Ward: "Although not as impressively snowy as the Halfords product, the Bilt Hamber did achieve a good compromise of being runny enough to drag dirt with it but also sticky enough that it was visually satisfying. The result was a snow foam that was easy to rinse off with the jet wash. We tried swiping a dry finger across the door afterwards and there was only a very light contrast between clean and dirty afterwards – the snow foam had done the hard work so only a light sponge-off would be needed. It was our most expensive on test, but worth it."
The other snow foam offered by Bilt Hamber, we’ve previously tested Auto Foam and again found it incredibly effective for cleaning a car. Again, it’s not the thickest foam on the market. The foam ran down the car and didn’t cling particularly well, but the foam did pull dirt away and soften the remaining grime for cleaning.
The cleaning ability may be slightly less than Touch-Less, but it’s still yards ahead of other snow foams we’ve tested when it comes to cleaning. It's highly recommendable for cutting through road grime, especially as it represents slightly better value for money compared to Touch-Less. It also boasts the same rust inhibitors.
Review by Ryan Gilmore
Pros
- Great at shifting the top layer of dirt off paintwork
- Gentle on paint and wax, which helps if you've waxed your vehicle
- Even better value than the Touch-Less at under £30 for 5-litres
Cons
- Not the thickest foam out there
| Volume | 5000ml |
| pH level | 12 |
| Biodegradable? | Yes |
| Extras | Rust inhibitors, wax safe |
- Tested Ryan Gilmore: "While this snow foam may not be the thickest we've tested, it did do the job of car cleaning incredibly well. The comparatively runny mixture had the benefit of lifting dirt and pulling it safely down and off the car, clearing away more dirt and grime than any other snow foam we've tried. The finished results were comparable to a shampooed car, very impressive from a prewash. It also proved to be excellent value for money and biodegradable. A top choice all-round."
A snow foam that prides itself on being gentle on paintwork, Koch Chemie Gsf (Gentle Snow Foam) is designed to lift and remove bits of debris without stripping away any sealant or wax you have applied.
The most significant selling point of this product is the excellent value for money. 20ml of the product is all needed to get a decent foam cove, which again may not be particularly thick, but it did pull a solid amount of dirt off the car while remaining pH-neutral. Even better, 50ml of Gsf in a bucket makes a very effective car shampoo.
Performance was on par with the Gtechniq, and subsequent testing in a warmer environment did yield better cleaning results. This snow foam piques the Gtechniq to the post purely because of the value-for-money aspect and mouth-watering cherry scent.
Review by Ryan Gilmore
Pros
- Pretty good value for money at £19 per 1L
- Doubles as a shampoo, which streamlines cleaning process
- Wax or sealed surfaces aren't affected by the GSF's application
Cons
- Will struggle on really dirty cars, so shampoo may be needed anyway
| Volume | 1000ml |
| pH level | 7 |
| Biodegradable? | Yes |
| Extras | Works as a car shampoo, wax safe |
- Tested Ryan Gilmore: "With quite a watery appearance, this snow foam struggled to have enough purchase on the dirt to drag much muck away while it was resting on the paint. At first, we thought it had done a good job but by rubbing a dry finger along the door, the contrast between clean and dirty became immediately obvious. It washed off easily, but would require quite a heavy wash mitt application afterwards. One to avoid."
The best snow foam for beginners
Via Ryan Gilmore/CARThe Autoglym Polar Collection is a range of three products (also available in a box set) designed to completely clean your car. Polar Blast snow foam is the first stage in the process. Polar Blast is a rich snow foam that is gentle on paintwork. A recommended dilution ratio of 100ml per litre of water means a 2.5-litre bottle should provide 25 treatments.
You need to leave the Polar Blast on for longer than the Bilt Hamber Auto Foam, about 10 minutes, but it's a high achiever, too, working effectively to remove top-layer grime and loosening more determined stuff. It's pH-neutral, so you don't need to fret about removing an applied layer of car wax.
Review by Ryan Gilmore
Pros
- Great for snow foam beginners, if you want to get used to detailing
- Creates a nice thick foam, which is satisfying for users
- 2.5 litre bottles for £16 each represents good value for money
Cons
- Larger volume to dilute, which can be a fuss
| Volume | 2500ml |
| pH level | 7 |
| Biodegradable? | Yes |
| Extras | Wax safe |
- Tested Ryan Gilmore: "Once again Autoglym nails the basics with a quality but simple car detailing product that's ideal for beginners. The snow foam was nice and thick, helped by a long dwell time that meant it clung well to every panel, softening dirt ready to be rinsed off. The only issue I found was the way it was so quick to deplete, requiring a huge 100ml of product to cover a single estate."
Those in the know will layer a citrus prewash under a layer of snow foam to get the best results possible. Citrus oils are a miracle product of car care, the natural degreasing properties of the oils should be an excellent extra for a snow foam. Gtechniq’s W4 Citrus Foam does just that, incorporating a citrus degreaser with the usual detergents found in snow foam.
Designed to use those natural oils to create a better cleaning snow foam without relying on stronger, caustic chemicals, W4 Citrus Foam is designed to be nice to any applied protection while still being effective against dirt.
The incredibly cold conditions clearly hampered the Gtechniq, and a repeated test in warmer weather did yield better cleaning results. Even so, it certainly won’t be a replacement for a dedicated prewash and snow foam. It’ll work best on a moderately dirty car and is ideal for maintaining a properly protected car.
Review by Ryan Gilmore
Pros
- Gentle cleaning abilities and protects wax and sealant
- Good value for money at £14 for 1L
- Biodegradable formula, which means its friendlier to the environment than others
Cons
- It’s no replacement for a proper prewash
- Temperature can have an affect on its ability
| Volume | 1000ml |
| pH level | 7 |
| Biodegradable? | Yes |
| Extras | Citrus oils, wax safe |
- Tested Piers Ward: "With a pleasant citrus smell, this product started well but when it was layered over the car, it was another snow foam that needs a bit more gloop to ensure it drags the dirt safely away from the paint. Like the Koch Chemie, it was too watery and, while that meant it was easy to wash off, it would still require a wet mitt or sponge afterwards to get rid of the worst of the road dirt. We placed it second equal with the Halfords product. "
If you're after a snow foam that you can blanket on and not worry about drying out, or immediately falling off your car, Extreme Snow Foam is your answer. EZ Car Care boast foam booster and rheology tech to create an even and stable layer of foam. In practice, this translates into a very solid coating of foam that dwells longer than other options.
The EZ Care Care can also boast a slightly alkali pH value, which ensures it cleans exceptionally well, but without stripping away any applied waxes. Applied to a muddy Citroen, it did notably improve the car, removing road film. The only downsides are the price premium and the foam isn't suitable for chrome or vinyl wrap.
_Review by Ryan Gilmore
_
Pros
- Alkaline base gives strong cleaning performance
- Solid foam for increased dwell time
- Doubles as pre-wash, which streamlines detailing process
Cons
- Smaller bottle than others at 500ml
- Doesn't represent as good value for money as others
| Volume | 500ml |
| pH level | N/A |
| Biodegradable? | Yes |
| Extras | Wax safe |
The best simple snow foam
Via Ryan Gilmore/CARThis cherry-scented and concentrated offering from 26JPN requires only 50ml of product to achieve a thick layer of foam, making this 500ml bottle capable of cleaning 10 cars (so long as you don't spill anything.) With a five-minute dwell time, it's not going to be quite so effective against the toughest of dirt, but it will lift away the usual road film that builds up on a car.
The foam remains stable and clings well, meaning it won't slide off before it has a chance to soften the dirt. Like other pH-neutral snow foams, the 26JPN will be safe to use on any applied paint protection and won't be too abrasive either.
Review by Ryan Gilmore
Pros
- Gentle but effective formula to apply on delicate paintwork
- Nice thick foam, which is satisfying for coverage
- The 1L bottle is good value at £16
Cons
- Bit of a one-trick product and doesn't double as either pre-wash or shampoo
| Volume | 500ml |
| pH level | 7 |
| Biodegradable? | Yes |
| Extras | Wax safe |
- Tested Ryan Gilmore: "We only needed 50ml of product mixed in with water created a really impressive layer of foam, even when running a rather piddly pressure washer. It's very similar to the Autoglym example, offering lots of foam and more gentle cleaning, but has a better smell and is more concentrated, making it better value for money."
Another pH neutral snow foam designed to be kind to waxes but tough on grease, Halfords Advanced Snow Foam also had the distinction of being the most affordable snow foam on test. Offering 2.5 litres for £11 makes this exceptional value for money, even with a 100ml per application requirement.
It was by far the thickest snow foam we tested that day, drawing immediate comparisons to shaving foam when applied to the car. It clung well to the paintwork and looked fantastic when applied. The smell was another highlight, not too dissimilar to an aftershave you’d receive for Christmas.
It was a the most visually appealing option and would be fine for use in summer, it’s just a pity that it couldn’t cut through grime effectively. It was also the hardest snow foam tested to shift, requiring far more water to clear off the car.
Review by Ryan Gilmore
Pros
- Most Instagrammable snow foam of those tested
- The scent was very appealing
- Represents great value for money at £11 for 2.5L
Cons
- Not the strongest cleaner of the snow foams tested - you'll need to apply pre-wash first
| Volume | 2500ml |
| pH level | 7 |
| Biodegradable? | Yes |
| Extras | Wax safe |
- Tested Piers Ward: "If you got a child to imagine what a snow foam would look like, this Halfords product would exactly match it. Covering the car in a really thick layer of pure white goo, it was incredibly satisfying to apply and definitely the best if impressing the neighbours is your aim. However, because it was so sticky, it required more water to wash it off – there was very little natural run-off and we had to spend more time with the jet wash. That being said, it’s a good budget buy that shouldn’t be overlooked. "
What you need to know about snow foam
Our top tips for snow foaming:
We spoke with James Clinch of AVA of Norway to pick up some expert tips on getting the most from your snow foam:
• An uber-thick snow foam may look amazing, but it won’t be as effective as a thinner product. You need the snow foam to gradually fall off the car, breaking down as much dirt and debris as it falls down the bodywork.
• Always start at the bottom of your car and work upwards. The dirtiest part of the vehicle is always at the bottom, and this method will maximise dwell time on the dirtiest bits.
• Layer snow foam with pre-wash to get through tougher grime. Apply the prewash first, then cover with snow foam for the best results.
• During the summer months, snow foam can act as a sacrificial layer to allow for a prewash to increase dwell time despite increased temperatures. If you are cleaning your car in the summer months when is hot and sunny, a thick layer will prevent the prewash from drying out.
• The best time to use snow foam is the summer months when the car is practically clean but covered in dust.
What are the alternatives?
While snow foam is the coolest of the pre-washes, it’s not the only option available for decontaminating a car before cleaning. Citrus prewash is a better cleaner, but doesn't look near as aesthetic. It'll expertly degrease panels without being too aggressive.
All purpose cleaners (APC) are another good choice and work similarly, albeit more for more generalised cleaning. Note that both will still require water to clean the car's surface.
And if you’re dealing with cement mixers, vans, armoured tanks or other suitably industrial vehicles, a traffic-film remover filled (TFR) loaded with caustic acid will remove industrial gunk as long as you don't care about shiny paintwork.
FAQs and things to remember with snow foam:
Is snow foam effective?
Generally speaking, not really when you put it next to other exterior cleaning products. The primary use of snow foam is to agitate the pre-wash that you first apply to a car in order to get the top layer of dirt off. It's an assistance product that happens to look immensely satisfying when you apply it.
It doesn't really deep-clean your car, either. After you've rinsed your vehicle, you will always need to apply some shampoo and give your vehicle a proper going-over. With that said however, some snow foams - as outlined above - can have dual uses - but these aren't quite as effective as using the different products in the usual step-by-step stages.
Is snow foam necessary?
A lot of the full car detailing processes can be skipped. It's a time-consuming thing, and lots of detailing services will charge you a lot of money because they have to chew through a wide range of products.
With snow foam, you don't necessarily have to use it as pre-wash and a bit of soft brush agitation will be sufficient. A lathering of car shampoo afterwards will bring a car up to an immaculate level. If you're insisting on as minimal contact to the vehicle as possible, then snow foam is a great agitator for you.
If you opt for a snow foam that doubles as a pre-wash, then that's a case where it is necessary. But this only applies to a few examples on the market.
Meet the experts
James Clinch works for AVA of Norway Pressure Washers. With over 20 years of detailing experience, he’s an expert in car care and full of top tips for getting the most from your products.
Piers Ward is the deputy editor of CAR magazine and has 25 years of experience in the world of automotive journalism.
Ryan Gilmore is the Deputy Autos and Tools Editor for CAR, specialising in car cleaning and hand tools. With an MA in Automotive Journalism, when he's not testing buckets he can be found looking at old Porsches.