Snow foam and car shampoo are both white, soapy, and smell nice. They’re also both used to clean a car, but if they have so much in common, why aren’t they the same thing?
Well, that’s because there are important distinctions between the two that mean they’re used for very different purposes. Getting these two mixed up can have severe consequences for car paintwork, leading to scratches and swirls.
Let’s take a closer look at how snow foam differs from car shampoo.
Differences between snow foam and car shampoo
Despite looking quite similar, particularly if they’re in a bottle, snow foam and car shampoo have a few differences that will affect how you use them.
Snow foam is usually applied with a pressure washer to give it that characteristic thick consistency. Car shampoo, on the other hand, is usually applied using a mitt, sponge, or brush.
The thick consistency of snow foam helps it to break down and lift dirt from a car’s surface before it is washed. It’s then rinsed off the car before car shampoo is applied.
Car shampoo can be wiped off a car using a brush, sponge, or mitt, but you shouldn’t rub snow foam into the car’s paintwork.
Similarities between snow foam and car shampoo
Despite looking similar and sharing characteristics like smell and colour (sometimes), in terms of their use and chemistry, they are entirely different products.
Snow foam is used as a pre-wash to break down and lift dirt particles. Car shampoo is used as a direct wash, that’s applied using something like a sponge.
How to know which to choose
Simoniz’s Snow Foam formula is designed to be used as a pre-wash. It gently lifts dirt from the bodywork ready for Simoniz Shampoo and Wax to be used on the car to provide a deep clean and leave it with a beautiful shine.
In some circumstances, you might only need to use Simoniz Shampoo and Wax, but how do you know when snow foam isn’t needed?
In order to determine whether snow foam is needed, ask yourself the following questions:
Does your car need a deep clean?
If your car needs a deep clean and is carrying lingering dirt, you should use snow foam before washing.
Is there grime on your car?
Is there a layer of grime on your car, dulling its shine? If so, use a snow foam before car shampoo.
Is your car mostly clean but you just want to spruce it up a bit?
If your car only needs a little bit of a spruce up, you can get away with just using a high-quality car shampoo.
Did you wash your car recently?
If the car is still relatively clean, you can just use a car shampoo, although it won’t do any harm to use a snow foam like Simoniz Snow Foam.
If your car is due a big clean, you’re best off using a snow foam beforehand to shift stubborn dirt particles.
Looking for car cleaning products that you can trust? Take a look at Simoniz’s Product page. We’ve got everything you’ll need to have your car looking spotless inside and out, from Conditioning Leather Cleaner to Waterless Wash and Wax.
