snow foam/general cleaning

Results 1 to 9 of 9
  1. #1
    Want More BHP! Borvad's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2015
    Location
    Bonnybridge
    Car
    2018 Mini Cooper S JCW
    Posts
    315
    Got my own place about 3/4 years ago and have been washing the car back at mum and dads where they have the pressure washer.
    Looking to start at my own place, but its kinda restrictive, being semi detached and the driveway aint the best design as the entrance is shared with next door!


    Have used demon foam, but find at the price, it doesnt last as long as it claims..........think it says can get up to 10/14 washes out of it, but due to the amount needing to be used, think I only end up with 6!
    Are there any better 'snow foams' out there, for use with a pressure washer......and also for when I am just using my own piddly garden hose at mine?




    What do we think is better for washing the car, sponge or brush?

    What can I use to clean my exhaust tips which are basically black when should be silver?


    thanks

  2. #2
    Mark Johnston
    Join Date
    Jul 2015
    Location
    St Fergus, Aberdeenshire
    Car
    Horizon Blue 2009 R56 S
    Posts
    959
    Definitely invest in a pressure washer kartchers can be had for not too much money

    I've never come across a hose attachment that creates a use able foam. Foam isn't essential but it can lift light gritty dirt and reduce the chance of swirls, can also help to soften dirt so you don't have to scrub the paint. Personally I like power axed snowfoam doesn't have a nice smell like some more expensive foams but it's cheap and it works also lasts a long time. Cleans just as well as auto finesse

    As for sponge or brush neither. Get yourself a mitt microfiber or sheepskin both last a long time sheepskin does need to be used regularly or the fibres can go bad.

    For exhaust tips can't go wrong with autosol

  3. #3
    Test Passed Harmchar's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2018
    Location
    Peterculter, Aberdeen
    Car
    Mini Cooper S r56 2008
    Posts
    62
    My preference is Auto Finesse Avalanche snow foam. Loads of products out there probably better/cheaper, but it's finding what you're happy with and what fits in your routine. Get a proper snow foam lance to fit whatever make of pressure washer you have and you'll notice a big improvement from Demon.
    Snow foam works great if you have a nice decontaminated car under the dust/grime. I use Fusso which holds its finish for ages, then just blast with snow foam once a week. I'm not a heavy duty detailer, but I'm sure others will tell u - never use a brush on a car. I use micro fibre cloths for washing and a deluxe drying towel for a hands on wash. YouTube has thousands of vids for best practices on wash/polish/finishing.

  4. #4
    Site Owner badwolf340's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Location
    Scottish Borders
    Car
    X3 M competition,F56 GP ,F54 JCW white silver edtionTrafic Formula Edition
    Posts
    4,246
    Snow foams ,really comes down to users preference,I am using Valet pro PH neutral and find it works well ,I usually make it a strong mix to make it nice and thick .
    sponge or brush not used one of them in a while ,just use a wash mitt and grit guards and 2BM
    The cars in front are New MINI Scotland

  5. #5
    Handbrake Turner CiderFex's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Car
    JCW S GP1499 & R59 JCW
    Posts
    3,693
    I always foam my car, rinse, wash with a clay mitt and a micro pore sponge and then just dry it off with a synthetic chamois and then a drying towel.
    The products used are a very personal preference and it’s took me 20 years to get to the products that I use today.
    I just need to find a foam/shampoo that I really like and then I’ll be fully sorted,


    Sent from Yorkshire wi a hint o’ sarcasm.

  6. #6
    Test Passed Harmchar's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2018
    Location
    Peterculter, Aberdeen
    Car
    Mini Cooper S r56 2008
    Posts
    62
    I've found Simoniz wax free shampoo is good for me. Wax free is better for me as it doesn't streak windows as much also less noticeable marks on the black trim. 6 quid from Halfords. Going to keep an eye out for other wax free shampoo that doesn't hurt the budget.

  7. #7
    Mark Johnston
    Join Date
    Jul 2015
    Location
    St Fergus, Aberdeenshire
    Car
    Horizon Blue 2009 R56 S
    Posts
    959
    If you dont want to splash out on a brand new kartchers you can get second hand ones for very cheap and kartchers sell servicing kits for most of their old models.

  8. #8
    Handbrake Turner CiderFex's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Car
    JCW S GP1499 & R59 JCW
    Posts
    3,693
    I’ve bought my last two Kärchers from here.
    They’ve got K2’s from £45.99 or K4’s from £99.99.

    https://www.karcheroutlet.co.uk/index.asp

    At the prices they charge it don’t matter if it only lasts 3-4 years.
    My K4 is still going strong after well o’er 3 years.



    Sent from Yorkshire wi a hint o’ sarcasm.

  9. #9
    If snow foam is a faff for you due to space etc, consider an all-purpose cleaner on the dirty bits (flies, up the sides and back) - but IMO you really need a pressure washer to minimise paint damage, a standard hose just doesn't cut it.

    Exhaust pipes - try a metal polish, various ones out there but I like the Britemax twins. If that doesn't work, you may need to go with 0000 wire wool to get the worst of the stains off, then finish with the metal polish. But go as gentle as you can to start with, same concept as polishing paint - only go for a more aggressive approach if necessary


    Feet were made to fit car pedals. If we were meant to walk, we'd have pogo sticks for legs

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  
Follow Us
About us
You'll find details of our packed social calendar including MINI Runs, organised car shows, meet-ups for munchies, and other social events. There's also a wealth of information on the three latest generations of the new MINI from BMW, including owners pictures, common fault fixes, "how-to's", owner reviews and a bucket load of advice for all new MINI owners. Whether you have one of the first MINI's from the early 2000's, a second generation R56, or are planning a purchase of a nice shiny new F series, whether your car is a MINI One, a Cooper, Cooper S, JCW or a GP, THIS is the web site for you!