Snow Foaming

E92BSM10 · 04-13-2011, 03:22 AM

I've had my Karcher for over 2 years now, Its been good and very reliable when I bought it it came with a few accessories like the T200 patio cleaner and the Snow Foam lance, I use the patio cleaner but have never try using snow foam lance I might try snow foaming the car this weekend, firstly I have no clue how to snow foam a car and also need some good snow foamer fluid.

Can someone help me and tell me a good snow foaming method and some good snow foam liquid

,Thanks

toxicnerve · 04-13-2011, 03:54 AM

I use the following:

Lance

Foam

About an 1"-2" of the chemical in the bottle, top it off with warm/hot water and away you go. Should get a nice thick foam that clings for a good 5minutes.

Then rinse off and wash with a mitt etc...

davyk31 · 04-13-2011, 04:47 AM

The foam lance that comes with the Karcher machines isn't all that good, better to have a dedicated snow foam lance. Having said that it will produce some results but playing around with the amount of concentrate and water is essential.

Em135eye · 04-13-2011, 05:28 AM

A lot of PWs come with a soap applicator that looks like a snow foam lance but isn't.

I use the Autobrite heavy duty lance and their Supafoam - both work a treat.

Did the Landy yesterday - this is a fairly decent thickness of foam:

And it ended up like this:

CarAbuser · 04-13-2011, 05:40 AM

A clean Defender just looks so wrong!

You need to show that thing a field.

Em135eye · 04-13-2011, 05:43 AM

It sees many fields, beaches, picks up logs, builders stuff, tows boats, hauled a clients A3 out of a ditch and rather handily, two surfboards fit inside!

E92BSM10 · 04-13-2011, 05:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 335diesel

A lot of PWs come with a soap applicator that looks like a snow foam lance but isn't.

I use the Autobrite heavy duty lance and their Supafoam - both work a treat.

Did the Landy yesterday - this is a fairly decent thickness of foam:

And it ended up like this:

Do you use the snow foam lance in toxicnerves post?

Em135eye · 04-13-2011, 05:53 AM

Nope - I use this one:

http://shop.autobritedirect.co.uk/fo...ions-305-p.asp

and this foam (I bought 5 litres)

http://shop.autobritedirect.co.uk/su...izes-346-p.asp

I think the PW you use can make a difference - Nilfisk E140 in my case.

misterS3 · 04-13-2011, 06:02 AM

I have the Autobrite Heavy Duty Foam Lance for Karcher. Has only got stuck once, but a wee clean out and all good.

Also the Autobrite Snow Foams (one with wax) also have Meguires stuff but much of a muchness.

toxicnerve · 04-13-2011, 06:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E92K.C10

Do you use the snow foam lance in toxicnerves post?

Quote:

Originally Posted by 335diesel

Nope - I use this one:

http://shop.autobritedirect.co.uk/fo...ions-305-p.asp

and this foam (I bought 5 litres)

http://shop.autobritedirect.co.uk/su...izes-346-p.asp

I think the PW you use can make a difference - Nilfisk E140 in my case.

They're basically the same thing though...not much difference between the two...

urfankhaliq · 04-13-2011, 06:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toxicnerve

About an 1"-2" of the chemical in the bottle, top it off with warm/hot water and away you go. Should get a nice thick foam that clings for a good 5minutes.

Then rinse off and wash with a mitt etc...

Does it have to be warm/hot water? ive always just used cold water cos the water connected to the pw is cold anyway so would it make a difference?

toxicnerve · 04-13-2011, 06:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by urfankhaliq

Does it have to be warm/hot water? ive always just used cold water cos the water connected to the pw is cold anyway so would it make a difference?

I guess so. I've always found that warm water gave a better result...no idea why? Any fluid-dynamics/chemistry experts in the house?

I can only guess that the foaming-agents are "activated" by warmer water before being mixed into the cold flow of the PW???

urfankhaliq · 04-13-2011, 06:38 AM

hmm.. maybe so. might give it a try with hot water and see if there is a difference.

Also the Bilt Hamber foam is good for cleaning, not so good for producing foam but cleans well

Em135eye · 04-13-2011, 07:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toxicnerve

I guess so. I've always found that warm water gave a better result...no idea why? Any fluid-dynamics/chemistry experts in the house?

I can only guess that the foaming-agents are "activated" by warmer water before being mixed into the cold flow of the PW???

+1 - tried both and warm/hot water definitely makes it foam better. Also no idea why!

mowflow · 04-13-2011, 07:38 AM

Wee tip for you. *Go to that site where OCD people talk about washing cars (it rhymes with bee tailing knurled) join up and take advantage of the members discount that Autobrite offer on their HD foam lance with connector for your washer and a small bottle of super snow foam for under £40.

I use the Autobrite HD foam lance and have recently stated using their magifoam. I find it very good but have never used anything else apart from the super snow foam which was still good but not as good.

* Hopefully not breaking any rules here.

Masterplan · 04-13-2011, 07:43 AM

I've been thinking about a lance! most sit at the £45 mark plus £15 for foam!

I presume this just removed surface dirt prior to using the wash mitt?

mowflow · 04-13-2011, 07:47 AM

I believe that if you have one of the higher end pressure washers, do it often enough and get the mix right then you can actually enjoy bucket free washing. At least that's what the experts have led me to believe.

Em135eye · 04-13-2011, 08:33 AM

TBH you still need a quick wipe with a mitt - proper grime doesn't quite lift off. It takes the bulk of the grit/dirt off so you don't produce swirl marks with your sponge/mitt and has magic stuff in it that attracts fairies, pixies and elves.

Masterplan · 04-13-2011, 09:33 AM

Just ordered the lance from Autobrite with 500ml of foam, and a 1L wash bottle, £39.99!!!

davyk31 · 04-13-2011, 10:32 AM

Autobrite lance is excellent, once you get the quantities right it produces great fluffy foam. As said above you do need a wipe over with a wash mitt but all the worst of the grime is easily washed away.

ChrisE91 · 04-13-2011, 11:00 AM

Another Autobrite foam lance user here. Mines clogged up once in 2 years. They sell spare gauzes and I'm about to replace it. Other than that, faultless.

I use bilthamber autofoam though.

chris_s1 · 04-13-2011, 01:13 PM

Another autobrite foam lance user here. I use the bilt hamber foam also.

I've never found it actually removes much dirt, but rather loosens it so that the regular wash with the mitt is easier. Maybe I'm doing it wrong.
I also find I get better results with hot water in the lance bottle!

04-13-2011, 03:22 AM	#1
E92BSM10 Brigadier General 49 Rep 3,608 Posts Drives: E92 320D M-Sport Highline Join Date: May 2010 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Snow Foaming I've had my Karcher for over 2 years now, Its been good and very reliable when I bought it it came with a few accessories like the T200 patio cleaner and the Snow Foam lance, I use the patio cleaner but have never try using snow foam lance I might try snow foaming the car this weekend, firstly I have no clue how to snow foam a car and also need some good snow foamer fluid. Can someone help me and tell me a good snow foaming method and some good snow foam liquid ,Thanks
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

04-13-2011, 03:54 AM	#2
toxicnerve Colonel 97 Rep 2,834 Posts Drives: E92 335d M-Sport Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: UK iTrader: (2)	I use the following: Lance Foam About an 1"-2" of the chemical in the bottle, top it off with warm/hot water and away you go. Should get a nice thick foam that clings for a good 5minutes. Then rinse off and wash with a mitt etc...
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-13-2011, 04:47 AM	#3
davyk31 Major General 1048 Rep 6,949 Posts Drives: Macan GTS :-) & F40 M135i Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Northern Ireland iTrader: (0)	The foam lance that comes with the Karcher machines isn't all that good, better to have a dedicated snow foam lance. Having said that it will produce some results but playing around with the amount of concentrate and water is essential.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-13-2011, 05:28 AM	#4
Em135eye Banned 175 Rep 4,302 Posts Drives: M135i Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: South West iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 BMW M135i 5 door [0.00]	A lot of PWs come with a soap applicator that looks like a snow foam lance but isn't. I use the Autobrite heavy duty lance and their Supafoam - both work a treat. Did the Landy yesterday - this is a fairly decent thickness of foam: And it ended up like this:
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-13-2011, 05:40 AM	#5
CarAbuser Lieutenant Colonel 478 Rep 1,544 Posts Drives: Z4 35i DCT / E92 335i DCT Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: United Kingdom iTrader: (0)	A clean Defender just looks so wrong! You need to show that thing a field.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-13-2011, 05:43 AM	#6
Em135eye Banned 175 Rep 4,302 Posts Drives: M135i Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: South West iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 BMW M135i 5 door [0.00]	It sees many fields, beaches, picks up logs, builders stuff, tows boats, hauled a clients A3 out of a ditch and rather handily, two surfboards fit inside!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-13-2011, 05:53 AM	#8
Em135eye Banned 175 Rep 4,302 Posts Drives: M135i Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: South West iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 BMW M135i 5 door [0.00]	Nope - I use this one: http://shop.autobritedirect.co.uk/fo...ions-305-p.asp and this foam (I bought 5 litres) http://shop.autobritedirect.co.uk/su...izes-346-p.asp I think the PW you use can make a difference - Nilfisk E140 in my case.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-13-2011, 06:02 AM	#9
misterS3 Lieutenant Colonel 71 Rep 1,733 Posts Drives: X70 on the way Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Glasgow iTrader: (0)	I have the Autobrite Heavy Duty Foam Lance for Karcher. Has only got stuck once, but a wee clean out and all good. Also the Autobrite Snow Foams (one with wax) also have Meguires stuff but much of a muchness.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-13-2011, 06:38 AM	#13
urfankhaliq Captain 65 Rep 824 Posts Drives: BMW 530e G30 Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Leeds iTrader: (0) Garage List 2010 BMW 325D Msport [0.00] 2003 BMW X5 [0.00] 2005 BMW 320D SE [0.00]	hmm.. maybe so. might give it a try with hot water and see if there is a difference. Also the Bilt Hamber foam is good for cleaning, not so good for producing foam but cleans well __________________ BMW 530e G30
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-13-2011, 07:38 AM	#15
mowflow Colonel 62 Rep 2,472 Posts Drives: Golf 7R Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Glasgow iTrader: (2)	Wee tip for you. Go to that site where OCD people talk about washing cars (it rhymes with bee tailing knurled) join up and take advantage of the members discount that Autobrite offer on their HD foam lance with connector for your washer and a small bottle of super snow foam for under £40. I use the Autobrite HD foam lance and have recently stated using their magifoam. I find it very good but have never used anything else apart from the super snow foam which was still good but not as good. Hopefully not breaking any rules here. __________________ Daily Golf R Project Peugeot 205 1.6 GTi
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-13-2011, 07:43 AM	#16
Masterplan Lieutenant 124 Rep 572 Posts Drives: F87 M2 & G05 X5 Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	I've been thinking about a lance! most sit at the £45 mark plus £15 for foam! I presume this just removed surface dirt prior to using the wash mitt?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-13-2011, 07:47 AM	#17
mowflow Colonel 62 Rep 2,472 Posts Drives: Golf 7R Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Glasgow iTrader: (2)	I believe that if you have one of the higher end pressure washers, do it often enough and get the mix right then you can actually enjoy bucket free washing. At least that's what the experts have led me to believe. __________________ Daily Golf R Project Peugeot 205 1.6 GTi
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-13-2011, 08:33 AM	#18
Em135eye Banned 175 Rep 4,302 Posts Drives: M135i Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: South West iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 BMW M135i 5 door [0.00]	TBH you still need a quick wipe with a mitt - proper grime doesn't quite lift off. It takes the bulk of the grit/dirt off so you don't produce swirl marks with your sponge/mitt and has magic stuff in it that attracts fairies, pixies and elves.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-13-2011, 09:33 AM	#19
Masterplan Lieutenant 124 Rep 572 Posts Drives: F87 M2 & G05 X5 Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Just ordered the lance from Autobrite with 500ml of foam, and a 1L wash bottle, £39.99!!!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-13-2011, 10:32 AM	#20
davyk31 Major General 1048 Rep 6,949 Posts Drives: Macan GTS :-) & F40 M135i Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Northern Ireland iTrader: (0)	Autobrite lance is excellent, once you get the quantities right it produces great fluffy foam. As said above you do need a wipe over with a wash mitt but all the worst of the grime is easily washed away.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-13-2011, 11:00 AM	#21
ChrisE91 First Lieutenant 16 Rep 348 Posts Drives: 2007 E91 320D M Sport Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Northamptonshire iTrader: (0)	Another Autobrite foam lance user here. Mines clogged up once in 2 years. They sell spare gauzes and I'm about to replace it. Other than that, faultless. I use bilthamber autofoam though. __________________ 2007 320D M Sport Touring Sparkling Graphite
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-13-2011, 01:13 PM	#22
chris_s1 Major 36 Rep 1,113 Posts Drives: M235i 6MT Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Ontario, Canada iTrader: (0) Garage List 2012 E92 335d [8.66]	Another autobrite foam lance user here. I use the bilt hamber foam also. I've never found it actually removes much dirt, but rather loosens it so that the regular wash with the mitt is easier. Maybe I'm doing it wrong. I also find I get better results with hot water in the lance bottle!
	Appreciate 0 Quote