Ultimate Review of McLaren Snow Foam

A few weeks back, I saw that McLaren company has released their version of snow foam for cleaning cars.

Since I don’t typically trust companies using their brand in order to create a viable and popular product, I decided to try it out and share my thoughts with you guys.

There are both good and bad sides to this product, and I’ll be sharing all the info in my thorough review below. I bought the product with my own money, so I’ve got nothing to hide or to brag about this product.

What is McLaren Snow Foam

McLaren Snow Foam

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McLaren Snow Foam is a product used for pre-washing the car which works as a foam that cleans and lubricates the surface to get rid of as much dirt as possible before the contact wash stage, or even as a standalone method when quickly washing the car that’s not very filthy.

It is stronger than typical car wash shampoo, but it’s less powerful than some strong degreasers (it’s pH neutral), meaning that it’s a perfect pick for washing the car during the summer months or as a first stage when detailing your vehicle.

McLaren snow foam is great to use on:

• Cars
• Motorcycles
• Campers
• Trucks, etc…

This product is created without PFAS and VOC substances. It’s also 100% degradable and gentle both for users and for the environment. I’m sure some of you will appreciate it as well!

How I Tested McLaren Snow Foam

To be honest, I slightly neglected my car exterior (on purpose) during some rains because I wanted to see how this product would work with tougher dirt and grime.

So, it was like an ultimate test.

My car was pretty filthy, with even some mud on wheels and fenders, which is pretty typical for the winter period here in Croatia.

Anyway, here’s the full process I did:

• I pre-rinsed the car with plain water by using a pressure washer. I did it because of some larger particles of mud that were on my car. I didn’t want them to affect the product’s effectiveness so much.
• I diluted the product with a 1:5 ratio which is recommended by the company for dirtier cars
• I sprayed the product on the car using a foam cannon
• After that, I let it sit for ca. 10 minutes (it was colder outside so the product wouldn’t dry quickly)
• Then I rinsed it off with a pressure washer and checked the condition
• After evaluating the condition of the car, I finished with a typical contact wash by utilizing the 3-bucket method.

My Thoughts After Testing The Product

Now that you know the process of testing the product and how dirty the vehicle was, here are my honest thoughts on this snow foam product.

Foam thickness is amazing, it’s just next level. I’d even say that it’s slightly too thick for what I’m used to. But considering that I diluted this product at 1:5, and it can go up to 1:20, I’d say it’s fantastic.

Cleaning power is also amazing, especially when considering that my car was extremely filthy. The product successfully removed almost all dirt and debris, which left my car perfectly clean for the contact wash, without fear of causing marring and swirls on the paint. Some tougher stains were still on the paint, but I don’t consider that as something bad.

Lubrication is also great, the product feels slick, even though slightly too thick like I’ve already said above. When I started rinsing off the car, it was fairly easy to remove it due to the great slickness of the product.

The scent of the product is something subjective, and I’m not a big fan of it because I don’t prefer coconut scents, but I’m sure some of you will like it a lot. It’s not too strong, that’s for sure.

Since it’s pH neutral, it’s safe to use on coatings, sealants, and waxes. I had a sealant applied to my vehicle, and I think it stayed in the same condition as before, which is amazing. It didn’t wear a bit.

Pros and Cons of McLaren Snow Foam

Pros:

• Great cleaning properties, even for tougher stains
• Nice packaging
• Can be used for 1-step car washing or during a pre-wash stage
• Great for weekend warriors and hobbyists

Cons:

• Might be too expensive for professionals because it’s more than $20 on Amazon per 500ml
• Slightly too thick foam, which isn’t too bad but it’s more than I’m used to

How to Use McLaren Snow Foam For the Best Results

Even though I already explained to you the process that I’ve used (I followed manufacturer guidelines), I decided to once again explain how you should do it, and explain some specific things such as dwelling time, etc.

Detailed instructions on using McLaren snow foam for the best results:

• You can even use the product undiluted at all, which I surely don’t recommend because it’s too expensive that way. But if you’re shooting some ads or want to impress your friends with thick foam (which you’ll get with a 1:5 dilution ratio as well), then it might be fine.
• I suggest pre-rinsing the car to get rid of some stains that are easy to remove. That way, snow foam will have fewer stains to work on, meaning better end results.
• When applying the foam, always do it from bottom to top. That way you’ll be able to see exactly where you applied the foam.
• I don’t suggest using hand (pump) sprayers, even though it’s doable. But for me, that’s throwing money. Only use foam cannons with pressure washers.
• If it’s a hot day, don’t let it sit for more than 5 minutes, but if it’s cooler or cloudy, I recommend sitting even 10 minutes. As long as you see bubbles creating on the foam, that means it’s working its magic.
• When rinsing off the foam, be as thorough as possible, and don’t expect it to be the last step. I always suggest doing the contact wash afterward. That’s the only way to get seamless results.
• Also, shake the bottle before each use to make sure all the ingredients are mixed thoroughly, especially if it’s been sitting for weeks or even months.

What Do Other People and Detailers Say About McLaren Snow Foam?

I’ve been hearing many different opinions on this product, but the majority of people do agree with me. One guy who agrees with me on most things is this from DB Details & Valeting (check the video below).

However, not everyone’s happy with this product, which I can also understand. Many companies use their popular names to create not-so-quality products, which people hate. As the best example, I’d mention Michelin, whose auto detailing products are awful.

Anyway, let’s get back to this McLaren snow foam, it’s actually pretty good. But people expect too much from it. Some people complain that it’s not doing its job because they had to do the contact wash afterward, which, for me, is completely fine haha.

Is McLaren Snow Foam Worth It?

McLaren Snow Foam

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Well, I think that this product is actually good. Of course, far from the best ones such as these best snow foams, but if you get it at a discount or some deal, it’s amazing. Especially if you’re just a hobby auto detailer (weekend warrior).

To be honest, can’t wait to try out some other products made by McLaren. Seems like they’re serious with their car care mission.