Why does active foam work differently in winter? An explanation from chemists

1. How does cold affect surfactants?

Active foam works thanks to surfactants, which reduce surface tension and allow the cleaning solution to interact with dirt. When the temperature drops:

• the molecular activity of surfactants decreases;
• the foam becomes less stable;
• The duration of action is reduced.

That is why, in winter, all-purpose formulas may require a different approach or replacement with more specialized products from the category of professional active foam for car washes.

2. A cold body changes the behavior of the foam

In winter, the metal of the car body is often close to freezing. This leads to:

• decreased surface wettability;
• accelerated foam runoff;
• less effective at dissolving grease stains.

Under such conditions, foams with higher adhesion and a stable structure perform better, for example SMART Active Foam.

3. Winter pollution is more complex than summer pollution

In winter, a car isn't just covered in dust, but in a complex mixture:

• salts and reagents;
• road coatings;
• petroleum products;
• soot and metal dust.

Under such conditions, standard cleaning power may not be sufficient. During the cold season, it is recommended to use more powerful formulas, in particular POWERFUL Active Foam, which is designed for heavy and mixed contamination.

4. Water hardness in winter exacerbates the problem

During the cold season, water often has higher hardness. Calcium and magnesium ions partially neutralize surfactants, which:

• impairs foaming;
• makes the foam less dense;
• reduces the stability of the layer on the body.

Under such conditions, it is advisable to use formulas with an extended working range, for example PRIME PRO or MASTER.

5. Why is it acceptable to adjust the concentration in winter?

From a chemical standpoint, increasing the concentration in winter is a technological necessity. It compensates for:

• reduced surfactant activity;
• the effects of hard water;
• a more complex type of contamination.

The most important thing is to stay within the recommended proportions for a specific product from the TED PROFESSIONAL active foam line.

6. Not all foams are equally effective during the cold season

There is a difference between car washes designed for daily use, self-service car washes, and those intended for harsh operating conditions. All-purpose or heavy-duty products are best suited for the winter months.

To enhance the visual impact and customer experience, car washes often use Pink Active foam, which combines foam stability with an attractive presentation.

7. Common Mistakes Made by Car Washes in Winter

Chemists most often observe:

• use of "summer" foam without adjusting the concentration;
• applying foam to a wet car body;
• reducing the exposure time due to fear of freezing;
• operation when water pressure is insufficient.

Even the highest-quality car care products won't produce results if you don't follow the instructions.