Foam cannons are units that combine soap, water, and air to produce a thick foam that provides deep cleaning without damaging surfaces. Foam cannons are designed to be attached to pressure washer wands using 1/4 inch connectors. Foam cannons are multipurpose units used for cleaning grills, RVs, parkways, driveways, and motorcycles, but they are mostly used for carwashing.
Best foam cannon brands are DUSICHIN, Chemical Guys, Fasmov, Blisstime, and Foseal. The advantages and disadvantages of their products are presented in the foam cannon reviews.
Prospecting the market for a foam cannon requires analyzing factors such as intake, flow adjustments, container, and output. These factors are included in this foam cannon buying guide that discusses them in detail.
The best foam cannons are listed below:
- DUSICHIN SFL-001 Foam Cannon Snow Foam
- Chemical Guys EQP_313 TORQ Professional Foam Cannon Kit
- Fasmov Adjustable Snow Foam Lance Foam Cannon Foam Blaster
- Blisstime Snow Foam Lance Quick Release Adjustable Foam Cannon
- Foseal Snow Foam Lance Jet Washer Foam Cannon
- HassPro Premium Quality 1LT Bottle Foam Cannon
- SprayTec Foam Cannon Nozzle Snow Blaster Attachment Kit
- Chemical Guys EQP316 Torq Professional Foam Cannon
Best Foam Cannons Comparison Chart
| PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
|---|---|---|---|
 | DUSICHIN SFL-001 Foam Cannon Snow Foam |
| View On Amazon |
 | Chemical Guys EQP_313 TORQ Professional Foam Cannon Kit |
| View On Amazon |
 | Fasmov Adjustable Snow Foam Lance Foam Cannon Foam Blaster |
| View On Amazon |
 | Blisstime Snow Foam Lance Quick Release Adjustable Foam Cannon |
| View On Amazon |
 | Foseal Snow Foam Lance Jet Washer Foam Cannon |
| View On Amazon |
 | HassPro Premium Quality 1LT Bottle Foam Cannon |
| View On Amazon |
 | SprayTec Foam Cannon Nozzle Snow Blaster Attachment Kit |
| View On Amazon |
 | Chemical Guys EQP316 Torq Professional Foam Cannon |
| View On Amazon |
Best Foam Cannon Reviews (Updated List)
1. DUSICHIN SFL-001 Foam Cannon Snow Foam
DUSICHIN is a well-established brand, famous for manufacturing durable and high-quality car cleaning tools like foam cannons, spray guns, and spray nozzles.
The DUSICHIN SFL-001 Foam Cannon Snow Foam is suitable for both personal and professional car cleaning purposes. This foam cannon’s 33-ounce plastic container bottle is enough for deep-cleaning a normal-sized car, and it comes with indicative measurement markings.
The SFL-001 Foam Cannon’s sturdy built is what makes it different from similar products. All its adjustable fittings and connectors are made of quality brass to ensure a tight connection to the water pressure with zero leakage.
The DUSICHIN SFL-001 Foam Cannon Snow Foam works with a ¼ inches quick disconnecting fitting, and the model works well with a pressure washer that generates at least 1.2 GPM and a maximum of 5.4 GPM, and a PSI between 1000 and 3000.
The DUSICHIN SFL-001 Foam Cannon Snow Foam comes with an adjustable nozzle and can be changed between water column pattern and pattern spray models for varying cleaning needs. The knob at the top can be used to control the thickness of the foam. The (-) indicates reduced foam thickness and more water, while the (+) indicates less water and a thicker stud.
The DUSICHIN SFL-001 Foam Cannon costs around $16.
The DUSICHIN SFL-001 Foam Cannon pressure washer weighs 1 pound, making it light-weight.
The advantages of the DUSICHIN SFL-001 Foam Cannon pressure washer are as follows:
- The DUSICHIN SFL-001 Foam Cannon Snow Foam is suitable for professional cleaning that involves heavy-duty tasks.
- The DUSICHIN SFL-001 Foam Cannon Snow Foam can be easily cleaned with water after use.
- The DUSICHIN SFL-001 Foam Cannon Snow Foam pressure water is highly affordable compared to other foam cannons on the market.
The disadvantages of the DUSICHIN SFL-001 Foam Cannon pressure washer are as follows:
- The DUSICHIN SFL-001 Foam Cannon works only with a ¼ inches fitting dispenser bottle, making it hard to replace with a container of different measurements in case of damage.
- The DUSICHIN SFL-001 Foam Cannon Snow Foam bottle is not transparent so it is not easy to see how much solution has been consumed when using a light-colored soap.
2. Chemical Guys EQP_313 TORQ Professional Foam Cannon Kit
Chemical Guys is a 53-year-old global brand renowned for producing quality car care chemicals and accessories.
The Chemical Guys EQP_313 TORQ Professional Foam Cannon Kit is suitable to offer any vehicle, from a gentle to a thorough professional wash. This TORQ Professional Foam Cannon covers the car with thick foam for the safest “touch-free” washing experience.
The Chemical Guys EQP_313 TORQ Professional Foam Cannon Kit uses a next-generation air-injection technology that makes it different from similar products. The air-injection technology helps remove dirt even from very small cracks and corners.
The Chemical Guys EQP_313 TORQ Professional Foam Cannon comes with a durable 32-ounce plastic container with curves in the middle for a better grip. The model’s hi-tech nozzle mixes the air with the brand’s cleaning shampoos to form thick snow foam for smooth and scratch-free cleaning.
Each Chemical Guys EQP_313 TORQ kit contains a plastic foam cannon and 3 pH-neutral professional car cleaning shampoos: Glass Worky Auto Wash, Honeydew Snow Foam Auto Wash, and Citrus Wash & Glow. The Chemical Guys Foam Cannon is compatible with pressure washers that generate a maximum pressure rate between 800 and 3,500 PSI. The recommended water flow rate for this foam cannon is 2.0 GPM and should never be above 5.3 GPM.
The Chemical Guys EQP_313 TORQ Professional Foam Cannon Kit costs around $90.
The TORQ Professional Foam Cannon is made of high-quality plastic, and stainless steel to avoid rusting. The kit includes a durable high-tech nozzle with brass connectors. The knob at the top of the nozzle can be used to adjust the foam thickness.
The Chemical Guys EQP_313 TORQ Professional Foam Cannon Kit comes with a 30-day warranty period. The brand offers free replacement in case the product received is damaged if the notice is made within a month.
The Chemical Guys EQP_313 TORQ weighs 5.6 pounds and has 10.31 x 8.5 x 8.31 inches dimensions.
The advantages of Chemical Guys EQP_313 TORQ Professional Foam Cannon Kit are as follows:
- The Chemical Guys EQP_313 TORQ Professional Foam Cannon is made from high-end technology for a better car washing experience.
- The Chemical Guys EQP_313 TORQ kit comes with 3 different kinds of pH-neutral shampoos for different cleaning purposes.
- The Chemical Guys EQP_313 TORQ Professional Foam Cannon is perfect for generating different foam densities.
- There is a free replacement offer if the Chemical Guys EQP_313 TORQ Professional Foam Cannon received is damaged.
The disadvantages of Chemical Guys EQP_313 TORQ Professional Foam Cannon Kit are as follows:
- The Chemical Guys EQP_313 TORQ Professional Foam Cannon has plastic parts that are fragile and can break easily.
- The Chemical Guys EQP_313 TORQ Professional Foam Cannon Kit comes with a short warranty period.
3. Fasmov Adjustable Snow Foam Lance Foam Cannon Foam Blaster
Fasmov is a well-known brand delivering high-quality vehicle and house cleaning solutions and accessories.
The Fasmov Adjustable Snow Foam Lance Foam Cannon Foam Blaster’s high-pressure and sturdy design makes it suitable for different types of cleaning tasks. This foam cannon can be used for cleaning vehicles, floors, walls, and windows.
The adjustable nozzle of The Fasmov Snow Foam Lance Foam Cannon Foam Blaster is what makes it stand out. The nozzle can be adjusted to change the spray pattern from jet stream to side-to-side pan sweeping. The angle of the nozzle can be shifted to move the nozzle’s head in different directions for distance cleaning.
The Fasmov Adjustable Snow Foam Lance Foam Cannon Foam Blaster’s container bottle can hold up to 28.16 ounces of cleaning solution. The knob at the top of the nozzle can be adjusted to modify foam density. The durable foam lance combines the air with the cleaning solution to form a thick clinging sud.
The Fasmov Adjustable Snow Foam Lance Foam Cannon Foam Blaster comes with a translucent container bottle, making it easy to see how much solution is left. This foam cannon forms a thick sud for perfect lubrication and scratch-free cleaning.
The Fasmov Adjustable Snow Foam Lance Foam Cannon Foam Blaster works well with a pressure range between 1000-2000 PSI and 2.0 GPM. The model weighs 0.06 pounds, making it one of the lightest foam cannons available on the market.
The estimated cost of The Fasmov Adjustable Snow Foam Lance Foam Cannon Foam Blaster is $17.
The advantages of Fasmov Adjustable Snow Foam Lance Foam Cannon Foam Blaster are as follows:
- The Fasmov Adjustable Snow Foam Lance Cannon is available at an affordable price.
- The Fasmov Adjustable Snow Foam Lance Cannon comes with ¼ inches disconnecting fittings that are durable as they are made from brass.
- The Fasmov Adjustable Snow Foam Lance Cannon is recommended for daily use because it doesn’t cause any dents nor does it remove wax, sealants, or paint from the car.
The disadvantages of Fasmov Adjustable Snow Foam Lance Foam Cannon Foam Blaster are as follows:
- The Fasmov Adjustable Snow Foam Lance Foam Cannon Foam Blaster might break if pressure higher than 2000 PSI is used.
4. Blisstime Snow Foam Lance Quick Release Adjustable Foam Cannon
Blisstime is a renowned brand specialized in delivering high-quality and affordable cleaning tools and solutions worldwide.
The Blisstime Snow Foam Lance Quick Release Adjustable Foam Cannon is suitable for removing different kinds of stains from vehicles without damaging the paint or wax. This quick-release adjustable foam cannon can also be used for cleaning driveways, floors, and window panes.
The Blisstime Foam Cannon container has a capacity of 33 ounces and is made of a robust material to avoid cracks and leakages. This liquid container’s anticorrosive and thick material makes it long-lasting and sustainable. This foam cannon’s quick-form release formula makes it stand out.
The Blisstime Foam Cannon comes with a ¼ inches disconnection fitting made of premium brass for durability. This product requires a pressure of 1000 PSI and 2.0 GPM. The best part is that Blisstime Foam Cannon produces thick foam instantly.
The Blisstime Snow Foam Lance Quick Release Adjustable Foam Cannon comes with a free chenille microfiber car wash mitt for stainless cleaning. The flow control knob at the top can be used to adjust the foam output and foam density. The nozzle can be controlled to shift between jet stream and wide-pan cleaning.
The Blisstime Snow Foam Lance Quick Release Adjustable Foam Cannon costs around $26.
The product weighs 1.47 pounds, which is not too heavy to handle.
The advantages of Blisstime Snow Foam Lance Quick Release Adjustable Foam Cannon are as follows:
- The Blisstime Foam Cannon forms thick and clingy foam instantly for quick cleaning.
- The Blisstime Foam Cannon has a translucent container bottle, making it easy to check the amount of cleaning solution left.
- The Blisstime Foam Cannon includes a free microfiber wash mitt sent in random colors.
The disadvantages of Blisstime Snow Foam Lance Quick Release Adjustable Foam Cannon are as follows:
- There might be a problem with the size of disconnecting fittings.
- The Blisstime Snow Foam Cannon comes with a 2.0 GPM limitation.
5. Foseal Snow Foam Lance Jet Washer Foam Cannon
Foseal is one of the most trusted brands that produces premium cleaning solutions and top-edge cleaning equipment like washer sprays, foam guns, and cannons.
The Foseal Snow Foam Lance Jet Washer Foam Cannon can be connected to a washing gun to achieve medium and high-duty cleaning. This foam cannon can be used to clean dirt from different surfaces, including cars, motorbikes, roofs, and driveways.
The Foseal Snow Foam Lance Jet Washer Foam Cannon is easy to install and use as it comes with a step-by-step installation guide. The container bottle of this foam cannon can hold up to 33-ounces of cleaning shampoo. There are measurements on the bottle to fill the required quantity of water and cleaning agent. The ¼ inches disconnection fittings are made of top-quality brass to prevent wear-off with time.
The rotary knob at the top of the Foseal Snow Foam Lance Jet Washer Foam Cannon can be moved clockwise or anticlockwise to adjust the thickness of the foam. The foam nozzle can be moved to get narrow or wide spray openings as per the requirement.
The pressure required for the Foseal Snow Foam Lance Jet Washer Foam Cannon is over 1000 PSI for proper cleaning. This foaming unit also requires the pressure washer it is attached to to produce 2.0 GPM.
The Foseal Snow Foam Lance Jet Washer Foam Cannon costs around $22.
The Foseal Foam Cannon weighs only 1.07 pounds.
The advantages of Foseal Snow Foam Lance Jet Washer Foam Cannon are as follows:
- The Foseal Foam Cannon comes with a foam lace core made of high-quality brass that makes this unit durable.
- The Foseal Foam Cannon is quite budget-friendly and effective.
- The Foseal Foam Cannon product comes with 18 months of quality insurance from Foseal.
The disadvantages of Foseal Snow Foam Lance Jet Washer Foam Cannon are as follows:
- The knob of the Foseal Foam Cannon is not very good for adjusting the foam density.
6. HassPro Premium Quality 1LT Bottle Foam Cannon
HassPro is a renowned brand known for delivering quality cleaning products for shiny vehicles, homes, kitchens, toilets, and driveways.
The HassPro Premium Quality 1LT Bottle Foam Cannon gives cars a “touch-free” wash without causing any scratches or dents. This model’s cleaning technology gives driveways, cars, trucks, SUVs, kitchens, and window displays a brand-new look.
The HassPro Premium Quality 1LT Bottle Foam Cannon comes with a high-edge air-injection technology that makes hidden dirt and dust from tiny holes and cracks easy to remove. The product is designed to consume less water, making it a unique eco-friendly cleaning foam cannon.
The HassPro Premium Quality Foam Cannon comprises durable ¼ inches brass connectors, a stainless steel nozzle head, and a sturdy plastic container that is translucent. The holding capacity of the container is 33-ounces, which is generally similar to other foam cannons.
The HassPro Premium Quality Foam Cannon comes at an average price of $30.
The washer requires a pressure of 1000-2000 PSI with a maximum flow of 5.3 GPM.
The HassPro Premium Quality Foam Cannon comes with a microfiber glove, towel, and 3 nozzles of different sizes that can be connected with a washer gun.
The HassPro Premium Quality 1LT Bottle Foam Cannon is backed-up by a 2-year money-back warranty, making the foam cannon a reliable purchase.
The advantages of the HassPro Premium Quality 1LT Bottle Foam Cannon are as follows:
- The HassPro Premium Quality 1LT Bottle Foam Cannon is made of durable materials like brass, stainless steel, and thick plastic.
- The HassPro Premium Quality Foam Cannon comes with a long money-back warranty period.
- The HassPro Premium Quality Foam Cannon package includes 3 nozzles, which is more than what competitors offer.
The disadvantages of HassPro Premium Quality 1LT Bottle Foam Cannon are as follows:
- The plastic container of the HassPro Premium Quality Foam Cannon might show leakages in some cases pertaining to the manufacturing defect.
7. SprayTec Foam Cannon Nozzle Snow Blaster Attachment Kit
SprayTech has been a renowned name in the industry of premium car care accessories for years.
The SprayTec Foam Cannon Nozzle Snow Blaster Attachment Kit is a complete cleaning solution for cars and other vehicles. The SprayTech Foam Cannon Kit is best-suited for intense car wash and requires a minimum pressure of 2,300 PSI.
The sturdy built of the SprayTech Foam Cannon makes it different from similar products. The foam unit is long-lasting with proper sealings, durable brass connectors, and a shatter-proof container bottle of 33 ounces.
The SprayTech Foam Cannon is accompanied by a nozzle that forms thick foam when used with a powerful pressure washer. The thick snow foam provides cars with a scratch-free sparkling wash.
The SprayTech Foam Cannon Nozzle Snow Blaster Attachment Kit comes with a SprayTec foam cannon nozzle, a microfiber mitt, and a Wash N’ Wax solution. The Blaster gives a deep-cleaning experience in just 4 ounces of Wash N’ Wax solution.
The SprayTec Foam Cannon Nozzle Snow Blaster Attachment Kit costs around $38.
The SprayTec Foam Cannon Nozzle Snow Blaster Attachment Kit package weighs 2.79 pounds.
The advantages of the SprayTec Foam Cannon Nozzle Snow Blaster Attachment Kit are as follows:
- The SprayTec Foam Cannon Nozzle Snow Blaster Attachment Kit is perfect for a heavy-duty car wash.
- The SprayTec Foam Cannon Nozzle Snow Blaster Attachment Kit is cost-effective and provides value for its price.
The disadvantages of SprayTec Foam Cannon Nozzle Snow Blaster Attachment Kit are as follows:
- The SprayTec Foam Cannon kit cannot work with a water pressure that comes with a PSI lower than 2300.
8. Chemical Guys EQP316 Torq Professional Foam Cannon
Chemical Guys is a global brand founded in 1968 that provides its customers with quality car cleaning products.
The Chemical Guys EQP316 Torq Professional Foam Cannon forms maximum foam to provide a shiny car washing experience. The thick and clingy foam of The EQP316 Torq removes stubborn dirt and grime from even the smallest cracks of vehicles in a single wash.
The Chemical Guys EQP316 is designed to work well with both light and high-pressure washers, requiring a minimum pressure of 800 PSI. The product’s thread lock innovation sleeve keeps the 32-ounces plastic container airtight and spillage-proof.
The Chemical Guys EQP316 Torq Professional Foam Cannon comes with a 1-gallon Stripper Suds Car Wash Soap that forms thick and instant suds with small amounts of water. The foam density can be further adjusted using the top knob.
The Chemical Guys EQP316 Torq Professional Foam Cannon weighs 0.18 pounds, making it incredibly lightweight and to use.
The advantages of Chemical Guys EQP316 Torq Professional Foam Cannon are as follows:
- The Chemical Guys EQP316 Torq Professional Foam Cannon works within the pressure ranges of 800-3500 PSI, making it suitable for both light and heavy-duty car wash.
- The Chemical Guys EQP316 Torq Professional Foam Cannon is suitable both for professional and for residential use.
The disadvantages of Chemical Guys EQP316 Torq Professional Foam Cannon are as follows:
- The 1-gallon Stripper Sud Solution that comes with the Chemical Guys EQP316 Torq Professional Foam Cannon pack might go unused for people who are not regular professional car washers.
Benefits of Using a Foam Cannon
The benefits of owning and using a foam cannon mainly depend on your washing routine and cleaning habits. However, if you own a pressure washer of any strength, not necessarily a commercial one, you get to reap off some of the benefits anyone can relate to.
1. Saving Time
No matter if you are a busy person or not, washing a car, if not done properly, can be a time-devouring task. Half of a day can go by in the blink of an eye, even though you just wanted to give your car a quick rinse. But, if you utilize the full potential of your pressure washer by attaching a foam cannon to it, you get to make suds instantaneously, with the power of pressurized water combined with soap.
The whole setup and cleanup process is so short that it allows for a more detailed car washing session to take place. For example, a lot of foam cannon users use two layers to completely clean the surface of the car and still save some time.
2. Resourcefulness
By resourcefulness, we don’t have just the budget in mind. Saving water and detergents is not only good for the wallet – it is great for the environment. The sole act of disposing of dirty water can be a hassle, especially if your yard doesn’t have a convenient drain or a drain at all. A foam cannon will use the minimal amounts of soap and water needed to make those thick suds.
People who wash their car on the lawn know how big of a problem all that soap can be. If you eliminate the excessive needs detergent and water, the grass on the lawn gets to grow thicker and greener. Lastly, if you have a custom drainage system around the yard, you don’t have to worry about contaminating it with all those chemicals.
3. Functionality and Multi-Purpose Utility
Washing cars don’t necessarily have to be the only thing you do with a foam cannon. On the contrary, you can use them to wash and clean RVs, grills, driveways and parkways, motorcycles, and all sorts of heavy-duty machinery. A lot of workshop owners like to utilize the power of a washer+cannon combo to help them with a semi-annual cleanup.
The versatility of a foam cannon depends on your imagination. You can clean a lot of different things, as long as you try it out on a smaller surface, just to make sure you do not damage it. Just be extra careful if you have a more powerful pressure washer, or a high PSI foam cannon – those beasts can damage softer surfaces.
What Is a Foam Cannon?
A foam cannon, or a pressure foam cannon as some refer to it, is a special piece of equipment used to extend the capabilities of your pressure washer. No matter if we are talking about a gas pressure washer or about an electric pressure washer unit, a foam cannon will be a perfect ally in your pursuit of cleanliness. This practical extension is designed to make your car washing easier. Of course, you are not limited to washing a car using this tool, but it is the area it excels in.
Foam cannons are designed to be fun, useful, and to save time. By using a cannon to foam up the surface of your car, you get to use your soap better as well. Every foam cannon out there is designed to withstand the PSI rating of a pressure washer. As a matter of fact, a foam cannon needs a minimal PSI rating to even make the suds you use to wash the car (more on that later). Utilizing the detergent in the best possible way is not only good for the environment, but for your wallet as well.
A lot of people who got into pressure washing will tell you that a trustworthy foam cannon is a must when it comes to washer equipment. We think so too. Lastly, a foam cannon, if used properly, will keep the car paint in a healthier condition, making it less prone to scratches and damages to a degree.
How Do Foam Cannons Work?
As you already know, pressure washers are capable of exerting a large amount of liquid (GPM) at various, often powerful, pressure ratings (PSI). A foam cannon utilizes that GPM and (mainly) PSI rating to create a lot of suds, grouping them into a thick and dense foam (hence the name). It is designed as an attachment for the pressure washer wand, usually having a ¼ inch connector. This connector gauge should be a standard when it comes to residential and commercial pressure washers as well.
So, to describe a foam cannon in the best possible way, let’s go through its main parts. We promise not to get too technical.
1. The Intake
The intake is a part of the foam cannon that plays the role of letting all the pressurized water into the cannon itself. It is a small coupler with a ¼ inch opening. The intake needs to click directly to the want od the pressure washer, or in some cases, it can be connected to the pressure washer hose directly. Being that most pressure washer units come with a ¼ inch connectors, there shouldn’t be any issues with connecting the foam gun.
This particular connector needs to be fully operational. If any leaks or weak spots occur, regardless of the side, the pressure will drop significantly, leaving the foam cannon with almost nothing to work with. However, considering that these couplers are not rare, it is not hard to find a replacement.
2. The Flow Adjustments
In the middle of the foam cannon, above the container, you can find different dials. Most commonly, a foam cannon has two different settings you can control:
- Soap adjustment – this little valve is used to control the amount of your top-rated foam cannon soap that goes through. By leaving the soap adjust valve open, you essentially let only water through. The opposite position will allow for a large amount of soap to go through, thus making the thickest suds that a particular model can make.
- Flow Adjustment – right next to the output, you will see a cylindrical cover that can be dialed clockwise and counter-clockwise. By turning this part, you get to change the way the output behaves. Essentially, you get to choose between a straight line (highest pressure) or a wider line that can cover more surface in one move.
We encourage you to play with these adjustments and experiment for a bit – you have nothing to lose, and, on the other hand, you get to learn and feel how foam cannons work firsthand.
3. The Container
As the name suggests, this is the biggest part of the foam cannon when it comes to volume. In most cases, we are talking about a jar-like plastic container that typically has a threaded screw head. The thread is there for security reasons – if the bottle doesn’t fit snuggly onto the cannon, there can be a significant drop in pressure or even a complete stop with the risk of soap pouring out.
The vast majority of foam cannon containers come in a 33-oz volume form, or one liter, of fluid capacity. The whole container is used up with the help of a tube that sucks the soap solution from the bottom – every last drop should be used.
4. The Output
Lastly, we have the output that sprays out all the foam and thick suds out. The output is usually wider than the output of a pressure washer wand, with a few exceptions, of course. Now, despite the fact that we are talking about soap and suds, do not underestimate the output of a foam cannon. A pressure washer can be dangerous if aimed at the skin or at a person’s eyes, and the same goes for foam cannons. We are talking about pressurized foam after all. The output spot is usually where the flow controller is, so make sure not to accidentally change the setting while you are using the cannon.
Foam Cannon Car Wash vs. Foam Gun vs. Hand Wash
There are several other methods of car washing next to using a foam cannon. These methods include foam guns and hand washing as the most traditional ones. But, each method has its own pros and cons. Let’s dig in to see what kind of advantages and disadvantages we can find among these different washing methods.
1. Power Capabilities
When it comes to the power you can utilize to foam up and wash your car, we can say that it all depends on two main factors:
- The pressure exerted to get foam density
- Chemicals used in the process
Firstly, we can knock hand washing out of the way because, let’s be real for a moment – no matter how strong you are, you can’t exert more pressure than a pressure washer or even a hose. Hand washing requires elbow grease as an ingredient, and above all, it requires more time. The only advantage comes with the choice of soaps and detergents – you can basically use anything that is not hazardous for your skin.
Foam guns are next in line. A foam gun is powered with the pressure that a garden hose can deliver. At best, a garden hose can deliver a pressure of 80 PSI, which is nice to have at your disposal, but not nearly as powerful as a pressure washer, even a lighter one. The choice of chemicals is narrower than with hand washing, but the suds you get are not that thick and the foam is not as dense.
Considering that foam cannons utilize the PSI of a pressure washer, with the lower threshold average of 800 PSI, the power delivery is strongest among these three methods. When mixed with the tight detergent, pressurized water can make the thickest suds and the densest foam that will emulsify all the dirt and grime from the surface of your car.
2. Practicality
Whether a method is practical or not is judged on an individual level, for the most part. However, regardless of your washing and cleaning habits, some things are universal. Setup, cleanup, reach and a whole lot of other things can be a part of your washing routine. So, how do these cleaning methods compare?
Hand washing can be a blessing and a curse. The biggest advantage of hand washing is that it doesn’t require any electricity. And, that is about it. If you ever hand washed a car, you certainly know that the process starts high on the fun scale and it slowly degrades into back pain and wet underwear. Additionally, your reach is limited by the length of your arms.
Soap guns also require no electricity to operate, but they do need an operating hose. The reach of a soap gun is a big jump up from hand washing, but it also depends on the water pressure in your area, or on that specific day. The setup is fairly easy, with the slight possibility of a messy cleanup – if the pressure jumps while you are finishing you can expect to get some splashback.
Soap cannons have a vastly better reach than the other two methods. Again, it is all thanks to the power that a pressure washer provides. No manual labor or garden hose can replace a machine dedicated to pressurize water. The reach of a foam cannon is adjustable on the spot (buy turning the valves) and it allows you different spray patterns as well. Another great advantage of the pressurized water and soap coming from a soap cannon is the precision. By having the option to narrow down the stream of suds you are spraying on the car, you can make a more precise movement and focus the pressure on a stubborn stain (usually on the wheels).
3. Budget
Even though the budgeting may be obvious when it comes to these three methods, the truth is slightly hidden from plain sight. Hand washing requires no machine or even a hose, but it is the least convenient option when it comes to the amount of detergent and water you use. A lot of soap is wasted with hand washing, and the resource you waste the most is – time.
The option that will leave the least strain on your wallet is the soap gun. They are pretty cheap, but as we already mentioned soap guns come with a lot of limitations. For a few extra bucks, a soap cannon delivers the densest foam and the best suds for car washing. But, you do need a pressure washer.
Foam Cannon Buying Guide
We went through the basics of foam cannons and the main benefits. Now, let’s dive into the details you should pay attention to while choosing a foam cannon for yourself. Even though a lot of these gadgets look alike, the devil is in the details, so don’t let any slip by you. We also invite you to use our guide and other guidelines to make a checklist of features that fit your cleaning routines and washing habits.
1. Connector Materials
Even if this topic touches the surface of “going technical”, we must address it. The most important inner piece of a foam cannon is its connectors and valves. These simple little contractions play the role of pressure regulation, soap intake, foam cannon precision, and reach. There is no going around the fact that the best material in terms of durability and performance is none other than – brass. When it comes to pressurized water, brass proved as the most resilient material that can withstand higher PSI and GPM rating.
There is a high chance that your pressure washer already has brass elements as a core part of the build. Now, going for plastic has its benefits, but the drawbacks outweigh them by a large margin. With plastics and synthetics in general, you need to be careful about several things. For example, plastic can change shape under higher temperatures. Synthetic materials have their strong suits, but regulating pressurized water just doesn’t cut it.
2. The Container Specs
The biggest part of any foam cannon is the container, also known as the bottle. A lot of manufacturers tend to follow the same trend when it comes to these bottles, but there are details that can completely change the cannon experience. Even though every foam cannon bottle serves the same purpose, we can easily see that some bottle specs matter more than most.
2.1. Bottle size
For example, the most common volume for foam cannon bottles is 33 fl. Oz. (1 liter). This amount of soap solution is big enough to help with washing a regular-sized car, sometimes even twice, but if you have a smaller vehicle (or you use the cannon for machinery) a 33 fl. Oz. container will be too much. Luckily, if you do the cleanup properly, you can even save some solution for later use. If you do opt for keeping the washing solution leftovers, read the label on the soap bottle and see how long it can be kept aside.
2.2. Bottle shape
On the other hand, the shape of the bottle will determine how easy it is to hold it, and before all – how hard it is to connect it. The general shape of a 33 fl. Oz. bottle is straightforward – a cylindrical container that narrows down to the spot where it connects to the foam cannon. If you are planning on longer cleaning sessions, or you want to use a high-pressure model, a bottle with a dent somewhere down the middle. This dent will give you a better grasp of the bottle, thus making the cannon more secure in your hands.
2.3. Bottle transparency
This feature might come off as a surprise. Whether or not a foam cannon container is transparent or not shouldn’t be important, right? Well, this is simply a matter of practicality – if you can see how much washing solution you have left, you can plan the rest of the washing session better. A transparent bottle ultimately enhances the resourcefulness of a foam cannon – you get to spare yourself of making another solution unnecessarily. Additionally, if you have access to the soap level info, you can experiment with different foam cannon settings, thus getting better at the washing quicker.
2.4. Bottle thread
Another somewhat unconventional thing to keep in mind is whether the bottle is threaded or not. Some foam cannon models out there come with a lock system similar to a buckle. As secure as this sounds, we think that nothing can beat a bottle thread. A thread will stay secure for a longer time than a buckle system. On top of that, a threaded bottle is easier to put on and off, because it always goes to the end. If the thread does not slide in entirely, the foam cannon will “inform” you by letting foam out to the side.
3. Soap Intake Dial
Not every washing job needs absolute maximum when it comes to the amount of foam used. If you want to have the freedom to choose how much suds you want to use to wash your car, get a foam cannon model with an accessible soap intake dial. Essentially, this (hopefully brass) dial is there to let a certain amount of soap from the bottle in. By having control over how much soap is converted to foam, you get to control the foam thickness, as well as the suds density. On top of that, a soap intake dial will let you cut off the soap intake from the bottle if you need to use just water for a moment. This all translates to higher versatility, and a shorter use time because there is no need to disconnect the foam cannon to just use water.
4. Stream Shape and Spray Pattern
Lastly, we have the output. In the sections above, we talked about this cylindrical piece of hardware that serves the purpose of the stream shape and the spray pattern. The spray pattern adjustment is there to help you cover larger areas faster, or to help you focus the foam stream towards a particularly stubborn stain. It is also a feature that can help you rinse the car faster without having to take the soap cannon off. So, the bottom line is – by experimenting a bit, you can quickly learn how to control the main two valves (intake and spray pattern) and quickly adapt the foam cannon to the task at hand.
How to Use a Foam Cannon?
While different manufacturers may leave nuanced instructions for their particular foam cannon models, we can give you the basic guidelines on how to use a foam cannon. To some people, this seems overwhelming, but a little patience can go a long way. So, here is a step by step tutorial on how to use a regular foam cannon:
- Make sure that your pressure washer is maintained and ready to go.
- Unscrew (or just detach) the bottle and pour water and soap in. Usually, the dilution instructions can be found on the soap bottle. Try not to put more soap than needed because you can potentially negatively affect the pressure.
- Once the solution is ready, attach the bottle to the foam cannon, and use the quick-release nozzle to attach the foam cannon to the pressure washer wand.
- With the soap intake cut off, rinse the car with pressurized water. Make sure to remove everything you can.
- Turn the dial foam intake dial to the setting you want, and spray the foam across the whole car surface, including the wheels. Apply the foam generously to the extra dirty spots.
- Wait for the emulsifying process to take place – 5 minutes should do it.
- Cut the soap intake off and rinse the car with water.
*for a more detailed washing job, apply a second layer of foam. If you want to take the matter into your own hands, use a cloth and a two bucket method to finish the job.
FAQ About Foam Cannons
1. Do foam cannons work
It comes as no surprise that people wonder whether this particular gadget is worth it. We are aware that there is a bottomless pit of useless pressure washer gadgets and extensions, so asking if foam cannons actually work is a good question. However, the answer couldn’t be more straightforward. Yes! They work wonders on all sorts of dirty surfaces around the yard, not just cars exclusively.
So, if you were wondering whether a foam cannon is worth the money and the hassle, the answer is most definitely a yes!
2. How much psi for foam cannon?
This can be a tricky question because there are limits to how much pressure a foam cannon can withstand. But the thing is – it is not a matter of how high of a PSI rating a foam cannon can endure. Instead, every foam cannon has a minimal PSI rating that tells you how much pressure the pressure washer needs to exert to start of the foaming process. This kind of limitation is important and plays a huge factor in cannon foam performance consistency. If your pressure washer can deliver the least amount of PSIs needed, the foam cannon will always give you consistent results. Typically, the minimal PSI rating needed to achieve soap foaming is around 800 PSI, but you should always check before you make the final decision.
3. How to clean foam cannon?
There aren’t any special instructions on how to clean a foam cannon. Common sense applies, with a few tips:
- Make sure that the thread of the bottle is clean after you are done using the cannon for the day. Soap can accumulate over time and cause the thread to slip.
- While the inside pipes are self-cleaning due to all the pressure, make sure to clean the brass on the outside. Use a non-invasive cleaner, or just a lot of water, to get all the soap down.
- After everything is nice and clean, make sure that both the bottle and the cannon dry out completely.
Wrap Up
And, there we have it – everything there is to know about foam cannons, including a guide on how to pick the best foam cannon to match your car washing needs. Truth be told, most of these pressure washer extensions are affordable, and above all – useful and fun to use. Additionally, as you probably concluded from the sections above, foam cannons save time.
Once you have all the important stuff in check, take a look at our foam cannon reviews and pick a model that suits your needs, and fits the rating of your pressure washer as well. Lastly, if you had any additional questions, or wanted to add something, feel free to contact us and we will gladly come back to you with the right answers. ASAP. Tools are only as good as your desire to utilize them. Enjoy your new and convenient way to wash your car!
