Foaming car washes

[TinsleyC]

More and more I'm seeing car washing ads where the car is seen covered in foam. Is this some new technology I'm missing out on?

I have never seen anything that will clean all the grime off a car without physical contact, like wiping with a cleaning rag or sponge. Even using my 2200 psi power washer - there is still grime left behind until it's wiped or rubbed off, and rinsed

These ads make it look like you can cover your car with a miracle foam and no contact is needed. See attached ad from Chemical Guys.

 

[EdP]

More and more I'm seeing car washing ads where the car is seen covered in foam. Is this some new technology I'm missing out on?

I have never seen anything that will clean all the grime off a car without physical contact, like wiping with a cleaning rag or sponge. Even using my 2200 psi power washer - there is still grime left behind until it's wiped or rubbed off, and rinsed

These ads make it look like you can cover your car with a miracle foam and no contact is needed. See attached ad from Chemical Guys.

There is something to it. I saw a movie one and the lady had whipped cream on her and . . . .
well, it looked like the car wash but there was some contact.

 

[Mr. Incredible]

I use a foaming soap attachment to my pressure washer, it works well IMO, better than bucket washing, and less work:

Amazon.com: UCFOAM UC-999 Foam Cannon Adjustable Nozzle 1 Liter Bottle Snow Foam Lance with 1/4" Quick Connector Foam Blaster for Pressure Washer Gun: Garden & Outdoor

Amazon.com: UCFOAM UC-999 Foam Cannon Adjustable Nozzle 1 Liter Bottle Snow Foam Lance with 1/4" Quick Connector Foam Blaster for Pressure Washer Gun: Garden & Outdoor

www.amazon.com

 

[bubbaG80Sport]

I have been using a Foam Cannon that connects to a garden hose for several years. "Cannon" is a misnomer as it does not increase, but actually decreases water pressure. You will still need to wipe the car to remove all dirt. The Foam Cannon puts down a heavy car wash soap film which helps trap the dirt after wiping.

I've used a pressure washer before but decided it is too hard on the paint, can put water through/around door/trunk seals and possibly damage trim/badging if you are not very careful.

Also, I have started using a leaf blower for initial drying of car. This reduces cloth contact with car to avoid swirls, particularly on dark/black colored cars. It also removes water from hard to reach places and reduces water spotting.

 

[CVODON]

I've been using a Foam Cannon for many years. They are not to allow for a spray/soak/rinse then dry the car cleaning. The foam, proper Neutral PH foam, will soften the contaminates on the paint and "slick up" the finish as you wash the car with your dedicated mitt and not attack the wax/ceramic coating or whatever you choose to use to protect the paint on your car.
By the way, a 2200# PSI washer, which is not that strong compared to todays average gas powered PSI washer, is still way to strong for auto use. 1000# at the nozzle using a white nozzle with a 4.0 orifice will be the deal.
If you want to check out pressure washers/output/gallons per minute of water (water is what you want, not pressure) check out the Obsessed Garage website. Guy is slightly hard to stomach but does have good info on washers/nozzles/foam cannons etc on Youtube and will keep folks from damaging there cars by incorrectly washing.

 

[TD12]

To be fair to the Chemical Guys, there is literally a guy using a hand mit to wash the car in the ad you say infers touchless.

Foam cannons don't make it touchless but makes it a lot easier and less work to have foam already on the car, instead of bucket to car repeatedly, right?

 

[lou1119]

To be fair to the Chemical Guys, there is literally a guy using a hand mit to wash the car in the ad you say infers touchless.

Foam cannons don't make it touchless but makes it a lot easier and less work to have foam already on the car, instead of bucket to car repeatedly, right?

I have used a foam cannon for years. It is not a magic do all cure all method. You still have to use a mitt to remove the dirt. I does provide a slicker surface and therefore less scratching. Does it make it easier —- NO But it does make for fewer scratches.

 

[Bill in Alexandria]

I've been looking to buy a foam-er/cannon. I agree with lou1119 - when you do a quick rinse with the hose and then place a car wash mitt on the grit sticking to your car, you end up scratching the clear coat in the process of washing the dirt off.

Using a cannon also looks cool. With or without a bikini-clad model.

 

[Trumsodo]

its call snow foam and its purpose is pre wash soap for lift up the dirt of the paint so in the next step you are safe for hand wash with mitt not the brush, tbh it fun and costly )

 

[Providence Enthusiast]

Washed my G80 this past Friday using the snow foam. I got good, even coverage on the car even in 40 degree New England weather. Used a microfiber mitt and the two bucket method, wiping the exterior with the weight of the mitt only. Also rinsed it frequently to avoid scratches.

The results I obtained were very good, better than expected in fact. I plan on using this product to maintain my car's appearance through the winter. Hoping to catch a few more 40 degree days between snowstorms .

______________________________

Help support this site so it can continue supporting you!

 

[TinsleyC]

Guess I should at least use the two bucket method. I tend to wash the entire, dirty side of my car with the same mitt, dipped once.

 

[PMCErnie]

The old one bucket method is still fine with me.

 

[James Young]

I use a foam soap to my pressure washer, it works well, and not just good, but I would say an excellent result.
Better than bucket washing, and less work.
There are many reviews of various brands and etc, for example 10 Best Foam Cannon Soap [Buyers Guide] (Feb. 2022) as well as instructions. I have a Ford F 150 that I wash regularly. And I mostly use Adams - https://www.amazon.com/Adams-Shampoo-Neutral-Formula-Cleaning/dp/B0058JJS0Q

 

[G-888915]

More and more I'm seeing car washing ads where the car is seen covered in foam. Is this some new technology I'm missing out on?

I have never seen anything that will clean all the grime off a car without physical contact, like wiping with a cleaning rag or sponge. Even using my 2200 psi power washer - there is still grime left behind until it's wiped or rubbed off, and rinsed

These ads make it look like you can cover your car with a miracle foam and no contact is needed. See attached ad from Chemical Guys.

you still have to wash by hand ,,,but the soap is a lubricant to help prevent swirl marks