Skip to Content

Why Would You Want a Foam Cannon for Your Vehicle?

When you take pride in your vehicle’s appearance, a foam cannon is an essential item to consider. Having one on hand can help you keep your automobile looking as good as new.

Many drivers don’t realize that they’re taking a serious gamble whenever they drive through a local car wash. These produce inconsistent results and can cause damage to your auto or RV.

Today, we’re scrubbing away the dirt to reveal the truth about why a foam cannon is a much better option.

Let’s get started!

A man washing a car using a bucket and sponge instead of a foam cannon
Tired of all that extra work using a bucket to wash your car? Keep reading!

What Is a Foam Cannon?

A foam cannon is a specialty tool commonly used by auto detailers and those who enjoy a clean vehicle. It attaches to a pressure washer and creates a thick, frothy mixture. It enhances the effectiveness of soaps and detergents to keep your vehicle sparkling.

Most use these attachments as a pre-treatment for cleaning surfaces. Additionally, soap is a lubricant to help remove dirt, debris, and contaminants. 

While typically used by professionals, hobbyists and amateurs use them too. 

You can generally find them online and in automotive stores for around $50 to $100. However, the results they deliver are worth every penny.

The Benefits of Using One

There’s nothing worse than finishing up the job and realizing you forgot a section. Luckily, using these tools means you no longer have to worry about making this mistake.

Using a foam cannon to clean automobiles can be beneficial. For starters, the thicker detergent and shampoo mixtures make it easier to avoid missing a spot. 

Another benefit is that you don’t have to worry about diluted lather. Those who wash the old-fashioned way, with a bucket and sponge, still deal with this. These devices ensure you get full-strength cleaner directly onto the surface of your vehicle.

Letting the soap sit can loosen dirt, road debris, and bug guts stuck to the surface. 

Once the car has soaked for a few minutes, you can scrub off the grime and use the pressure washer to wash the suds and gunk away.

One of the most significant advantages of these attachments is the time you’ll save. You can quickly and easily lather up large areas in seconds. They also allow you to stop lugging around a heavy bucket of water. 

Dive into the details: 10 Tips for DIY Auto Detailing.

Are There Any Disadvantages?

Even though these tools deliver premium results, there are some disadvantages. One of the most significant disadvantages is that it requires a pressure washer. 

If you don’t already have one, they typically cost a few hundred dollars. However, it may be hard to justify it for only keeping your cars clean.

Another disadvantage is that it’ll require you to use more water. While the amount of water depends on the size of your vehicle, it’ll likely be more than the traditional bucket method uses. The more water you use, the larger the mess you’ll create. 

Depending on where you’re washing your car or RV, this may create environmental impact issues.

Need to buy a pressure washer? 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Pressure Washer.

How To Choose the Best Soap

It’s true that having a quality foam cannon is important. But it’s also essential that you choose your soap wisely. Some are better than others at removing the contaminants. 

When selecting a product, look for a pH-balanced soap. These are free of harsh chemicals that can eat away at the protective layers of your paint. However, one of the most essential things to check is that it’s specifically formulated for these spray guns.

While you can use any detergent, you won’t get the same results as those designed for these devices. Ideally, you want a car maintenance shampoo. These are great for your vehicle’s plastic, rubber, metal, and glass surfaces.

A man washing a car with a foam cannon
Foam cannons make washing your car easier and faster

What Are the Best Foam Cannons?

If you’re investing in a foam cannon, get one powerful enough to do the job. Here are a few excellent options that are worth considering.

Chemical Guys Big Mouth Max Release

The Big Mouth from Chemical Guys shoots a massive stream of detergent. The thick suds are like shaving cream. Use the quick release to switch between attachments and save time. In addition, the easy-adjust knob gives you complete control over the mix.

The nozzle can withstand 800 to 3,500 PSI and has a two-gallon per minute flow rate. Plus, an ergonomic design makes it easy to do multiple jobs without discomfort. 

Whether you have a couple of cars or an entire fleet, you can keep them looking like new with Chemical Guys’ Big Mouth.

Price Check: Big Mouth Max Release

MTM Hydro PF22.2 Foam Cannon

The MTM Hydro PF22.2 Foam Cannon has a one-liter reservoir. This is enough to tackle the most challenging jobs. It came out in 2017 and is considered one of the best in the industry by experts. It has adjustable fan blades and a two-stage nozzle to get the perfect stream. 

Another fantastic feature is the chemical injection knob. It allows you to add as much or as little soap as needed. Once you dial it in, it creates a very thick solution. The cleaner can sit on your vehicle and maximize your results. 

It requires a minimum of 1,100 PSI and a maximum of 5,000 PSI. Thus, you’ll need 1.4 to 5.3 gallons per minute for best results. 

Everything you need to connect it to your pressure washer comes in the box. You’ll be up and running in no time.

Price Check: MTM Hydro PF22.2

Adam’s Premium Foam Cannon

The Adam’s Premium Foam Cannon is a more budget-friendly option. However, don’t let its cheaper price tag fool you. This is a high-quality attachment that can get the job done. 

Fill the 35-ounce canister with your preferred liquid or attach an Adam’s branded container directly to it.

Its adjustable fan angle allows you to spray vertically and horizontally. It has a flow rate of 1.3 to 5.3 gallons per minute. It can run off pressure washers pumping 870 to 3190 PSI, which is enough to keep your car squeaky clean.

Price Check: Adam’s Premium Foam Cannon

A Foam Cannon Makes A Clean Car A Breeze

Keeping your vehicle or RV looking perfect is a challenging task. But a foam cannon can make the job easier. Stop working harder and work smarter. These valuable attachments can help you avoid getting an arm workout whenever you want to wash your car. 

Foam cannons are a go-to tool for the easiest solution to a squeaky-clean ride.

Discover the Best Free Camping Across the USA

To be honest with you, we hate paying for camping. There are so many free campsites in America (with complete privacy).

You should give it a try!

As a matter of fact, these free campsites are yours. Every time you pay federal taxes, you’re contributing to these lands.

Become a FREE CAMPING INSIDER and join the 100,000 campers who love to score the best site! 

We’ll send you the 50 Best Free Campsites in the USA (one per state). Access the list by submitting your email below: