What Is A Foam Cannon?

What is a foam cannon? Its cheery name makes it sound like a fun toy, but it’s a useful tool that can help you wash your car more quickly and efficiently.

Let’s see what this useful device has to offer.

A black car being sprayed with snow foam using a foam cannon

WHAT IS A FOAM CANNON USED FOR?

When you’re washing your car at home, soap plays a big role in helping you get rid of grime. A heavy layer applied over every inch of the car’s exterior will help to ensure that you get the maximum amount of cleaning power for your efforts. Getting this type of coverage can normally be tedious and labor-intensive, but that’s where a foam cannon comes in.

HOW DOES A FOAM CANNON WORK?

A foam cannon is designed to be used with a pressure washer. It mixes soap, water, and air under high pressure to generate a rich, sudsy mixture. Once this mixture is created, the foam cannon throws a thick stream of liquid that attacks and dislodges stubborn buildup.

Once the foam cannon has applied soap to the vehicle, it’s best to let the mixture sit on the car for a couple of minutes. This gives it a chance to soak in and loosen dirt and grime. After that, use a car mitt to gently scrub away any dirt that remains.

A black car with thick snow foam dripping off the front bumper A black car covered in foam being scrubbed with a wash mitt

FOAM CANNON VS. FOAM GUN

A foam cannon and a foam gun work in similar ways. However, a foam cannon is meant to be used with a pressure washer, while a foam gun is used with a standard garden hose.

Car wash soap being poured into car wash cannon Car wash gun next to its product packaging on the grass with a black car covered in foam in the background

IS A FOAM CANNON RIGHT FOR YOU?

To determine whether a foam cannon is right for you, it’s important to get a sense of the benefits it provides.

Usually, your only option for removing heavy dirt buildup on your car is firm scouring. This can be effective, but it typically involves a fair amount of scrubbing, which can be physically taxing. Also, with heavy scrubbing, there’s a risk that you’ll damage the car’s paint.

A foam cannon, on the other hand, uses pressure and foam to loosen dirt. This minimizes the need for scrubbing, which means less physical work for you. And since you’re scrubbing the car less than you otherwise would, there’s less risk of paint damage.

If you like the idea of washing your car with minimal scrubbing and less risk of creating swirls on the paint, you’ll likely regard a foam cannon as essential equipment.

A black car being washed and sprayed with a foam cannon covering it in white foam

HOW TO CHOOSE A FOAM CANNON

Consider the range of adjustments offered when choosing a foam cannon. For example, some models offer adjustments that allow you to regulate the spray pattern, which can be useful for cleaning your car quickly and thoroughly.

A black car being sprayed with a car wash gun and covering it in white foam

FOAM CANNON ACCESSORIES

To support your foam cannon or foam gun, you’ll need a car wash soap that’s safe for clear coats. You’ll also need a car wash mitt for gently removing suds and dirt once the soap has been applied. Look for one with soft microfibres.

A foam cannon can make your next car wash easier and more enjoyable, helping you keep your car looking its best.

Snow Foam Car Wash


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Wash Mitt


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Check out all the car care products available on NAPA Canada. For more information on foam cannons, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your local NAPA AUTO PARTS store.

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