pressure washer and foam cannon question

**CwpCasey** · 06-07-2011, 11:48 AM

I want to buy a pressure washer and foam cannon, but does it really speed up the washing process? Also when using this combo to you guys rinse the car, foam it, and rinse gain then dry? Or do you guys go ahead and wash while the car is foamed? Would really like to hear your methods on this one thanks..

**imported_dpkilty** · 06-07-2011, 12:15 PM

I am curious about this as well. I have seen multiple methods used on here and would like to know why. I realize a lot of it is personal preference and/or the situation, but there is always a method to the madness.

**honda2112** · 06-07-2011, 06:37 PM

Mostly, for me, it`s to loosen up (emulsify?) any grime, especially in the wheel wells and lower panels. I always end up 2 bucket washing afterwards in the nicer weather. In the cold weather it does help to speed things up; power spray down, foam, let it dwell, power spray off, re-foam, wipe down. No matter what I do, a good wash usually takes me roughly an hour from start to dry.

**Street Dreams** · 06-07-2011, 06:42 PM

-Pressure wash to blast off as much grime as possible

-Foam and let sit (mist with water to reactivate suds if there stagnate)

-Pressure wash off all foam

-Proceed with regular 2 bucket washing

**imported_glfahlc** · 06-07-2011, 07:06 PM

when i do it ....

power spray with water...

foam, let dwell....

spray off....

re-foam and two bucket wash as fast as possible....

then spray off...

then blow dry with the master blaster

**CarbonCrew** · 06-08-2011, 09:22 AM

Originally Posted by glfahlc

then blow dry with the master blaster

He helps you dry the car? Must be a real PITA with those short arms.

Like the others have said, I used the foamer to loosen grime and strip wax. In the winter I`ll be using it to wash my daily drivers.

**imported_Mr. Gloss** · 06-08-2011, 10:18 AM

It`s a few more steps in the washing process therefore it slows down, not speeds up the process.

**imported_kakeuter** · 06-08-2011, 11:16 AM

All the processes above are great. To your question about it speeding up the process: I think it speeds it up when cleaning wheels and wheel wells, a lot of the crud can be removed by just rinsing (which wouldn`t rinse off with a reg hose), also power rinsing around emblems and body moldings helps get rid of crap that stays behind the emblems if you only use a hose.

The biggest difference I noticed was how much cleaner wheels can get.

-Kody-

**imported_Stokdgs** · 06-08-2011, 04:40 PM

I dont foam anything but use a 2.0gpm 4000psi pressure washer to go over entire care and engine compartment, under hood - carefully - use it on the wheels and wheel wells, and underside as needed, and then wash the vehicle by hand.
Around here where mold grows in every nook and cranny on vehicles that are left outside, the pressure washer is a necessity if you want to do a great detail.

Dan F

**imported_JSFM35X** · 06-08-2011, 04:57 PM

It does not speed up the process but perhaps does a gentler job and will better preserve the flawless finish. If your car has minor defects such as my DD, I dont think it is worth the extra effort.

I would tell you that if you hose has decent pressure and you want to get a 10.00 hd weed and feed type foamer fine.

On the other hand if you have a hightly polished garage queen and you have the coin-why not?

**CwpCasey** · 06-08-2011, 07:00 PM

Well I do detailing as a side thing right now and Im trying to fit more cars into my schedule. I have a foam gun, but Im not real happy with it. I just see youtube videos of guys that do very high end detailing and they all have pressure washers and foam the cars. Thats why I asked if people rinse, foam, rinse and call it a day. Thanks for all the input.