The best way to achieve that car-wash shine without that expensive car-wash price is by using a foam cannon. Also known as a soap gun, a foam cannon automatically mixes car-wash soap with water, ensuring the perfect solution every time for every vehicle. Whether you use a pressure washer or just a standard garden hose, you'll keep your paint and finish free from swirls and scratches caused by rags and sponges, and roll away with a scratch-free shine every time.
While professional detailers invest in expensive pressure washers and filtration systems to use powerful foam cannons, the car-detailing enthusiast can achieve much the same effect with an inexpensive foam cannon. Many of the ones we've selected below are designed for use with your ordinary garden hose—no pressure washer required. If you go this route, you'll probably want to use the right car-wash soap, the three-bucket system, and a microfiber wash mitt to make sure you get all the grime.
If you have a pressure washer, though, you should definitely consider using it and one of the foam cannons below to wash your car. Quick and easy car washes can be achieved with the high-pressure soapy spray, blasting away dirt and debris without ever touching the car yourself.
In the market for a foam cannon? Here are some of our favorites.
1
Chemical Guys Torq Foam Blaster 6
Pros
Not "cheap," but not at all pricey- Use with standard garden hose
Cons
- Some users complain about the threading of the bottle, but most have no problems
We like the Torq because it lets you adjust the soap-to-water ratio, depending on your vehicle's filth factor. And we like that it comes straight from the Chemical Guys, one of our favorite car accessory companies.
2
ProWash Pressure Washer Gun with Soap Foam Blaster
2
ProWash Pressure Washer Gun with Soap Foam Blaster
Pros
- Five tips let you direct the flow of soap
- Great for washing trucks and reaching high places
Cons
- Can't use with standard garden hose
If you prefer to use your pressure washer to wash your car, this foam cannon and spray gun kit from ProWash features a 14mm connector and a selection of tips to control your spray pattern from fine to fan.
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Pros
- Compatible with pressure washers only
- Great for household use as well
Cons
- Pricier than the soap or foam cannon alone
TriNova is one of the most respected names in car-wash and finish products, and we like this foam gun because it comes with a full gallon of TriNova's awesome Car Shampoo & Conditioner.
4
RYOBI Pressure Washer Foam Blaster
Pros
- Works great for household applications
- Comes with a 4-ounce sample bottle of detergent
Cons
- Included detergent isn't ideal for auto paint
Not surprisingly, the bestselling pressure washer at Home Depot comes from one of the top names in power tools. It features a Foam On/Off control lever, and you can easily attach a quarter-inch spray wand if you prefer.
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Pros
- Larger reservoir than most soap guns
- Harbor Freight affordability
Cons
- Some pros don't trust HF for tools, but items like this are fine
Grant's 32-ounce soap reservoir is translucent for an easy view of the soap remaining. The quick-disconnect pistol grip detaches from the reservoir for easy cleaning. And it connects right to your water hose.
6
Chemical Guys Big Mouth Max Release Foam Cannon
6
Chemical Guys Big Mouth Max Release Foam Cannon
Pros
- Extra-large reservoir
- Trusted brand name
Cons
- More firepower than most of us need
If you own a big truck or van, a couple of vehicles that you like to wash all at once, or even if you're a part-time detailer, you need a soap gun that can get the job done fast. For that, you need a blaster with a large reservoir that can spit out plenty of suds in a short time. Hence: the Big Mouth from Chemical Guys.
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Pros
- Five spray settings to control the flow
- Includes trigger lock for constant flow
Cons
- Pros and connoisseurs will want to price up a notch from this soap gun
If you're on a budget—or, like a lot of us, a foam blaster is just one of those items that you refuse to pay a lot of money for—then the Carwash Cannon is perfect for you. It attaches right to your hose.
Jon Langston
Deputy Commerce Editor
Jon Langston is an avid motorcyclist and gear collector whose work has appeared in Men’s Journal, Cycle World, The Drive, Rider, Iron & Air, Motorcyclist, and more.
