Many car enthusiasts enjoy washing their cars by hand. It's a relaxing and therapeutic experience that allows you to take your time and admire your car in detail. There are many types of wash tools available on the market, but a foam gun is one of the most effective ways to clean your car. This blog post will show you how to use a foam gun to wash your car. Stay tuned!
There are a few reasons to use a car wash foam gun:
- The gun's foam helps lift and trap dirt and debris, making it easier to scrub off.
- The foaming bubbles act as a lubricant, making it easier to move the sponge or cloth across the car's surface.
- The soap used in a car wash foam gun is typically more concentrated than what you would find in a bottle of car wash soap, so it does a better job of cleaning your vehicle.
- Using a foam gun helps keep your hands clean while you're washing your car.
How to Use Car Wash Foam Gun? [7 Steps]
1) Inspect foam gun.
A car wash foam gun is a tool used for spraying soap suds onto cars before they are washed. The average pressure of an automatic car wash system is between 500 and 1200 pounds per square inch, which means that the water will spray at speeds more than 50 miles an hour no matter which nozzle you use. So to prevent injury, it is important to use a foam gun designed specifically for the high-pressure application. While the mechanics of this gun are fairly straightforward - there's typically just a trigger that moves air through your chosen nozzle and into the soap sprayer - you'll want to inspect its condition before getting started. Foam guns with leaks will make cleanup more difficult, so look for cracks and other damage.
2) Select the nozzle that you want to use.
The standard car foam gun comes with three or four different nozzles, each of which sprays suds onto your vehicle at a slightly different angle. The one you choose will depend on how dirty your car is and where it is in the wash cycle. Use the smallest, most concentrated spray to apply soapy water directly to small or hard-to-reach places, such as inside door panels, wheels, and tires. For larger surfaces, use a slightly wider spray pattern that will leave the foam in your car's nooks and crannies without completely soaking the exterior of the car.
3) Position your car correctly.
When using a foam gun, you need to ensure that the spray reaches every surface of your vehicle without creating an overabundance of soapy water. Depending on which method produces the best results for you, you can do this by either driving backward or forwards through the washing station. If you choose to drive back through the wash, ensure that you remove your front license plate and any exterior attachments (which will also protect them from getting completely soaked).
4) Adjust the angle that the gun is pointed at the car.
While automotive experts recommend holding a car foam sprayer level with the ground when washing an entire vehicle, this isn't always possible if you're using a foam gun. If you can't properly aim the spray while standing on the ground, try holding it higher up against the vehicle to reach all of your car's surfaces.
5) Add more detergent to compensate for running water.
If your pressure-washing system is constantly recycling and reusing water, some soapy water will inevitably escape the system and onto the ground. If this occurs, add extra soap to compensate and ensure that you're applying enough to do a thorough job.
6) Turn off the foam gun when you're done using it.
Most car wash foam guns have an on/off switch at one end or another, meaning that you can turn it off between surfaces to save soap when you're only applying the foam in certain spaces. If your gun doesn't have any nozzle selector, then turn it off before putting away to prevent damage and wear and tear.
7) Use a car wash mitt for tough-to-reach places.
If you need an even deeper clean, you can use a car wash mitt to reach into every surface of your vehicle. This will help remove any stubborn dirt lurking in hard-to-reach places like underneath wheel wells and inside door panels.
Watch this video on how to use a foam gun to wash your car:
Can you use any soap in a foam gun?
Yes, you can use any soap in a foam gun. It's important to use a soap that is designed to produce a lot of bubbles, however, because you want the soapy water to be thick enough to produce foam. Low-quality soaps will not produce enough bubbles, and the result will be a soft foam that doesn't really clean your car very well.
That being said, I recommend using a high-quality car detailing soap in your foam gun. Not only will it produce more bubbles, but it will also help remove dirt and grime from your car's surface. I've been using Meguiar's Gold Class Car Wash Soap for years, and it works great in my foam gun.
What PSI is safe for washing cars?
There's no definitive answer to this question since there are a lot of variables that can affect how much pressure is needed to clean a car effectively. That said, most sources seem to agree that starting with a pressure of around 1000 PSI should be more than enough for the average car wash. Anything higher than that could potentially damage the car's paint or clear coat finish.
Is foam wash good for the car?
There's no definitive answer, as it depends on what type of foam wash you're using and your car's specific needs. However, many people find that foam washes are great for getting their cars clean because they help lift away dirt and grime.
That said, it's important to choose a good foam wash that won't damage your paint job or a wax finish. Many people recommend Meguiar's NXT Generation Car Wash, a non-abrasive formula that gently cleans and shines your car's paint.
Related: How Long Does Plasti Dip Last?
Final Words
So, there you have it! Our complete guide on how to wash your car with a foam gun. As you can see, the process is simple – be sure to follow all of the steps and take your time. And if you're looking for even more car washing tips, be sure to check out our other posts on the topic. Thanks for reading!