To make foam using a pressure washer, you typically need to use a specialized accessory called a foam cannon or foam lance. This device connects to your pressure washer and mixes the detergent solution with water and air at high pressure to create a thick, clinging foam.
Essential Components
- Pressure Washer: The main power source.
- Foam Cannon (or Foam Lance): The accessory that creates the foam. It usually has a reservoir for the soap solution and an adjustable nozzle.
- Pressure Washer Adapter: Often included with the foam cannon, this piece allows the foam cannon to connect securely to your specific pressure washer wand or gun.
- Car Wash Soap designed for Foam Cannons: Standard car wash soap or specific foaming soaps work best.
The Process
Making foam is straightforward once you have the right equipment. Here's a breakdown of the steps:
- Prepare the Soap Solution:
- Fill the reservoir of your foam cannon with water according to the soap manufacturer's instructions.
- Add the recommended amount of car wash soap to the reservoir.
- Securely attach the reservoir cap.
- Connect the Foam Cannon:
- Take the adapter for your foam cannon. As mentioned in the reference from the YouTube video "How To Use a Foam Cannon," you would "Slide it onto the pressure washer". This adapter helps the foam cannon "hook into" the pressure washer.
- Attach the foam cannon securely to the end of your pressure washer wand or gun using the adapter. Ensure it is locked into "Place".
- Use the Pressure Washer:
- Ensure your pressure washer is connected to a water source and is running (the reference notes "pressure washer's already on").
- Aim the foam cannon at the surface you wish to clean.
- Pull the trigger on the pressure washer gun. The pressurized water will mix with the soap solution in the foam cannon and the air, producing a stream of foam.
- "we should be ready to start shooting the foam" as soon as the connection is made and the pressure washer is on.
Why Use Foam?
Applying soap as thick foam offers several benefits:
- Increased Contact Time: The foam clings to the surface, allowing the cleaning agents more time to break down dirt and grime.
- Gentle Cleaning: The foam encapsulates dirt particles, lifting them away from the surface and reducing the risk of scratching during the wash process.
- Improved Coverage: Foam ensures even application across the entire surface.
By following these steps, primarily utilizing a foam cannon attached to your pressure washer as shown in the referenced process of sliding the adapter onto the washer to ready it for shooting foam, you can easily create thick, effective foam for cleaning.
