Snow foam is a great and effective way to deep clean your car.
It breaks down dirt and oils and I'm not sure there is a more effective form of pre-washing when it comes to keeping your car shiny.
But which pressure washer should you get to give you that magical cleaning power?
There are plenty of options out there, so I've personally tested, reviewed and compared the best options available in the UK so you don't have to. I've linked each one via Amazon so you can order yours today, but many of them are also available fromHalfordstheB&Q.
The Paxcess pressure washer is everything you want from a pressure washer if you want to clean your car. It has good power at 135 bar, but not so much that it will damage your paintwork in any way.
The snow foam lance is easy to attach and set up, and while I wish it came with some detergent, you can buy your own easily enough (polar blast is a great option if you come across it).
You'll also love the quick-connect nozzles that adjust the angle of the spray, giving you from a tight jet for stubborn dirt to a wide jet for general cleaning and soap removal. Nothing beats trying to wash away soap scum with a narrow jet, so this is very handy.
You get an 8m hose and an 8m power cord with it which for most people allows them to easily run it from their house. But even if you need an extension cord, the machine itself is lightweight and on wheels so you can move it around easily.
In total,If you are interested in a thorough car cleaning and need a snow foam cannon, the Paxcess is the pressure washer for you.
2. Runner Up – Pro-Kleen 1600W Jet Washer with Snow Foam & Detergent
Power:1600W/135 bar
Advantages
- Comes with detergent and cloth
- Great for details
- Durably constructed with aluminum components that will not rust
Disadvantages
- The pipe could be longer than 5 meters
This is the pressure washer you have ready for car washing, it has the snow foam adapter as well as 5 liters of detergent so you can unpack it and start cleaning. Plus you get some microfiber cloths for a deeper polish and finish.
You get similar cleaning power to the Paxcess above with the same pressure, a little less electrical power, but you also have 3 meters less hose.
Now, this can be good or bad.
If your hose is close to your car, it's great because you have less hose to arrange and store and less chance of kinks. But for many people, this is not enough and you will have to get an extra tube to cover the distance. That's what put it in second place.
It's an easy fix and I love the unpack and go approach you can take with it, giving you effective cleaning power in the most convenient way possible.
3. Best Karcher – Kärcher K3 Home Pressure Washer
Power:120 bar
Advantages
- Integrated detergent tank
- Trusted brand
- 6m pipe
- Many accessories available
- Includes patio cleaner
Disadvantages
- Snow lance sold separately
- Car wash not included
I couldn't find a snow foam set as part of a karcher deal, the FJ6 foam nozzle is always sold separately,and sold here on Amazon.
But this German engineering is hard to beat and combine the FJ6 part with the power and price of the K3 and you're on to a winner! I went for the K3 because it has good power, but not so much that you risk accidentally damaging the paint or tires.
Plus you get the Vario lance which adds cleaning power by spinning the water as it exits the lance adding agitation to the mix and providing a deeper, more thorough clean.
The K4 also comes with patio cleaner and patio cleaning detergent for a total package that's as effective as a home pressure washer. As the name suggests…
You can trust a Karcher and this is the best choice when it comes to using a snow foam attachment.
4. Budget Choice – Wilks-USA RX510 Pressure Washer
Power:1800W/145 bar
Advantages
- Snow foam included
- Includes patio cleaner and brush
- Under £100
Disadvantages
- Shorter pipe length 5m
- Do not use a brush in your car
Wilks USA is probably best known for themgasoline pressure washerbut their electric does a great job too, and it's a great price to match.
What's disappointing, apart from the shorter length of the tube similar to the Pro Clean, is that the brush attachment doesn't do well with cars. If you are very careful and kind and only use it in your car, it is fine. But if you use it on your patio, wash it off, and then use it on your car, you're likely to get it covered in scratches.
But the snow lance works well to get a solid coverage of soap and the regular lance gun works really well at washing them off again.
So as with anything on a budget you get what you pay for so if you can I would spend a bit more and get the Paxcess, you get a better pressure washer and a better clean.
5. Best Multi-Purpose – Power Pressure Washer with Patio Cleaner
Power: 1650W/135Bar
Advantages
- Pipe length 9.7 meters
- Lots of accessories
- Includes swivel cord for extra cleaning power
Disadvantages
- The hose connector is not the best
- It feels a little weak
Now if you read this is a steam pressure washer then you did exactly what I did! The brand is Stream and they have made a great multi-purpose pressure washer.
He has the bottle of snow foam, which of course is why we're all here. It has a nice long hose that you will enjoy and of course, you have all the accessories needed to clean the house. A patio cleaner, a brush, the snow foam, a lance, a rotating head for extra cleaning power and the jet stream for super stubborn dirt.
If you're after something multipurpose, then this is just the ticket for you.
The only problem is that many people report that the hose connector has a tendency to pop. Not something I experienced, but as one reviewer says, you can easily fix this with some PTFE tape that will hold it in place better.
It would be nice if things just worked, but when you're spending less than £200 on a pressure washer, you just have to roll with the punches.
Snow Foam Pressure Washer Buyer's Guide
If you don't like any of the recommendations I made, then fair enough! I won't hold it against you and I still want you to find the right one that you need, so here are some general considerations for buying a snow foam pressure washer.
It comes with the attachment
First of all, does the pressure washer you are looking at come with a snow foam gun? It's not a standard accessory and if it doesn't come with one, you'll need to purchase it separately.
Obviously…
But what's not obvious is that you'll want to check if this brand makes their own or if you're going to need to buy a third-party attachment.
And if you prefer a different brand, then you'll want to make sure it connects. Some pressure washer models have a Karcher attachment so you can attach Karcher accessories for example. Something to think about for sure.
What other attachments do you need?
If you just plan to use the pressure washer to wash your car, then you can use the snow gun. Other than that, you'll just use the normal lance attachment to wash and clean the car.
But you might consider some microfiber cloths or possibly a buffing mitt to help get that extra shine to the finish.
If you want a more general purpose pressure washer, you might consider something for cleaning your porch, maybe some other type of brush for scrubbing work or windows.
You can buy most of these separately but if you like attachments then Karcher is the way to go, they have the biggest range of them.
F.A.Q
Should you pressure wash before foaming snow?
Yes, it's a good idea to get the car wet before you snow foam, and a good idea to remove any hard bits of dirt that may be on it. Give the car a good spray and worst then go in with the snow foam for a deeper clean.
Washing off the snow foam?
You definitely want to wash off the snow foam right away so you don't have streaks left over afterwards. I guess you could hope it rains, but that's probably not a good idea…
Do you need to scrub after using a foam cannon?
No, the foam cannon removes much more dirt than regular soap, so generally no scrubbing is required. If you wanted to, you could rub it but you really don't need to.
What PSI is safe for car washing?
You generally want to keep it at or below 2000 PSI which is about 137 Bar, which you'll notice is right around the power of all the pressure washers I've talked about here!
Final thoughts
This covers just about everything you could hope to know about buying a pressure washer with a snow foam gun attachment.
Bet you didn't know there were so many!
And luckily the next fun step is to hold it in your hands and clean your car. Because using a snow gun is surprisingly rewarding. I'm sure there are women who love to use them, but I know it satisfies my husband's brain by covering my car nicely in foam.
FAQs
What is the best PSI for snow foam? ›
SNOW FOAM TOP TIPS
Water Supply – The pressure washer should be rated 1,800 psi to 3,200 psi and at least 1.75 gpm flow for optimal foam production and application. If the water supply is insufficient, it can starve the pressure washer, resulting in poor snow foam production. Be sure the supply hose isn't kinked.
The best pressure washer to use with a foam cannon to clean your car is the 1122TST from Kranzle. Why? Because it has the perfect combination of flow and pressure for car cleaning and snow foaming. Compared to other electric pressure washers, this one from Kranzle is high flow and perfect for foam cannon use.
What is the best PSI and GPM for a foam cannon? ›Experts agree that a 1,100 PSI is a good starting point when working with foam cannons. Most foam cannons generally require a min of 1,100 PSI and 1.5 GPM (gallons per minute), though higher-performance foam cannons will require a minimum of 1,500 PSI and 2 GPM.
What PSI pressure washer do professionals use? ›3,000 - 6,900 PSI: These high pressure models are what professional pressure washers and contractors usually use. They are commonly used in commercial and industrial settings, and can run on either gas or diesel.
What is the best ratio for thick snow foam? ›You should use a (roughly) 3:1 mix of water and Snow Foam, with three parts of water for every one part of foam liquid. The exact quantities can vary, as the thickness of the foam can be affected by the settings of your lance as well as water hardness. Which leads into our next tip…
Is it better to have higher or lower PSI in snow? ›Reducing air pressure will not give you more traction and your tires could become seriously underinflated, affecting steering. Keep in mind that every time the outside temperature drops 10 degrees, the tire air pressure goes down about one pound per square inch.
Who makes the best soap cannon? ›- Scuddles Foam Cannon : Best Overall.
- SwiftJet Car Wash Foam Gun Sprayer : Easiest to Use.
- MTM Hydro Foam Cannon : Most Durable Option.
- Chemical Guys Torq Foam Blaster 6 : Best For Light Use.
- DUSICHIN DUS-018 Foam Cannon Lance : Best Foam Cannon Accessory.
A Foam Cannon uses an electric or gas pressure washer, but a Foam Gun uses a regular water hose, which is the only major difference between the two devices. The water stream produced by pressure washers is much stronger.
How many GPM do I need for a foam cannon? ›Most foam lances require a minimum of ~2 gallons per minute (GPM), but the more basic (and affordable) electric pressure washers are generally around 1.2-1.6 GPM, well below the 2 GPM minimum.
How much PSI do you need for a foam cannon? ›A pressure washer with sufficient volume and pressure – Foam cannons generally require a minimum of 1100 PSI and 1.5 GPM output, though higher quality and performance foam cannons will usually require 1500 PSI minimum with 2 GPM output, typically the maximum PSI will be around 5000 PSI and 5 GPM but this can vary ...
What size orifice is best for foam cannon? ›
If your foam lance (foam cannon) works fine with your pressure washer, then there is no reason to replace the nozzle screw. A 1.1mm orifice is recommended for most under 110Bar pressure washers.
How do you get thick suds foam cannon? ›Your foam cannon uses advanced technology to mix the perfect mixture of air, water, and soap to shoot thick foam. Use warm water to help aerate the soap and water mixture, so you can effortlessly shoot thick suds. Don't violently shake the solution once you've diluted the soap into your canister.
Is 4000 PSI too much for cleaning concrete? ›Our recommendation ranges from as low as 3,000 PSI to as high as 4,000 PSI.
What size pressure washer do professionals use? ›Typically commercial pressure washers deliver 4 to 6 gpm. Consumer pressure washers typically deliver 1.5 to 4 gpm. PSI (pressure) is determined by orifice size and flow rate (gallons per minute). The nozzle size standard is that a #4 orifice delivers 0.4 gpm at 40 psi and 4.0 gpm at 4,000 psi.
Can snow foam be too thick? ›When snow foam is too thick, it won't do its cleaning job effectively. In the end, the snow foam will only settle on the dirt on your car. The same goes for a heavier dilution ratio.
Why is my snow foam not very foamy? ›If it's too far away from your water source, or if your water source isn't putting out water at a high enough pressure, your washer will have a hard time generating the water pressure needed for thick snow foam. If the pressure isn't high enough, your snow foam won't be agitated into that thick, clingy foam.
Why is my snow foam not foamy? ›Your pressure washer does not have enough PSI or water flow.
If your machine is under this, you may need to add more Snow Job foam wash to compensate for it.
In fact, properly inflated tires with adequate tread depth provide the best traction in winter weather. Over-inflated tires can lead to losing traction and control on icy roads, increasing the risk of a car accident. Overinflation can also lead to uneven tread wear and potential tire damage.
Should PSI be higher in front or back? ›Tyre pressures are normally higher in the front than the rear, to compensate for the extra weight of the engine and transmission, especially on front-wheel-drive cars.
What is ideal PSI cold weather? ›“Recommended cold tire pressure is in vehicle manual and on tire label. It's usually 30 psi for small, 36 psi for medium, and 42 psi for large car.”
Are foam cannons worth it? ›
If you do have a pressure washer and don't mind a little extra setup time each wash, then the Foam Cannon is going to perform best and offer the most amount of safety when washing. Either option is better than none though, so you can't go wrong with either a Foam Cannon or a Foam Gun!
Why do detailers use foam cannon? ›With a dedicated Foam Cannon soap your car wash process is both quicker and more effective. The specially designed cleaners work to loosen and remove contaminants before you wash, so there is both less time and effort needed to clean your vehicle than before.
How do I choose a foam cannon? ›Choose a high quality foam cannon that can produce thick suds with both electric and gas pressure washers. Make sure the bottle is not opaque so that you can see the amount of soap solution that remains. The bottle should also have volume measurements on the side so that you can dilute the soap solution properly.
Do you scrub after foam cannon? ›Using a pressure washer and a foam cannon can greatly speed up your car wash process. You can even just use foam soap and a pressure washer to clean lightly soiled vehicles, without any scrubbing with a wash mitt.
Do you mix soap and water in foam cannon? ›Mix 1 – 3oz of your favorite Chemical Guys soap and water into the canister of the foam cannon. We always use warm water because it helps the aerate mixture better. Reattach the canister to the head of the foam cannon.
What pressure washer do Chemical Guys use? ›ProFlow PM2000 Performance Electric Pressure Washer | Chemical Guys.
Do foam cannons use a lot of soap? ›Foam cannons use quite a bit of soap if you want thick, foamy suds. You'll find you're going through your bottle of soap much quicker if you're foaming your car often. What is this? Obviously, adding an extra step in your wash process will add more time as well.
How long do you leave snow foam on car? ›Spray the Snow Foam directly on to the vehicle without pre-rinsing it – Snow Foam works best when used on a dry surface. Spray it all over the vehicle bodywork and allow it to dwell for about 3-4 minutes – you will see the foam start to change colour as the dirt is lifted away from the surface of the paintwork.
Do you need special soap for a foam cannon? ›Foam Cannon Soaps
Although there are a number of car wash soaps on the market specifically formulated for use with foam cannons (Griot's Garage Foaming Surface Wash & Tornador Sudsy are both great) reality is most good quality car wash soaps will work quite well in a foamer.
If you're looking for the best foam cannon soap that delivers extra thick suds, Platinum Wash is what you're looking for. Besides producing the thickest foam, this concentrated detailing soap is packed with neutral pH cleaning power.
How far will a foam cannon spray? ›
The MTM Hydro foam cannon sprays foam up to 20 feet either vertically or horizontally onto your vehicle, RV, boat, house, sidewalk, etc. It features adjustable fan blades and an easy-to-grip bottle. You can increase or decrease the foam output using the knob on top.
Why is my foam cannon not foaming well? ›Fixing a foam cannon that's no longer working properly is more than likely a simple issue. Most of the time, watery foam will be caused by a clogged pickup tube, incorrect soap mixture/setting, or using the wrong soap. If it's never worked well, your pressure washer might not have enough GPM or PSI.
Why use 5000 PSI concrete? ›5,000 PSI. Used in special construction applications, including some large-scale commercial and industrial properties, 5,000 PSI can withstand heavy impact and extreme wear and tear.
When should I use 5000 PSI concrete? ›Concrete footings and slabs on grade typically require a concrete of 3,500 to 4,000 psi. Suspended slabs, beams, and girders (as often found in bridges) require 3,500 to 5,000 psi. Traditional concrete walls and columns tend to range from 3,000 to 5,000 psi, while 4,000 to 5,000 psi is needed for pavement.
What is the best PSI to clean a driveway? ›You need a high-quality pressure washer that can deliver about 3,000 pounds per square inch (PSI). The higher the PSI, the faster and more effectively you can clean your driveway.
Can a pressure washer be too strong? ›If you buy a pressure washer that puts out too low of pressure, you end up cleaning inefficiently. But if you buy an overtly powerful pressure washer—too powerful for your particular project—you could end up damaging your property.
What size pressure washer for 2 story house? ›If you need to clean a two-story house, you'll need a heavy-duty or extra heavy-duty pressure washer. This will give you a water pressure of 2,800 PSI (Pounds Per Square Inch) or higher and three to four GPM (gallons per minute) of water.
What PSI do professional power washers use? ›3,000 - 6,900 PSI: These high pressure models are what professional pressure washers and contractors usually use. They are commonly used in commercial and industrial settings, and can run on either gas or diesel.
What GPM is best for pressure washer? ›The Bottom Line
If you're still wondering what the best combination is, we recommend starting with something in the 3000 – 3500 PSI/2.0 – 2.5 GPM range. These pressure washers are good for most homeowners, as they tend to work very efficiently and are still affordable.
Concrete cleaning calls for powerful pressure washers featuring high pressure levels of 3000 PSI. However, if you will be using the power cleaner to maintain a range of surfaces in addition to concrete, choose one with adjustable pressure levels and set it to about 3000 PSI when you need to clean concrete.
What is the best snow foam dilution? ›
Perhaps the most critical aspect of a snow foam is the dilution ratio. Whether it's coloured snow foam or not, you don't want to make the mistake of using an overly concentrated mixture. Most professionals will advise you to mix snow foam and water in a 1:10 ratio.
Should you pressure wash before snow foam? ›We always recommend spraying snow foam onto a wet car. This way you can get most of the top layer of dirt off the car before the foaming starts. So fire up the pressure washer and give your motor a quick rinsing down.
Do you use snow foam before or after rinse? ›The short answer is that snow foam is a pre-wash that you spray on your car before your 'proper' car wash. This helps loosen dirt, grime and traffic film so you can rinse most of it off, meaning using your car shampoo becomes much easier and more effective.
Should you agitate snow foam? ›Snow foam needs to be applied with a pressure washer and requires a special lance. The lance is important because it agitates the snow foam liquid, mixing it with water, and creates the thick foam that you need.
How long do you leave snow foam on? ›You simply spray the car until it's coated in foam, leave it for five-minutes (not in direct sunlight), then return to rinse it all off with the regular lance back on your pressure washer. During those five minutes, the foam should lift off the nastiest bits of dirt, taking the grime with it when it's power-washed off.
Do you sponge after snow foam? ›Snow foam needs to be sprayed onto your car and left to settle on its paintwork. You shouldn't try and wipe off snow foam with a cloth or wash mitt as it doesn't have any ingredients to help it slide over the car's paintwork, which can lead to swirls or scratches.
What is the minimum PSI for a foam cannon? ›A pressure washer with sufficient volume and pressure – Foam cannons generally require a minimum of 1100 PSI and 1.5 GPM output, though higher quality and performance foam cannons will usually require 1500 PSI minimum with 2 GPM output, typically the maximum PSI will be around 5000 PSI and 5 GPM but this can vary ...
What do you use after snow foam? ›The formula in snow foam will immediately encapsulate small particles of dirt so the contaminants will simply run off the vehicle. But don't forget that snow foam is only a pre-cleaner. You will still need to wash your vehicle with water and car shampoo after rinsing off the snow foam.
Do you pressure wash or foam first? ›Simply rinse your car from top to bottom with your pressure washer, then, proceed to foaming your car.