How to Use a Foam Cannon — Complete Beginner’s Guide

New to foam cannons? In this complete beginner’s guide, I’ll show you exactly how to use a foam cannon — step by step — and share the best tips for getting thick foam that protects your paint.

Foam cannons are one of the best tools for safe car washing — they create a thick layer of foam that helps loosen and lift dirt before you touch the paint.

They also make washing your car a lot more fun — but only if you set them up the right way and use the right soap.

What You Need to Use a Foam Cannon

Foam cannon attachment (compatible with your pressure washer)
Electric or gas pressure washer (I recommend 1500+ PSI for good foam)
The Super Soaper — BUY HERE or on Amazon
Clean water source

Step 1 — Prep Your Foam Cannon

Start by filling your foam cannon bottle with a mixture of The Super Soaper and water.

Recommended dilution:

4 ounces of The Super Soaper
Fill the rest of the bottle with water

This creates thick, clinging foam that lifts dirt off your paint — without stripping protection.

Step 2 — Rinse the Car

Before applying foam, rinse your car thoroughly with water to knock off loose dirt and cool the surface if it’s hot.

Step 3 — Apply Foam

Now for the fun part — applying foam!

Attach your foam cannon to your pressure washer
Adjust the fan pattern as needed — I like a wide but controlled spray
Foam the car from bottom to top (this gives the foam more dwell time on the lower panels)
Cover the entire vehicle in a thick layer of foam

Pro tip: Let the foam dwell for 3–5 minutes — this loosens and lifts dirt so you can wash safely.

Step 4 — Perform Contact Wash (Optional)

If your car is very dirty, you’ll want to follow the foam with a contact wash using:

Orange Wash Microfiber Towels → BUY HERE
A fresh bucket of soapy water with The Super Soaper

Always wash from top to bottom, using a clean towel face for each panel.

Step 5 — Rinse & Dry

Rinse the car thoroughly — top to bottom
Dry using your Massive Drying Towel → BUY HERE

Why Use The Super Soaper?

Most soaps aren’t designed for foam cannons — they either don’t foam well or strip protection.

The Super Soaper is formulated for:

Extremely thick foam → perfect for pre-wash and contact wash
Safe on waxes, sealants, and ceramic coatings
Lubrication that helps prevent scratching
Awesome smell and cleaning power

BUY THE SUPER SOAPER HERE or on Amazon

Pro Tips for Foam Cannon Washing

Use a dedicated foam cannon — don’t use household sprayers
Adjust soap dilution based on your water and foam cannon setup
Foam the car in the shade if possible for longer dwell time
Wash the lower panels last if doing a contact wash

More Foam Cannon & Pre-Wash Guides

Final Thoughts

Now you know exactly how to use a foam cannon the right way.

Foam cannons make washing your car safer, more effective, and a lot more fun — especially when you use the right soap like The Super Soaper.

Try this process on your next wash — you’ll never go back to just buckets again. Happy detailing!