Final Verdict: Harbor Freight Foam Cannon & Grant’s Towels — Are They Worth Buying?
After testing the Harbor Freight foam cannon and Grant’s microfiber towels across multiple washes, durability cycles, foam output tests, and side-by-side comparisons, this is the definitive final verdict. Here’s everything you need to know before buying — what’s worth it, what isn’t, and what to upgrade first.
Estimated Reading Time: 14 minutes
Quick Summary: The Final Verdict
- Harbor Freight Foam Cannon: 100% worth it for the price.
- Grant’s Microfiber Towels: Good for interiors & dirty jobs, NOT for paint.
- HF cannon + premium soap = excellent results.
- Cheap towels fail quickly on paint, glass, and coatings.
- Smart upgrade path: Cheap tools → premium chemistry & microfiber.
Best Upgrade Combo: The Super Soaper + Everyday Microfiber Towels
Key Takeaways
- The Harbor Freight foam cannon delivers great foam with the right soap.
- Grant’s towels are not paint-safe — use them only for dirty jobs.
- Cheap tools can perform well when paired with premium chemicals.
- HF foam cannon performs similarly to Amazon budget cannons.
- Microfiber quality matters far more than foam cannon quality.
People Also Ask
- Is the Harbor Freight foam cannon worth buying?
- Are Grant’s microfiber towels safe for cars?
- Can cheap foam cannons make thick foam?
- Should beginners use Harbor Freight tools?
- What should I upgrade first in a cheap detailing setup?
Introduction: The Honest Reality About Harbor Freight Detailing Gear
Harbor Freight is known for selling extremely cheap tools — sometimes surprisingly good, sometimes not. In this review, we tested two of their most popular detailing items:
- Harbor Freight Foam Cannon
- Grant’s Microfiber Towels
Both are inexpensive. Both get the job done. But they perform VERY differently depending on what you’re using them for.
This final verdict breaks down the strengths, weaknesses, and the smartest way to use them in your detailing routine.
1. Harbor Freight Foam Cannon — Final Verdict
The Harbor Freight foam cannon is one of the best-value detailing tools you can buy — especially for under $20.
Strengths:
- Produces thick, usable foam
- Solid bottle design
- Good adjustability
- Compatible with most pressure washers
- Extremely cheap
Weaknesses:
- Not as durable as mid-tier Amazon models
- Occasional nozzle inconsistency
- Foam knob can loosen over time
Foam Output with The Super Soaper:
- Foam thickness: 7/10
- Foam cling: 7/10
- Lubrication: 8/10
Conclusion: The Harbor Freight foam cannon is absolutely worth buying — as long as you pair it with high-quality soap.
2. Grant’s Microfiber Towels — Final Verdict
Grant’s towels from Harbor Freight look decent out of the package — but their performance drops rapidly after washing.
Strengths:
- Very cheap
- Good for interiors
- Great for wheels & jambs
- Useful disposable towels
Weaknesses:
- Not paint-safe
- Stitched edges increase scratch risk
- Low GSM (thin & rough)
- Lints heavily on glass
- Softness collapses after 3–5 washes
Durability After 10 Washes:
- Softness drops to 2/10
- Linting becomes severe
- Edges fray
- Absorbency plummets
Conclusion: Grant’s towels are great for interiors and dirty jobs — terrible for paint.
3. HF Foam Cannon vs Grant’s Towels — What Each Is Best Used For
| Category | Harbor Freight Foam Cannon | Grant’s Microfiber Towels |
|---|---|---|
| Paint Washing | Great | Not Safe |
| Interior Cleaning | Not Applicable | Great |
| Wheels & Tires | Useful for foam | Perfect |
| Durability | Medium | Low |
4. Should You Buy Harbor Freight Foam Cannon?
Buy It If:
- You’re on a budget
- You want thick foam without spending $50+
- You’re using high-quality soap (Super Soaper)
- You wash regularly
Skip It If:
- You want maximum longevity
- You have a high-end pressure washer
- You want the thickest foam possible (mid-tier Amazon cannons win)
5. Should You Buy Grant’s Microfiber Towels?
Buy Them If:
- You need cheap interior towels
- You need towels for wheels
- You want disposable microfiber
- You’re doing greasy or dirty work
Do NOT Buy Them For:
- Washing paint
- Drying paint
- Ceramic coating work
- Polish removal
- Glass cleaning
6. Smart Upgrade Path (Best ROI)
Cheap tools + premium chemistry + premium microfiber is the winning formula.
Upgrade #1: Soap The Super Soaper
Upgrade #2: Wash Media Orange Wash Microfiber Towel
Upgrade #3: Drying Towel Massive Drying Towel
Upgrade #4: Protection Tough As Shell Ceramic Spray
Want the Best Results Using Cheap Tools?
Upgrade your soap and microfiber — not your foam cannon. The biggest performance gains come from chemistry and wash media.
Alternatives
- Orange Wash Microfiber Towel — Best for safe washing
- Massive Drying Towel — Best for drying
- Softer Than Soft Towels — Best for coatings
- Pure Magic Cleaner — Acid-based wheel & tire cleaner
Suggested Next Reads
- Harbor Freight Foam Cannon Review
- Grant’s Microfiber Towels Review
- Are Cheap Microfiber Towels Worth It?
FAQs
Is the Harbor Freight foam cannon worth it?
Yes — it delivers excellent foam for the price when paired with strong soap.
Are Grant’s microfiber towels safe for car paint?
No — they scratch easily and degrade quickly.
What should I upgrade first?
Soap, wash media, and drying towels — the biggest improvements for the lowest cost.
Can cheap towels be used for interiors?
Yes — interiors, wheels, jambs, and engine bays are perfect uses.
Do cheap foam cannons make thick foam?
Yes — especially when using The Super Soaper and proper ratios.
Final Thoughts
The Harbor Freight foam cannon is a legit detailing tool — cheap, effective, and totally worth the purchase. Grant’s towels, on the other hand, are useful but limited. They have their place, but paint is not one of them.
Cheap tools + premium chemistry = amazing detailing performance at the lowest cost.
Upgrade Your Budget Setup With Premium Soap & MF Towels:
https://jimbosdetailing.com/products/the-super-soaper
