The foam cannon car wash method has been on the verge for the past decade, but some car owners still prefer the old and conventional two-bucket methods. There is no doubt that foam cannon is the fastest and most satisfying way to make your vehicle sparkling clean, but two bucket methods also have benefits that foam cannon does not.
So if you are perplexed about using mitts and brushes or brushless car washing solutions, look no further than our detailed comparison of foam cannon vs. two buckets. By the end of this article, you will understand which one is best for you and your vehicle:
What is Foam Cannon?
A foam cannon or foam gun is a pressure washer with a spray nozzle, trigger, and canister (for pouring the car shampoo). You can attach it to a garden hose. And upon pressing the trigger, the water merges with the detergent or shampoo in the canister to be sprayed on the car.
Here is a video explaining how to foam cannon your car:
Why to Use Foam Cannon?
Below are the good points of using a foam cannon for your car wash:
● No abrasion
One of the best aspects of the foam cannon is its brushless method. It implies that it does not run the risk of hard particles accidentally rubbing against the car paint and causing scratches or other damage.
However, when using foam cannons, be mindful of keeping a secure space between the nozzle and the car panels. In addition, you should also not exceed the 2000 psi pressure of the washer as it will lead to paint chipping off.
● Speedy Method
If you are considering a quick and convenient car wash, the foam cannon is the one. You can pour the car wash detergent, start frothing over your car and rinse it for a sparkly clean surface. But don’t forget to use the gry towel or mitt after rinsing the car.
Short Comings of a Foam Cannon?
While many of you might prefer the foam cannon, here is why you should not go for it:
● Does Not Clean Enough
Although foam cannon is the fastest way to wash your automobile, it is not the most efficient. The foam cannon leaves hard and stuck particles on cars’ dirty parts. But you can hand wash after foam cannon for best results.
● Damages the Car
You should also refrain from spraying the foam over delicate surfaces like a convertible top or other easily damageable vehicle places.
● Not Cost Efficient
This foam cannon method wastes a lot of water while cleaning the car. Besides, it also wastes a lot of car wash detergent that snowballs your car cleaning cost.
What is a Two Bucket Method?
The two-bucket car wash method requires two sizable buckets, each holding 5 gallons. One is filled with clean water, and the other is filled with warm water and diluted car shampoo. You can also get the water buckets with a grit guard at the bottom, on which you can clean all the dirt.
To clean the car, you first dip the microfiber mitt into the bucket of soapy water and thoroughly clean your vehicle. Next, you dip the mitt into the bucket of clean water, ring it out, and then return to clean a few panels of the car.
Note that, upon every dip, you should rub the mitt against the dirt grit guard as it will clean the accumulated dirt particles. You can prevent your car paint from scratching this way.
After washing the car, dry your vehicle with a soft towel.
Why Apply the Two Bucket Method?
The two-bucket method has some key benefits:
● Thorough Cleaning
First, it lets you thoroughly clean the car as you personally reach out to all parts of your vehicle. No cake on dirt and grime will be left behind in this method.
● Cost Effective
Second, this method is also cost-effective. Without spending a fortune on expensive car washers, you can achieve professional cleaning results with two bucket method. Moreover, you use car wash detergent in this method.
● Environment-friendly method
And last but not least, the two bucket method is environmentally friendly as it wastes minimum water on the car wash, unlike the foam cannon method.
The Only Problem with the Bucket Method?
While the two-bucket method has the edge over the foam cannon, it is not free from drawbacks as well:
● Car Abrasion
The major drawback of two bucket method is the chances of car panel abrasion by dirt particles over interaction with a sponge or mitt. However, you risk damaging the car with dirty wash mitts. You can overcome this issue with the dirt grid and add more car wash detergent.
Whenever you dip the sponge or mitts in the bucket, thoroughly rub it against the dirt grit to remove hard dirt particles. Next, add more shampoo to the detergent bucket, as increased lubricant will minimize the chance of particle rubbing against the vehicle.
Foam Cannon Vs. Two Bucket Method
Here is the comparison table for both methods. You can better make the decision to choose the best car wash method with the table below:
| Factors Considered | Foam gun | Two bucket method |
| Time Taken | Speedy method- Can clean in minutes | Time-consuming and laborious method-Requires an hour to clean |
| Effectiveness | It leaves the caked mud and grimes behind- Not 100% efficient | Cleans every nook and corner of the car |
| Cost | The price fluctuates as per the pressure washer | Buckets can be a one-time investment and cost much less |
| Abrasion or scratches risks | It is a brushless method implying you will not touch the car- However, beware of high pressures | You might damage the car surface by rubbing with mitts |
| Water Consumption | It is not an environment-friendly approach due to high water consumption | Uses minimum water for car cleaning |
| Shampoo Consumption | It requires more shampoo due to high water consumption | You can pour shampoo once into the bucket, and it will clean the whole car |
| Other factors | It is the most satisfying method of cleaning as you froth the foam over the car | Many individuals hate the time and labor into this method, but it cleans more thoroughly |
Although both the foam gun and the two bucket approach have benefits and drawbacks, combining both methods can get outstanding results. The foam gun alone is insufficient because the automobile won’t be completely clean.
After the foam cannon, applying the two-bucket method will best serve for a sparkly clean vehicle.
You can use the same car shampoo for both approaches. But having the best gear for the foam cannon method and two buckets will let you avoid the possible drawbacks of both methods.
For example, if you get a powerful foam cannon with more froth and foam and less than 2000 psi pressure, you can overcome the car paint chipping problem associated with the foam cannon method.
Similarly, you can neglect the chances of rubbing the car surface with dirt particles if you get a water bucket with a dirt grid.
By now, you might be thinking of how to find the best water buckets and foam cannons for a car wash. So to ease your hunt for the best foam cannon and two buckets, we came up with suggestions. Let’s have a look at them:
Also Read : Rattle Can Vs Spray Gun : Know The Differences
Chemical Guys EQP_312 TORQ Professional Max Foam 8 Cannon & Honey Dew Snow Foam Soap Kit
The chemical guys EQP_312 TORQ is designed specifically for vehicles as it does not contain any wax-damaging chemicals. Moreover, this foam cannon works perfectly with any pressure washer, so you can also use t for any heavy-duty use.
And best of all, its pressure remains safe for the vehicle’s pain as it never exceeds 5.3 GPM. In addition, this car washing detergent leaves no residue, even on black and dark color vehicles. All in all, this foam cannon will go hand in hand with your vehicle’s needs if you prefer the foam cannon method.
Adam’s Two Bucket & Bucket Caddy Wash Kit
One drawback of the two buckets method is pulling the bucket around the car for cleaning, But you can overcome this issue with Adam’s buckets thanks to wheels and gamma seal lid.
Moreover, these buckets come with a grit guard so you can rinse dirt particles to prevent abrasion. And best of all, you get all the kit and caboodle for your car wash as it comes with Detail Spray and Ultra Plush Drying Towel.
In fact, if you want to combine both foam cannon and two bucket method, look no further than this car wash kit as it has a foam gun, towels, dirt grid, car shampoo, detail spray, and wash pad.
The Takeaway?
So this article listed the give and take of both foam canon and two bucket car wash method. You see that both ways come with their perks. So combining both methods for your car cleaning endeavors is the best approach. Moreover, with the right tools and accessories, you can also get an abrasion-free and sparkling clean car.
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