Aussie S650 Paint protection and detailing thread

[DFB5.0]

DFB’s 2025 Pressure Washer Picks

With so many to pressure washers to choose from on the market, the following are the units I would buy if in the market right now! These have been chosen for their flow rates, quality and simplicity. As mentioned earlier, they are also easily upgraded. The following I have grouped into three price points, entry, mid and high end.

Entry Level -

Quite often at low end of the market, adding the above aftermarket accessories ends up costing more than the machine itself. The thing is, those upgrades actually have a much bigger difference to the user experience here than at the top end of the market. So, pairing the right entry level machine with the right accessories, you end up creating a very compelling package.

Karcher K Mini –

I actually spotted this unit browsing a local tool store and was instantly intrigued. While the standard hose length is pretty stingy, it’s ultra compact and devoid of the usual fluff. I could see this being setup on a small cart, perhaps with an aftermarket hose that could be coiled up around the cart handle.

Price - $199
Quoted Pressure – 1600 psi (max)
Quoted Flow – 6.3 LPM (max)
OEM Hose Length – 5 metres
Standard Orifice – Not stated (1.5 estimated)

Suggested Nozzle Orifice Size – 3.0
Estimated Pressure – 900 psi
Estimated Flow - 4.9 LPM

https://www.kaercher.com/au/home-gar...-16000580.html

Ryobi Compact 2030 -

Another compact machine, but one with higher outputs. For a similar price to the Karcher, you get a higher flowing machine with an extra metre of hose. The gun on this machine actually comes with a quick connect on the lance, meaning it will accept standard 1/4-inch fittings for easy nozzle and foam cannon connection. I would absolutely replace the standard nozzle tip though.

Price - $199
Quoted Pressure – 2030 psi (max)
Quoted Flow – 7 LPM (max)
OEM Hose Length – 6m
Standard Orifice – Not Stated (2.0 estimated)

Suggested Nozzle Orifice Size – 3.5
Estimated Pressure – 1500 psi
Estimated Flow – 8.0 LPM

https://www.ryobi.com.au/products/po...ressure-washer



Big Boi WashR FLO -

While Big Boi products are all made in China like the rest of the entry-mid level machines, they are an Australian company and seem to be innovating. This innovation with a lower cost of manufacture is going to get you more for your money, sometimes with higher figures than the German and Italian machines. This model has been on the market for a while, and while not as compact as the Ryobi or Karcher, its out of the box figures trounce both. Big Boi also offers a range of own-branded upgrade parts such as hoses and guns, so for someone who wants a hassle free plug-and-play setup, these machines are hard to beat.

Price - $389
Quoted Pressure – 2600 psi
Quoted Flow – 7 LPM
OEM Hose Length – 8m
Standard Orifice – 0.91 (that’s how they get such a high pressure figure)

Suggested Nozzle Orifice Size – 3.5
Estimated Pressure – 1500 psi
Estimated Flow - 8 LPM

https://ibigboi.com/products/washr-flo

Mid-Range -

It’s the mid-range that gets you the most value in pressure washers. In that I mean near top-tier performance without the associated price. Now, the flipside to that is these machines are built to a life span limit and cannot be serviced or rebuilt. But even then, if you are washing one car a week, these machines are going to last a very long time. I’ve decided to ignore the usual players such as Karcher, Gerni and Ryobi here, the machines listed below are much better geared towards detailing.

Active 2.0 –

The Active brand was arguably the first to acknowledge the specific needs of car detailers. As such, they specifically designed a high flow pump to deliver some very impressive flow numbers, which means you don’t need to play around with nozzle orifice changes. It was also designed with upgrading in mind, so it uses standard threaded inlet and outlet fittings. Active now have their own line of upgrades, but you can also go even further with MTM or Mosmatic should you wish. And its compact and lightweight footprint means it can be used as a portable machine, while being suitable for cart or wall mounting.

Price - $599
Quoted Pressure – 1100 psi
Quoted Flow (LPM) –7.7 LPM
OEM Hose Length – 9 metres
Standard Orifice – 4.0

Suggested Nozzle Orifice Size – 4.0
Estimated Pressure – 1100 psi
Estimated Flow - 7.7 LPM

https://activeproducts.au/products/a...ull-kit-m22-14



Big Boi WashR Quad -

There is no getting around this, but the WashR Quad is clearly influenced by the Active 2.0 in terms of concept, packaging and price. While the Active has a 5-pluger pump design (which was patented by Active), the Big Boi uses a 4-pluger pump. In action, the numbers are relatively similar, however the Active tends to use more power, so will need a clean circuit to run on. In that regard, the WashR Quad will be more forgiving. I think what’s interesting with these two machines is how the quoted numbers are real world numbers, no headline pressure figures that do not play out in practice. And that $599 price includes a decent hose and a standard short gun, which would make the Big Boi the winner between these two.

Price - $599
Quoted Pressure – 1050 psi
Quoted Flow – 7.45 LPM
OEM Hose Length – 13 metres
Standard Orifice – Not stated (4.0 estimated)

Suggested Nozzle Orifice Size – 4.5
Estimated Pressure – 1050 psi
Estimated Flow – 8 LPM

https://ibigboi.com/products/washr-quad

Big Boi WashR Pro Duo Kit -

Now we are getting to the real “Big Boi’s”………………..sorry. But yes, this is where things start to get serious. Where machines up until now are consumer-grade machines with a defined longevity rate, usually 50, 100 or 200 hours. The Big Boi Pro with its accessible pump and replaceable oil supply makes it serviceable, and check out the size of that motor. This does mean a much heavier machine, so probably best wall or cart mounted. You will also notice a much stouter sound to the machine, not that high-pitched wail from the other machines listed up until now. I’ve short listed the Duo Kit because it comes with the short gun and hose with standard quick connect fittings.

Price - $799
Quoted Pressure – 1400 psi (max), 1350 psi (measured)
Quoted Flow (LPM) – 8.5 (max), 7.7 (measured)
OEM Hose Length – 13 metres
Standard Orifice – Not stated (3.5 estimated)

Suggested Nozzle Orifice Size – 4.0
Estimated Pressure – 1350 psi
Estimated Flow - 8.5 LPM

https://ibigboi.com/products/washr-d...ressure-washer

Top End -

This is where things get seriously expensive. That extra money buys you more output, higher quality and extended durability. We are now talking about machines made in Germany and Italy, which in itself adds significantly to the manufacturing cost and therefore the landed retail prices. For me, these machines are going to give you commercial grade performance, serviceability and overall a much more pleasant user experience due to their quieter performance.

Kranzle K1152 –

I went from an entry level Karcher K2 to one of these K1152’s, and WOW, what a treat that was! I personally think the K1152 is the pick of the Kranzle range as it blends the performance of the static 15-amp only KHD10, but with a much quieter motor and the ability to run on a standard 10-amp circuit. I would normally advice against an integrated hose reel as it prevents fitting an aftermarket hose, but the K1152 comes as standard with an excellent 15-metre braided rubber jacket hose. These machines are fully serviceable and rebuildable. Naturally, you pay for all this quality, but this is a purchase that will last decades, not years.

Price - $2415
Quoted Pressure – 1700 psi
Quoted Flow – 10 LPM
OEM Hose Length – 15 Metre
Standard Orifice – 4.2

Suggested Nozzle Orifice Size – 4.5
Estimated Pressure – 1500 psi
Estimated Flow - 10 LPM

https://detailingshed.com.au/product...=6882577547321

Kranzle KHD-10 (10amp) –

There are two version of the KHD-10, the original 15-amp only version and now this 10-amp version which is exclusive to Detailing Shed. This is basically the static version of the K1152 in that it does 10 LPM on a standard 10-amp plug. I have the (nosier) 15-amp version and needed to install a 15-amp circuit to run it on, which is not always possible. The KHD-10 mirrors the K1152’s benefits, but comes with a shorter 10-metre version of the same hose. Unlike most pressure washers, a Kranzle will tolerate being run dry, not that you should do that, but it won’t blow up the pump from such a situation. Kranzle’s now come with a workable gun and wand setup, previous models came with a cumbersome riffle looking thing that was not at all suited to car washing.

Price - $2187
Quoted Pressure – 1595 psi
Quoted Flow – 10 LPM
OEM Hose Length – 10-metres
Standard Orifice – 4.5

Suggested Nozzle Orifice Size – 5.0
Estimated Pressure – 1300 psi
Estimated Flow – 10 LPM

https://detailingshed.com.au/collect...-l-m-new-model

AR680 TS Essentials Kit –

Annovi Reverberi (AR) are Italian made machines that offer Kranzle performance and longevity at a lower price point. Waxit have been selling the 10-amp version of the 680 for about a year now, along with several upgrade kits and even a wall mounting system (see next category). The Essentials Kit includes a hose, a nozzle set and a MTM gun and wand. It's also available as machine-only, allowing you the option to choose your own gun and hose setup.

Price - $1350 (Kit) or $1100 (Machine Only)
Quoted Pressure – 1400 psi
Quoted Flow – 9.3 LPM
OEM Hose Length – 8m
Standard Orifice – Not stated (4.5 estimated)

Suggested Nozzle Orifice Size – 5.0
Estimated Pressure – 1300 psi
Estimated Flow - 10 LPM

https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...ressure-washer
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...tm-upgrade-kit



All-In-One Wall Mounted Machines –

As a detailing freak, a wall mounted pressure washer is the holy grail. The main benefit here is convenience, as in not having to set up and pack everything away each time you wash your car. Instead, you roll out the hose, turn the water and power on and go for your life. No messing with power cords, garden hoses or screwing around with a bound up hose.

In my case, I built my own set up using parts and pieces sourced from various suppliers. For me, picking and choosing each component was half the fun. However, companies such as Detailing Shed and Waxit offer end-to-end wall-mount packages that have done the legwork for you, just buy and install.

Detailing Shed offer Kranzle packages that consist of the machine, MTM hose, a Cox hose reel and a stainless-steel shelf……………..the rest is up to you. For something more integrated, Big Boi sell wall mount brackets that packages a shelf and hose reel into a single unit, all you do is screw the frame to the wall and install the hose and mount the pressure washer. Waxit offer a similar solution for the AR680.

https://detailingshed.com.au/collect...43421125705943
https://ibigboi.com/products/bigboi-...ase-wall-mount
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...680-wall-mount

And if you are totally bonkers and flush with cash, you can double up! This is only possible on the higher end models due to their stouter pressure switches, cheaper machines can't hold the pressure and will cycle their total-stop switches.



Final Thoughts -

When I was in the market for a new pressure washer in 2020, there certainly wasn't the choice offered today. One of the reasons why I went for the Kranzle was it came packaged with all the upgrades I was looking for, no legwork required. At the time, I had no idea about what to look for or even where to get it. Now though, we have car-washing specific pressure washers and easy access to a huge range of upgrades.

Happy pressure washing……………………..

Sponsored

 

[bfets]

Pressure Washers 2025

I have covered this topic in the past but since then, both new machines and more affordable accessories have come to market, in turn giving consumers more choice. I think we are now seeing manufacturers acknowledge the detailing sector by producing specific pressure washers tailored for the task. That means superior car washing performance and less modification needed to achieve a usable machine.

What To Look For -

When it comes to using a pressure washer for car cleaning, ultimate pressure ratings take a back seat to flow. While some pressure is needed for the foam cannon, it’s the flow of the machine that does the work. So when shopping, look past the headline pressure numbers printed on the box and delve a little deeper into the flow rate.

In terms of numbers, the aim is to achieve as close to 8 – 10 litres per minute as possible, and a pressure figure between 1000 and 1500 psi. These numbers can be achieved via nozzle orifice sizes, typically you will be opening up the orifice to reduce pressure and boost flow. This is easy to do and can actually allow you to have a low pressure/high flow set of nozzles for car cleaning, and a high pressure/low flow set for outdoor cleaning.

A few other points to consider when looking for a car washing pressure washer -

- Manufactures play funny games when it comes to quoted pressure numbers, so don’t get to hung up on the headline figures as they are often not achieved using the standard gun/lance.

- Look for machines that can be easily upgraded, as in easily accessible and modifiable fittings. The listed pressure washers below are there for this reason.

- Avoid machines with hose reels, they often never work well with the stiff standard hoses and prevent you from upgrading to a longer or superior hose. The exception to this would be the Kranzle K1152, it comes with a great hose.

- On hose length, the magic number is 15-metres. This means not having to move the machine around the car as you work. Most low-end machines come with 5 - 6 meters.

- Avoid petrol power, they are just too powerful for this task. And I mean that in terms of the car's safety, but also from a user comfort point of view as too much power is hard to manage.

- I tend to recommend just buying the basic machine without all of the useless and often crappy accessories. As in, buy the K5 Compact and not the K5 Premium.

- Induction motors are not a desirable feature when it comes to pressure washers, mainly because they tend to have a ramp up/wind down period. For general pressure washing, that ramp up is acceptable because you tend to run the machine for extended periods. On cars though, where you are frequently starting and stopping, that ramp up gets old very quickly.

Tailored Upgrades -

The units listed below are great starting points, but there is always room for improvement. This is where the aftermarket comes into the equation, allowing detailers to modify the setup to significantly improve usability and user comfort. These parts can often outlive the pressure washer, so while they add cost to your setup, they can be transferred to new machines as needed.

Short or Stubby Guns -

- The first thing to change would be the gun. Regulations state that pressure washers must be supplied with a certain gun length. For most applications, this is absolutely fine, but for car washing it can be cumbersome. A short gun solves this.

- A short gun also allows for a swivel at the gun inlet, helping to manage or unwind hose binding, while offering superior maneuverability.

- In most cases, a short gun allows for nozzle orifice changes compared to a fixed rate OE lance.

- A short gun makes using a foam cannon quicker and more convenient.

- An aftermarket short gun can be adapted to an OE hose, or used in tandem with an upgraded hose.

Fittings -

- Quick connect fittings really help boost the convenience factory, making it quick and easy to connect hoses, guns, nozzles and foam cannons.

- Available in brass, plated zinc or stainless steel. Prices vary widely, from a few dollars for brass or Chinese-made parts, right up to the $50+ for Swiss-made stainless.

- Keep in mind, quick connects are a consumable, they are metal-on-metal items that operated under extreme pressure.

- I recommend keeping a few spare o-rings in stock for 1/4 (gun outlet) and 3/8 (hose ends) fittings. These will occasionally fail but are easy to replace.

Hoses -

- Upgraded aftermarket hoses allow us to add both length and quality. I think anyone who has used a pressure washer will know that those hard 1/4-inch hoses are a nightmare. In the aftermarket, we have access to high quality 1/4 and 3/8-inch hoses that are more flexible and less likely to bind.

- An aftermarket hose also allows you to add a swivel point at the machine outlet, again helping to reduce hose bind.

Nozzles –

- For car washing, we want 25-degree and 40-degree nozzle angles. The 25-degree is ideal for wheels, the 40-degree for the paint.

- Keep in mind that changing the angle of the nozzle doesn’t necessarily alter the pressure exiting the nozzle, rather the nozzle orifice. This is especially so for 25 and 40-degree tips. Having said that, don't use the narrow angle tips that often come in a set of nozzles.

- Always pair the correct nozzle orifice to your machine. This helps boost flow and prevents overworking the motor and pump. (More on this shortly)

- Nozzles vary wildly in price, from a few dollars right out to $75+ for a quality rubber shrouded item. I think with car washing, you want the rubber shrouded versions which start at about $40 for an MTM and up to the $75 Mosmatic.

Water Filtration -

This is next level stuff which would be desirable if you are dealing with hard/high TDS water. These resin filters aim to produce 0.00 TDS water, which means you will prevent nasty water spots. In my case, I've never felt the need for one, mainly because I have relatively low TDS town water supply.

These systems are typically used in tandem with a wall-mount system, but there are portable versions too. A few of the detailing suppliers have plug and play solutions available, even Big Boi offer one now.

https://detailingshed.com.au/collect...-water-filters
https://ibigboi.com/products/bigboi-d-ionizr1
https://ibigboi.com/products/bigboi-...8-29ab25bb8f3d

Upgrade Kits -

Companies like Waxit and Detailing Shed sell the above individually or in kit form. These kits take some of the guess work out of the equation, making this much easier than it used to be. Waxit for instance have kits to cover most of the popular machines on the market.

To be continued..........................

I'm still thinking of getting the BigBoi water filtration unit at some point. I've measured my water and its pretty hard. I have around 400PPM water. Unfortunately this also means I'll go through resin quite quickly. One thing I was wondering about is if putting a whole house filter and softener would bring down the PPM to more reasonable level. Maybe getting it to the point where I dont really need the BigBoi DI system anymore, or where it wont be so hard on the resin filters.

 

[DFB5.0]

I'm still thinking of getting the BigBoi water filtration unit at some point. I've measured my water and its pretty hard. I have around 400PPM water. Unfortunately this also means I'll go through resin quite quickly. One thing I was wondering about is if putting a whole house filter and softener would bring down the PPM to more reasonable level. Maybe getting it to the point where I dont really need the BigBoi DI system anymore, or where it wont be so hard on the resin filters.

I'm not an expert in this area, mainly because I've never needed to look into it. Despite the town I live in being a drug infested dump, our water supply is considered the best in the country.

From what I can tell, household filtration is different to the deionizer treatment systems used for detailing. However, there is some cross-over.

Reverse Osmosis (RO):
RO uses a semipermeable membrane to filter water, forcing water molecules through while leaving behind larger contaminants like minerals, salts, and some organic compounds.

Purity:
RO water is generally considered safe for drinking and cooking, but it still contains some dissolved salts and oxygen.

Contaminants removed:
RO removes a broad range of contaminants, including minerals, heavy metals, and chlorine, but may not remove all types of ions and small molecules.

Deionized (DI) Water:
DI uses ion exchange resins to replace minerals and contaminants with hydrogen and hydroxyl ions.

Purity:
DI water is highly purified, with nearly all mineral ions removed, resulting in water with extremely low electrical conductivity.

Contaminants removed:
DI removes ions and minerals, but may not remove all dissolved solids or organic compounds.

 

[bfets]

I'm not an expert in this area, mainly because I've never needed to look into it. Despite the town I live in being a drug infested dump, our water supply is considered the best in the country.

From what I can tell, household filtration is different to the deionizer treatment systems used for detailing. However, there is some cross-over.

Reverse Osmosis (RO):
RO uses a semipermeable membrane to filter water, forcing water molecules through while leaving behind larger contaminants like minerals, salts, and some organic compounds.

Purity:
RO water is generally considered safe for drinking and cooking, but it still contains some dissolved salts and oxygen.

Contaminants removed:
RO removes a broad range of contaminants, including minerals, heavy metals, and chlorine, but may not remove all types of ions and small molecules.

Deionized (DI) Water:
DI uses ion exchange resins to replace minerals and contaminants with hydrogen and hydroxyl ions.

Purity:
DI water is highly purified, with nearly all mineral ions removed, resulting in water with extremely low electrical conductivity.

Contaminants removed:
DI removes ions and minerals, but may not remove all dissolved solids or organic compounds.

Yeah its a bit of a science. I'll need to go and talk to an expert in the field and see what they recommend.

 

[5.0ALM]

I'll need to go and talk to an expert in the field and see what they recommend.

Other than moving to a drug infested dump?
Wait.... that's just about any town or city these days.

Off topic, but I think Rodrigo Duterte was doing his country a good thing.
Eliminating drug dealers and the people who keep them in business is not a bad thing.
Less crime, lower insurance premiums, safer communities, fewer ferals wandering the streets, etc.

 

[DFB5.0]

Well........................................

The House of Rags Australia

 

[5.0ALM]

Well........................................

The House of Rags Australia

You know you want to.
No judgement!

 

[DFB5.0]

Foam Cannon’s 2025

I remember when I bought my first foam cannon, it was somewhat a leap of faith. At that point, I wasn’t fully committed to using a pressure washer, let alone a foam cannon. My initial use of a foam cannon was the one that comes with a pressure washer, you know the sort, those useless little things that hold 200 ml of product and merely spray the car with soapy water. Hence my apprehension, would a proper foam cannon make a difference, or was I just wasting money?

When I did take the plunge, well the match was lit! This was back before foam cannons became a mainstream option for detailers. While it might look like an Amazon special, this was one of the original foam cannon designs. Looking back at my Waxit account, this set me back $89.95 in January 2018.

Some of my earlier foaming attempts using a Karcher K2 were pretty average, but I soon got the hang of it, adjusting soap ratios and technique………………………..

NOTE - Before we go any further, a foam cannon is NOT purely intended as a touch-free wash method. I frequently come across those who discredit the use of a foam cannon as a pure gimmick because it "doesn't replace a proper contact wash". Unless you are using something aggressive like Bilt Hamber Touch-Less or KCx Super Foam, then you won't be getting close to a touch-free wash using 98% of the soaps on the market. I use a foam cannon for the following reasons -

- The main reason is to get soap directly onto the vehicle rather than relying on a bucket with soapy water. Lubrication, lubrication, lubrication!!!

- On dirtier vehicles, having something to soften dirt, grime and bugs before the contact wash is highly valuable. In some cases, this pre-wash snow foam will remove some of this grime.

What To Look For -

Since the earliest examples, foam cannons have evolved in a few key areas to improve functionality and overall ease of use. And now that there are so many on the market with a wide range of price points, what do you look for when selecting a foam cannon?

- First and foremost, you get what you pay for. Yes, the Amazon specials produce foam…………….but for how long? And can you get replacement parts such as filters and bottles? Quite often these also use low quality plastic for the bottle, which makes them prone to cracking.

- Next, I’d start by eliminating foam cannons with a narrow bottle opening. There are enough wide-mouth foam cannons on the market now that there really isn’t a reason to buy the older narrow mouth versions.

- A wide mouth bottle helps with easier filling, and quicker rinsing at the end of the wash. This might sound trivial, and I was once in this camp too, but it makes a big difference to convenience and usability.

- Avoid foam cannons that have a clear bottle. These foam cannons are trendy with the Instagram crowd, but the bottles are often not made with HPDE plastic, which means they are prone to cracking and shattering. This eliminates the MJJC v3.

- Lastly, ignore foam cannons with tall, slender bottles such as my original foam cannon show above. These are unstable and prone to tipping over. Again, this eliminates the early MJJC’s and the Amazon specials. If you have an older foam cannon like this, see below for a solution.

Connecting A Foam Cannon -

How you connect a foam cannon to your pressure washer can play a massive role in how usable it is. On my original setup, the goofy proprietary Karcher fitting I had to use on my old pressure washer was a major annoyance and actually discouraged me from using a foam cannon. Just like foam cannons themselves, we now have a wide variety of connection options.

If you are running a standard OEM pressure washer gun, the most basic way of connecting a foam cannon is to use an adaptor plug offered as an option with the foam cannon. These are the proprietary fitting with a 1/4-inch threaded connector that is screwed into the foam cannon. These fittings will cover most of the pressure washers on the market, from Karcher to Gerni. Depending on the fitting, these can be cumbersome to use.

Foam Lance Attachments – Waxit Car Care

The second option when using the standard OEM gun is to use the proprietary fitting with a 1/4-inch quick connect fitting attached. This means you can use a standard 1/4-inch plug on the foam cannon body for a much smoother and more convenient connection every time. If you go this route, you can then use 1/4-inch quick connect nozzles as well.

1/4 Quick Release Lance Attachments – Waxit Car Care

BEANPRECOY Pressure Washer Gun Adapter 1/4''Brass Adaptor Quick Connect Washer Gun Adapter with 5 Power Spray Nozzle Tips Sets Electric Power Washer Accessory Part for Karcher K2 K3 K4 K5 K6 K7 : Amazon.com.au: Garden

Pressure Washer Gun Adapter 1/4" Quick Connect Fitting For Lance Nozzle Wand Kit | eBay

The best and most expensive option would be to ditch the OEM gun and replace it with an aftermarket short gun. Overall, this is going to be the most ergonomic solution. Again, you would be using the standard 1/4-inch plug on the foam cannon body.

Word of Warning -

Before you use your new foam cannon, or even before you order it, make sure you have the correct orifice fitted. This is something that many overlook, and don’t assume the retailer is selling you the right one. Detailing Shed are pretty good in this regard, although some are ignorant on the subject.

Pairing the correct orifice with your pressure washer is vital for two reasons -

- If you have a large orifice on an entry level pressure washer, you won’t get very good foam.

- Using an orifice that is too small on any machine will put the motor and pump under more load and cause it to over amp. Doing this will significantly shorten the life of the machine.

Quality foam cannons come with alternative orifices in addition to the one pre-installed in the cannon body, however you can also buy them separately.

MTM Hydro Foam Cannon orifices - Detailing Shed

For most entry to mid spec pressure washers up to 7 lpm, use the 1.1 orifice. For high performance pressure washers above 7 lpm, you will need the 1.25 orifice. The following link is a valuable resource for this sort of thing.

The Pressure Washer Spreadsheet

Fitting or replacement is easy, as per the video below……………..................



Storage & Maintenance -

A lot of the following is linked to water quality and how it reacts to the internal components of the foam cannon and foam production.

- If you have hard water, try to avoid storing diluted soap in the cannister for more than a day or so. In this case, the minerals within the water “attack” the soaps chemistry and alter its ability to foam. I’ve not had this happen, but then I don’t have excessively high TDS water.

- To avoid the above, either mix up less soap solution, or dump the remains into your rinse bucket after foaming.

- Also relating to water TDS, this can be hard on the internal components of the cannon, in particular the stainless-steel mesh screen which generates the foam. This screen gradually becomes clogged, progressing to the point where it just won’t generate foam no matter how much soap you use or the dial adjustment position. In this case, you need to remove the screen from the body of the cannon, then clean or replace.



- For more in depth maintenance, these two videos focus on the Griot’s and MTM foam cannon, but the concept of cleaning and rebuilding is similar to most on the market.





- Wall mounting plates are now freely available for convenient storage when not in use.

Foam Cannon Mount - 2 Sets Rustproof Metal Wall Mount Holder for Foam Cannon | Multifunctional Quick Connect Humanized Design Pressure Washer Wall Bracket for Home : Amazon.com.au: Garden

Pressure Washer Gun Holder, Stainless Steel Wall Mounted Foam Cannon Holder Pressure Washer Accessories Organizer Storage Rack for 1/4 Inch Quick Connectors : Amazon.com.au: Garden

Pressure Washer Gun Holder, Wall Mounted Stainless Steel Storage Rack for High Pressure Washer Guns, Nozzle Tips, Extension Rods and Foam Cannons, Pressure Washer Tool Organizer : Amazon.com.au: Garden

- I like to clean wheels seated and use a foam cannon for delivering the cleaning chemical. In this case, I hang the cannon from the bucket using a bracket or via a quick connect bracket mounted to my detailing seat.

Maxshine Foam Cannon Bucket Holder Mount - Detailing Shed
MTM Veloci Ventuno Bracket - Spray Foam Gun Holder - Detailing Shed

Foam Cannon Usage Tips -

- If you are not getting the desired foam, as in thin and runny, this can be caused by a number of factors. Firstly, some soaps don't produce thick foam, this may or may not be your preference. If it is a high foaming soap, ensure the top adjustment dial is wide open. Further diagnosis involves checking you have the correct orifice fitted, and finally, removal and replacement of the wire mesh screen.

- Pretty much any pressure washer on the market will have enough pressure for sufficient foam.

- If you intend on using a foam cannon for wheel cleaner, I would use a dedicated foam cannon for this to avoid cross contamination. At the very least, have a separate bottle for wheel cleaner duty and run clean water through the cannon afterwards.

- When mixing your dilution, always add water first, then soap. Alternatively, add the soap first, then submerge the bottle in your rinse bucket. Either method will allow you to fill the bottle properly without overflowing with suds and screwing up your dilution ratio. I use the first option as its quicker and easier.

- I tend to eyeball how much soap I add to the foam cannon bottle. However, if you are using an alkaline or acidic soap, I would recommend being accurate here as you don't want to over-do it with that type of soap.

- When applying foam, use slow, controlled side to side movements to get consistent, even, and full coverage. Don't be the guy who gets trigger happy and foams in random bursts. (I could say something rude here but...................)

- If you have a short gun and lance, don't be the dork who connects the foam cannon to the end of the lance. It's more ergonomic using the foam cannon on the short gun and puts less stress on the quick connect fittings.

Normal Foam Cannon Use -

Incorrect Foam Cannon Use -

DFB’s Foam Cannon Picks 2025 –

With the above considerations and personal experience, the following are what I would put on the shortlist. I've separated these choices into Good, Better, Best.

GOOD –
For this category, I’ve selected two examples that can be bought at an auto-store. In both cases, I wouldn’t pay retail for these as they are often on sale.

Autoglym Polar Blaster –
I don’t normally recommend Autoglym products, but their foam cannon is actually quite good. The main benefit here is that you can buy it at an auto-store, just don’t pay full price as its often on sale, if the retailer can afford to sell it at a $30 - $40 discount, that suggests its overpriced to begin with. Price aside, I like the overall proportions of this foam cannon, the ergonomic bottle design and the wide mouth cannister. The brass body might not compare well with others, but it helps keep the price down…………..when on sale. Sadly, there is no pickup filter, let alone a weighted filter. Oh, and if you want foam, don’t bother with the Autoglym soaps, they are all kinds of sucky.

Price – $85 to $125
Cannon Body – Brass
Bottle Attachment Type – Single Threaded
Pickup – Flexible, no filter
Additional Bottles – Not Available
Replacement Parts – Not Available

Autoglym Polar Blaster Cannon | Supercheap Auto

Meguiar’s Mega Foam –
This foam cannon follows the same path as the Autoglym in that its available at auto stores and is overpriced at full retail. Again, I would wait till it’s on sale. However, it lands a place here due to the wide mouth bottle, stability and availability. Certainly not the best foam cannon, but a worthy option.

Price – $85 to $119
Cannon Body – Brass
Bottle Attachment Type – Single Threaded
Pickup – Flexible plastic
Additional Bottles – Not Available
Replacement Parts – Not Available

Meguiar's Mega Snow Cannon | Supercheap Auto

BETTER –
These foam cannons are a step above the entry level, featuring a few key improvements.

Active Premium Foam Cannon –
The Active foam cannon was designed to complement their range of pressure washers and appears to be an amalgamation of several on the market. The overall form factor and the changeable spray angle is similar to the MTM PF22.2, while the cannon body uses 304 stainless steel construction and a threaded connection to the bottle like the Griot’s. Like both, it has a stainless weighted filter and a flexible tube for 360-degree foaming. However, Active currently don’t offer spares, although will likely follow at some point. Also, I see no reference to a HDPE bottle, only that it has a no-leak cap. Price wise, it seems to be at the higher end of the market, although cheaper than the Griot’s and MTM.

Price – $139.90
Cannon Body – 304 Stainless Steel
Bottle Attachment Type – Single Threaded
Pickup – Flexible with stainless steel weighted filter
Additional Bottles – Not Currently Available
Replacement Parts – Not Currently Available

Active™ Premium Pressure Washer Foam Cannon – Active Products ANZ
ACTIVE Premium Pressure Washer Foam Cannon – The Detail Store

Big Boi FoamR Pro –
The Pro is Big Boi’s latest foam cannon, identifiable by the signature fluorescent yellow plastics and redesigned semi-translucent HDPE plastic bottle. Like the original, the patented “3-Way Spray Technology” allows the user to switch between vertical, horizontal, and jet spray patterns. I’m not sure where the jet function would come in handy, engine bays perhaps? This foam cannon comes with a 1/4-inch plug fitted as standard, so you would need to outsource an adaptor if using it with the standard gun on a non-Big Boi pressure washer. The asking price includes a second bottle and storage cap, as well as a full rebuild kit.

Price – $129
Cannon Body – Brass
Bottle Attachment Type – Single Threaded
Pickup – Flexible Plastic with Weighted Filter
Additional Bottles – Not Currently Available, although the previous model did
Replacement Parts – Included In the Kit

FoamR PRO+ | Advanced Foam Cannon for Detailing | bigboi – ibigboi.com
BIGBOI FOAMR PRO+ (2 Bottles) - Detailing Shed

BEST –
What separates the “best” from the “better” is in the finer details. For me, I’d say the main benefit of spending the extra money would be the availability of spare parts, meaning you can clean and rebuild rather than throwing away.

Griots Boss Foam Cannon –
Once prohibitively expensive for us in Australia, these are now sold via Amazon for similar money to an MTM PF22.2. Important to note that Griots have two foam cannons, but you want the Boss and not the cheaper Brilliant Finish version.

So why is this worth the premium? Firstly, the full stainless-steel head, which puts it above many of the brass competitors. The bottle cap can be used on the supplied wide mouth bottle or screwed onto a standard bottle thread. It also has metering tips, which means you can fill the cannister with undiluted soap and allow the foam cannon to achieve the desired dilution ratio for you. This is where being able to screw directly to a bottle of soap comes in handy. It also has a one-way rubber vent for the bottle cap, meaning it won’t leak when tilted or agitated. Griots also support the foam cannon with full rebuild kits, additional bottles with storage caps, and replacement metering tips.

Arguably the best foam cannon on the market.

Price – $150 to $165 (depending on sales)
Cannon Body – Full Stainless Steel
Bottle Attachment Type – Dual Threaded
Pickup – Silicone with Weighted Filter
Additional Bottles - Available
Replacement Parts – Available

Griot's Garage BF302 The BOSS Foam Cannon - for Use with Pressure Washers, High-Foam Output, Adjustable Nozzle, 9 x 5 x 7.5 inches, White : Amazon.com.au: Automotive

(Special thanks to @5.0ALM for the images)

MTM PF22.2 –
For the longest time, the MTM PF22 had been the industry benchmark. Not only did it produce excellent foam, it did so using less soap. MTM had a clear advantage with their foam cannon, and as such tended to rest on its laurels. Since its arrival, the competition has caught up, namely the Griots. Early last year, MTM finally launched a wide mouth bottle design, matched the key competitors. To mate that new bottle to the existing cannon body, MTM used an adaptor plate with a unique bayonet style connection.

When launched, the internet carried on like a pork chop over this new adaptor plate, many suggesting it was a cheap and nasty solution with suspect functionality. Huh? Those who made those comments conveniently ignored that every other wide-mouth foam cannon uses a similar design, including the Griot’s. These negative comments were being made by certain Youtubers who tend to get sent free items to "review", including foam cannons, which can cloud judgement. From my point of view, it's not like the original PF22 foam cannon didn’t perform well. MTM listened to the feedback about the bottle design, then responded. And yet somehow this wasn’t enough?

Unlike all other foam cannons, the MTM uses a bayonet arrangement to attach the bottle to the foam cannon. This makes it quicker and easier to remove and install the cannon body compared to a threaded connection. And its this feature of the new design that I love most. They also added a weighted stainless filter for 360-degree foaming. While the new features match the Griots, the MTM still lacks the stainless-steel cannon body, has no provision for metering tips and doesn’t have a no-leak bottle vent. However, the MTM PF22 is still a benchmark, although probably not THE benchmark it once was.

NOTE - There are three versions of the PF22. The original PF22 is still available from some retailers, which has the cool looking but unstable bottle. The PF22.2 uses the same cannon body, but with a shorter bottle for improved stability. The un-officially titled PF22.3 sports the wide-mouth bottle and carries a higher price point. I mention this because I have used all three types, you absolutely want the wide mouth 22.3 version, so make sure you check this before ordering.

Price – $169.95 (22.3), $149.95 (22.2), $139.90 (22.0)
Cannon Body – Brass
Bottle Attachment Type – Bayonet
Pickup – Silicone with Weighted Filter
Additional Bottles - Available
Replacement Parts – Available

22.3 -
MTM PF22.3 Foam Cannon Kit with NEW Wide Mouth Bottle 2024 - Detailing Shed
MTM Hydro PF22.2 Foam Cannon

22.2 -
MTM Hydro PF22.2 Foam Cannon
MTM Hydro PF22 Foam Cannon for Perfect Car Wash - Detailing Shed

Upgrading An Older Foam Cannon

When MTM updated the PF22.2 with a new wide mouth bottle, they were kind enough to offer the new bottle and adaptor as spare parts. This means you can screw the adaptor plate onto older, narrow opening foam cannons. While this technically does MTM out of a sale on a new foam cannon, it means existing and still functional foam cannons can be kept in service with superior usability. I did just that to my old Waxit foam cannon.

Depending on the foam cannon, you may need to trim the pickup tube to ensure the cannon functions right down to empty. A lot of the earlier foam cannons didn’t come with a weighted filter, which meant they would start to suck air as you approached empty. With the weighted filter, it will move as the foam cannon is tilted and ensures foaming till empty. MTM sell the weighted filters separately, as well as the pickup tube.

MTM PF22.2 Wide Mouth Foam Cannon Bottle NEW 2024 - Detailing Shed
MTM Hydro Foam Cannon Accessories - Detailing Shed

Final Thoughts –

As always, you get what you pay for. Will a $20 Amazon foam cannon produce nice foam? Probably. Will it be as nice to use? No way. Will it last very long? Probably not. Can you repair it when it stops foaming? Unlikely.

At the low end, I’d focus on the Autoglym, in the mid spec the Big Boi is a compelling package in that it includes a second bottle and full rebuilt kit as standard. At the top end, I prefer the MTM because of the bayonet twist cap, but the Griot’s is more accomplished in every other way.

 

[DFB5.0]

Came across this microfiber supplier on Facebook, proudly proclaiming to be an Australian owned company. Although they don't proudly proclaim knocking off The Rag Companies logo...................................................

Microfibre Cloths - Shop Our Wide Range Online

 

[DFB5.0]

You know how I mentioned avoiding the clear plastic type? Well, I couldn't help be amused by this post -

Useful tip for the cheap clear foam cannons | Auto Geek Online Auto Detailing Forum

".......................I only paid $16 and the thing works great. IMO there’s no need to pay $90 or $100+ when you can produce the same foam for less than a fraction of the cost..................."

".......................The only problem with these foam cannons that use the clear plastic top is they can develop cracks on the screw on top of the foam cannon. Mine developed cracks even without ever being dropped or screwed on too tightly."

LOL! Some people really lack logical thinking skills. No need to pay $90 when the $16 works just as well....................................until the bottle cracks from limited normal use. (I say limited because I remember when he bragged about only paying $16 for it two months ago). So, the thing only lasted two months, and yet I wasted $90 on a foam cannon still works as new 7-years down the track. I don't get it.

 

[DFB5.0]

Good news, Armor All have a new high end "Podium Series"..............................

https://armorallpodiumseries.com/en-AU

A collaboration between - Armor All® & Oracle Red Bull Racing

Elevate your car care routine with the new line of Podium Series products, formulated by Armor All® to meet the elite performance standards of the Oracle Red Bull Racing team.

It's clearly so important for Armor All to compete with Meguiar's, Turtle Wax and Mothers that they decided to emulate the same "Hybrid Ceramic" naming system. How original.

 

[DFB5.0]

Last year, I got swept up in the hype surrounding Bilt Hamber Trace-less, touted as THE best glass cleaner ever made. As soon as it landed locally, I jumped in with my order and was keen to try it out. But I quickly found something just wasn’t right……………………..

My assessment presented late last year -

I really, really don’t want to put this here, but……………………….I just couldn’t ignore the elephant in the room………………….this stuff DOES leave traces behind. My initial use of this product was impressive, it evaporates almost instantly, making glass cleaning seemingly simple. But I was noticing streaks left behind after use. I continued trying it using different methods but kept getting the same problem………………ghosting and streaking. The problem here is the product flashes far too quickly in this climate, meaning it doesn’t actually absorb properly into the towel to remove what you are trying to clean away. I suspect this product would be fine in the winter, or in its natural UK environment. I bought a gallon of this stuff……………….all virtually useless.

Everything I had read regarding Trace-less had been positive, so perhaps it was just me struggling to make it work? For that reason, I kept my views on Trace-less quiet, wondering if others would come forward. Then a few days ago, after reading yet another glowing review, I came forward and presented my case. And suddenly others came out of the woodwork noting their struggles with ghosting and streaky residue being left behind. So, it wasn’t just me.

Thing is, I’m not saying Trace-less is a terrible product……………………..but I am saying its not universally brilliant like some would have you believe. In the right conditions, no doubt it works very well. But not for me, and not for many others. The whole point of a glass cleaner is to provide a streak free result, having to go back in with a far cheaper glass cleaner to produce the desired result is counterproductive. Trace-less is nice for cleaning stainless steel and kitchen benches though.

So, a premium product being shown up by a product sold at the major automotive retailers for under $20. In that regard, I can recommend Stoner's Invisible Glass.

 

[prestj1]

I actually made use of the black Friday sales and ordered myself a Purfit one about two days ago.

Went for this one:
https://purfitcovers.com/products/2...g-aerial-2-mirrors-purfit-indoor-custom-cover

Hey mate just reviving an old post did your cover fit OK...any dramas with ordering the cover etc?

 

[bfets]

Hey mate just reviving an old post did your cover fit OK...any dramas with ordering the cover etc?

No problems at all. The cover fits like a glove. I actually just ordered a second cover for another car of ours.

 

[5.0ALM]

Did we all get the Supercheap email today?

It's crazy to think anyone would pay almost as much as a Griot's BF302 or MTM 22.3 cannon for a Chemical Guys cannon.

I have no experience with any Chemical Guys product, and from what I have heard about their stupidly OTT range of rather ordinary stuff, don't intend to.

And perhaps Bowden's didn't get the memo about wide-mouth bottles being preferred these days?

I guess the main SCA demographic of weekend warriors are oblivious to the offerings from MTM and Griots, and the better consumables from the likes of Carpro, KCx, ADS, etc. The divide between independent pro detailing suppliers vs ASX listed chain stores for the masses.


Have I become a detailing snob?

Sponsored