How to Use a Foam Cannon

Learn exactly how to use a foam cannon to wash your boat, truck, car, or RV. Simple instructions for connecting, filling, and using your new foam cannon.

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Choosing the Right Foam Cannon

A foam cannon is one of the most effective ways to pre-clean boats, vehicles, and equipment before hand washing. By applying a thick layer of clinging foam, foam cannons help loosen dirt, salt, grime, and road film so contaminants can be rinsed away safely, reducing the risk of scratching and swirl marks during washing.

Captains Preferred Products foam cannons are designed for use with standard hoses and pair perfectly with foam cannon soap to deliver consistent, professional-level results. This method is especially valuable in marine environments, where salt and heavy buildup can bond to surfaces after time on the water.

How Foam Cannons Work

Foam cannons work by mixing water, air, and concentrated soap to create a dense, shaving-cream-like foam that clings to vertical and horizontal surfaces. This clinging foam allows the cleaning solution to break down contaminants before contact washing begins, making the wash process faster, safer, and more effective.

For boat owners, our foam cannons make it easy to cover large surfaces like hulls, decks, topsides, and T-tops in minutes. They are ideal for removing caked-on salt, exhaust residue, and grime after long days on the water. When used with Captain's Fury's marine-safe foam cannon soap, this system delivers powerful cleaning without stripping wax or damaging finishes.

More Efficient Cleaning – On Any Vehicle

Our foam cannon and foam cannon soap are also well-suited for washing cars, trucks, RVs, trailers, and other equipment, making them a versatile addition to any cleaning setup. Whether you are rinsing down a boat at the dock or washing vehicles at home, foam cannons provide a faster, more consistent way to achieve a deep, professional-quality clean.

Incorporating a foam cannon into your regular wash routine helps improve cleaning results, reduce surface wear, and save time, making it a smart upgrade for anyone serious about proper boat and vehicle maintenance.

Foam Cannon FAQs

How do I use a foam cannon?

Our foam cannon works by filling the body of the cannon with soap, then connecting it to any standard garden hose. There is a trigger on the foam cannon that allows you to control the spray function. The foam dial allows you control the amount of soap being used (and the foaminess). For complete instructions see our Foam Cannon Guide.

Do I need a pressure washer for use a foam cannon?

Not with ours! Many foam cannons require a pressure washer connection, but Captains Preferred Products' foam cannon hooks up to any garden hose for ease of use. No pressure washer required!

What's the best foam cannon soap?

We recommend Captain's Fury Foam Cannon Soap. It's specially formulated for maximum foam production.

Check out our full review of the best foam cannon soaps for more information.

How much soap should I use in my foam cannon?

We recommend filling the foam cannon body up about 1/4 of the way with soap. Try that first. You can always adjust the amount of soap and the foam dial to achieve maximum foaminess.

How do I use a foam cannon for a car wash?

Fill your foam cannon with soap, and hook it up to a hose. Spray the foam all over the surface of your car. Let the soap sit briefly, and then use a wash mitt or sponge to loosen up any dirt and grime. Unhook the foam cannon body, and rinse the car off with fresh water. To avoid water spots, use a shammy cloth to dry it off.