So you've been inspired by social media pictures of cars slathered in rich, luxurious foam, and you're wanting to try it yourself? You probably know that you'll be needing a decent pressure washer and some snow foam, but a proper foam lance is just as essential.
Snow foam lances (also called foamers, guns and canons) are often overlooked, but without one, even the fanciest pressure washer in the world won't be able to foam up your car. And while some pressure washers ship with a lance attachment, often it's down to you to find the correct one that fits. We've done the hard work for you, looking at the best manufacturer-specific foam lances as well as some universal options that should fit whatever pressure washer you own.
Best snow foam lances at a glance:
Editor's choice: Autoglym Polar Blaster - Buy now from Amazon UK
Best snow foam kit: Meguiar's Ultimate Snow Foam Cannon Kit - Buy now from Amazon UK
Best low-tech lance: Demon Foam With Snow Foam Gun - Buy now from Halfords
So, what's the best technique for using a snow foam lance? The experts recommend that you start by attaching the snow foam lance to your pressure washer, making sure the connection is good. Dilute the car wash shampoo with water as the manufacturer recommends, then pour the mixture into the reservoir of the foam lance. Adjust the nozzle on the lance to control the foam thickness, remembering that thicker foam generally provides better coverage, and apply the foamy solution evenly across the car's surface. Allow the foam to work for a few minutes, allowing it to lift dirt and grime. Finally, rinse off the foam using the pressure washer, starting from the top and working your way down.
Best universal snow foam lances
Editor's choice
Totally new to the snow-foaming scene? You can't go wrong with this quality item from Autoglym. The foaming canon is designed to fit all pressure washers and has been created to foam up better and give a richer, thicker foam that clings better to bodywork and helps remove embedded dirt and debris.
Best snow foam lance kit for snow foaming
www.halfords.com
Another good choice for making sure you've got everything you need (apart from the pressure washer), this kit from Meguiar's includes a good foam cannon that's compatible with Ku00e4rcher, Nilfisk and Bosch pressure washers thanks to a selection of adapters. It also comes with Meguiar's pH-neutral snow foam that'll deep clean your car's paint without damaging it or stripping any wax coating. It misses out on the top spot simply because it only ships with snow foam and not shampoo and paint protectors.
Best low-tech snow foam lance
www.halfords.com
The amazing thing about this Demon Shine foam nozzle is that it doesn't need a pressure washer to work. The foam lance is built into the snow foam bottle and requires nothing more than a hose to work. Turtle Wax claim it's just as thick and luxurious as pressure-washer snow foam, but some reviewers beg to differ. Still, it's an interesting choice if you want to try snow foaming without a pressure washer.
Best budget snow foam lance
ffx.co.uk
A basic but reliable option, this snow foam lance from Tebery is designed to fit 1/4 Quick Connectors making it a solid choice for several domestic pressure washers. If you're unsure it'll fit, your pressure washer's handbook will tell you the size of its quick connector. It features a litre-sized foam capacity, durable brass construction and an adjustable nozzle. If you're after a basic and simple universal foam lance, this is your best choice.
Best model-specific snow foam lances
Best snow foam lance for Kärcher pressure washers
This 'foam jet' is designed to fit all Kärcher K2 to 7 models and comes with a 0.6-litre capacity.
Best snow foam lance for Nilfisk pressure washers
The 'Super Foam Sprayer' works with all Nilfisk pressure washers.
Best snow foam lance for Ryobi pressure washers
The perfect attachment for any Ryobi pressure washer.
Best snow foam lance for Turtle Wax pressure washers
This snow foam spray bottle is designed to work with all Turtle Wax pressure washers.
Some things to consider before buying a snow foam lance:
Compatibility: Check the specifications of the snow foam lance to ensure it is compatible with the PSI (pounds per square inch) and LPM (litres per minute) ratings of your pressure washer.
Build Quality: Look for snow foam lances made from high-quality materials like brass or stainless steel, as they are more durable and corrosion-resistant.
Adjustability: Opt for a snow foam lance with adjustable settings to control the thickness and density of the foam. Look for models with user-friendly adjustment knobs or controls.
Bottle Capacity: Consider the size of the foam bottle to ensure it can hold enough detergent for your specific cleaning tasks without requiring frequent refills.
Detergent Compatibility: Check if the snow foam lance is compatible with a range of detergents, as this gives you flexibility in choosing the right product for your cleaning needs.
Ease of Use: Look for a snow foam lance with a user-friendly design, quick-connect features, and clear instructions for easy setup and use.
Nozzle Type: Different nozzles can produce varying foam patterns. Choose a snow foam lance with a suitable nozzle type for your preferences and cleaning requirements.
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Ryan Gilmore is the Deputy Autos and Tools Editor for CAR, specialising in car cleaning and hand tools. With an MA in Automotive Journalism, when he's not testing buckets he can be found looking at old Porsches.