Every detailer has a different setup that works for them and while some have access to a pressure washer, others might only have a hose setup at their house. Foam Lances and Cannons offer a great deal more of foam, which sticks to the surface, breaking down dirt and grime during the wash process. This layer of foam is great, but you need the power of a pressure washer to achieve it. There are however some other options to help increase foam output if your wash setup is driven by a standard garden hose.
The MTM Hydro GHF1 Low Pressure Foamer connects to any 1/2″ male threaded garden hose using the included stainless steel garden hose quick connect coupler and plug. Screw the one end of the quick coupler into the hose outlet and the other into the GHF1 lance. You can use this directly into your hose as listed, or use a garden hose sprayer if you desire a trigger to control when to start and stop waterflow. I have tried it on each setup and a trigger certainly makes a big difference in terms of ease of use, maneuverability and stream control during use. MTM Hydro recommends the Dramm Garden Hose Sprayer, but the GHF1 will work with any sprayer that has a 1/2″ make thread. Fill the bottle with the desired shampoo and the rest with water to hit the target dilution. I personally like a little more shampoo than most recommend, which helps push the foam output to higher levels. Once that is all set, clip the lance to the top of the bottle, turn the water on and you are all set to start washing.
GHF1 offers a 145 PSI Max Pressure at 1.85 GPM. I personally used this wash setup with the Koch Chemie Gentle Snow Foam and the foam output was pretty great. This foamer has 4x different settings for foam output and you can turn the dial to the desired level. 1 offers the least and 4 offers the most foam. I cranked it up to 4 and used it at that setting until I covered my vehicle in a nice layer. I will however say that at level 4, foam came out fast and strong, but you can empty your reservoir quickly. If you are using this setting, work fast, or refill the reservoir part of the way through the washing process for best results.
Take a look at the next two photos, which show off the foam output you can expect!
Simply put, I personally love the MTM Hydro GHF1 Low Pressure Foamer as it seems to outperform other standard hose washing foamers on the market. Pair this unit with a good high foaming shampoo and you have something that greatly increases the cleaning power within your washing setup!