Still filthy after power wash/foam cannon

**jmoney** · 05-31-2015, 05:16 PM

I have been using a pressure washer/foam cannon, or trying to for some time. I keep having different issues that pop up that make it less convenient than a traditional two buck wash.

The problem lately is that after a good blast with the pressure washer and then a thick coat of foam, the truck is still absolutely filthy, in fact it is usually dirtier than before. When drying off the my towels come back completely covered in what almost looks like soot. It does this on every car we have. Is it just the water, or is it something else?

**Heisenberg** · 05-31-2015, 05:24 PM

A foam soak and pressure wash is not enough to clean a car. Youll still need some manual washing.

**asalesagent912** · 05-31-2015, 05:25 PM

just because you use a pressure washer and foam cannon doesn't mean you don't need a wash mitt and bucket of soap.

**hogie** · 05-31-2015, 05:27 PM

Yes, agitation is key to dirt removal

**FUNX650** · 05-31-2015, 05:53 PM

Originally Posted by hogie

Yes, agitation is key to dirt removal

^^^This^^^

Bob

**shagnat** · 05-31-2015, 05:56 PM

It only appears to be dirtier because the foam cannon has loosened the contaminants (dirt) and made them looser and easier to get off. After the foam cannon, you "can" use a power washer, but, until you put a wash mitt to that foam, you vehicles won't be clean. You may need to wash twice to get all the dirt off, then definitely clay bar (lite to medium), see videos on proper clay baring method. Then you'll probably have a clean vehicle.
Best of luck.

**jmoney** · 05-31-2015, 06:40 PM

This is exactly what I thought. I will get a new mitt on the way and see what happens, or I may just go back to two bucket. The heat is already coming and it always seemed to work better when I washed 1 side, dried it, then went to the next side on our black cars, otherwise I get water spots.

**Mantilgh** · 05-31-2015, 07:04 PM

What type of soap are you using and your dilution ratio?

And are the pannels drying before you rinse them off?

Are you washing the whole car, then rinsing?

If they are drying off this may be your problem. If it's hot when your washing, try rinsing each pannel as you wash. Or if it gets dried out, go back over it with your mitt and rinse.

Or wash in the early morning or evening

**Mantilgh** · 05-31-2015, 07:11 PM

I think a car I just did had a lot of wash soap residue built up on it masking tons of waterspots. Like they washed slowly in full sun often and then rinsed a mostly dry car.