3d Car Soap Foam Bath not cleaning

[irvsmith]

I have been having an issue with my process or the 3D Car Soap. I have been using the Gilmour 75QGFMR and while the foam seems quite thick - I note that after the foam has dwelled for 3-5 minutes a majority of the dust/light dirt is still intact on the surface. I have tried different ratios of soap to water (1/3 to 1/2), and the foam gun is fully open to the largest opening for the maximum suds/foam.

Am I doing something wrong?
Is it the soap?
Maybe my expectations are to high for this process?
Maybe I need to reduce the foam opening so the foam is comprised of smaller bubbles as opposed to large bubbles?
Hard water?

The dirt level is what I would describe as light to medium given the car gets a weekly WW at least and I am in a urban environment. I would not expect the bonded contaminants to be eliminated but a recent example was there was a light powder of pollen (which I could fairly easily remove with a finger) and after the foam had dwelled a majority was still intact.

I am probably doing something wrong but didn't think this should be a challenge given that I let it dwell for a bit.

Thanks in advance.

[Eldorado2k]

Do you pre rinse the vehicle prior to using the foam gun?

[AGOatemywallet]

What are your steps after letting the soap dwell?

[Setec Astronomy]

Sorry, you need to agitate the soap on the surface, or use a pressure washer (which will still likely need some contact after to remove the remaining dirt).

[04accord]

from what I've read foam guns are more for adding extra lubrication rather than actual cleaning unlike foam cannons.

[AGOatemywallet]

from what I've read foam guns are more for adding extra lubrication rather than actual cleaning unlike foam cannons.

The two methods/tools do the same thing

Cannon just allows for a longer dwell time

[04accord]

The two methods/tools do the same thing

Cannon just allows for a longer dwell time

which allows more cleaning power, correct?

[cardaddy]

The two methods/tools do the same thing

Cannon just allows for a longer dwell time

Best way would be to rinse with a pressure washer, then foam/dwell, then rinse again.

If it's only a week of dust from driving, most of it'll be gone.

However... it will NOT be enough to be safe to go on from that point and start wiping the surface with a spray wax/sealant.

Only way to safely do that would be a thorough wash while foamed with your favorite mitt.

[custmsprty]

No foam cannon or foam gun will release all the dirt, dust or contaminants w/o some sort of agitation. Cleaners are designed to break down and suspend. You will need to use some sort of washing mitt. The more foam = more lubrication which will help minimize any marring or swirling.

[TroyScherer]

Foam doesn't clean cars. It only helps with possible lubrication. Agitation breaks down and removes dirt a debris. Thus water from a hose agitates the surface as it is sprayed on and rinses dirt away.