Every car enthusiast knows the satisfaction of a freshly detailed vehicle. Chemical Guys, a prominent name in car care, frequently introduces new products, many of which land on our doorstep for rigorous testing. With a constant influx of samples, we’re diving into a comprehensive review of several detailing items designed to work in harmony, from the accessible Foam Blaster 6 and Mr. Pink shampoo to the specialized Wheelie brush, absorbent Thirst Trap towel, and finishing HydroBlitz hybrid ceramic spray wax. These products promise to simplify and expedite the detailing process, but do these shortcuts truly deliver? Let’s explore if they live up to the hype.
I approach car care not as a detailing fanatic, but as a long-time product tester with a keen eye for value and performance. Having seen my share of both ineffective “snake oil” and genuinely impressive products, I tested these Chemical Guys items on my daily driver, a 2019 VW Tiguan with approximately 40,000 miles. This vehicle, while not neglected, certainly endures its share of gravel roads and less-than-frequent washes. It’s a realistic test subject for everyday car cleaning tools.
The Bottom Line on Chemical Guys Detailing Tools
This review covers a range of Chemical Guys detailing products, so let’s break down the essential takeaways for each item.
The Foam Blaster 6, priced at $49.99, is an entry-level foam cannon intended for use with a standard garden hose, eliminating the need for a pressure washer. Its setup is straightforward and user-friendly, with fewer adjustments compared to more advanced models. While the foam produced isn’t as dense as pressure washer cannons, it’s a viable option for those seeking a foam cannon experience without investing in pressure washing equipment. I paired it with the original Mr. Pink Shampoo. For those desiring thick, luxurious foam, the Mr. Pink Foam Party variant might be more appealing. I found the original Mr. Pink to be somewhat sticky, and rinsing wasn’t as effortless as desired, lingering in crevices and requiring extra wiping during drying. At $9.99 for 16 ounces, it’s an acceptable soap, but superior foaming options are available.
Wheel cleaning is often a dreaded task, making effective tools highly valued. Despite claims of spray-on, hose-off wheel cleaners, mechanical agitation remains essential for removing brake dust. The Wheelie all-surface exterior brush stands out as the best wheel brush I’ve encountered. Its design effectively navigates tight curves and large flat surfaces, and it typically retails for $10.99.
For drying, I utilized the Thirst Trap towel. However, I remain unconvinced. My standard drying method involves two microfiber towels – one for initial water removal and a second for the remaining film. The Thirst Trap seemed only to manage the initial stage and lacked the desired softness.
Finally, the HydroBlitz hybrid ceramic spray wax was tested. Ceramic paint protection, especially SiO2-based products, is currently trending in car detailing. While HydroBlitz incorporates ceramic elements, it’s not a professional-grade ceramic coating. Spray waxes like HydroBlitz offer a convenient, less demanding coating option for DIYers. Application, while not as seamless as some waxes, is still manageable, requiring caution on black plastic trim. For those seeking a balance between effectiveness and ease of use, this $24.99 spray wax is a worthwhile consideration.
| Foam Blaster 6 | Mr. Pink Shampoo | Wheelie Brush | Thirst Trap Towel | HydroBlitz Wax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ease Of Use | 8/10 | 6/10 | 10/10 | 7/10 |
| Value | 9/10 | 8/10 | 9/10 | 7/10 |
| Quality | 8/10 | 7/10 | 10/10 | 9/10 |
| Durability | 9/10 | 8/10 | 6/10 | 8/10 |
| Overall | 8.5/10 | 7.3/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.8/10 |
Chemical Guys Car Detailing: A Start-to-Finish Application
The concept of a foam cannon is appealing: apply foam, let it sit to lift dirt, and rinse away contaminants. However, in dry climates like Las Vegas (14% humidity during testing), rapid evaporation becomes a factor. Leaving foam to dwell becomes challenging as it dries quickly. Furthermore, significant dirt necessitates manual scrubbing even with foam application. My approach involved using the foam cannon for initial soap application, rinsing after complete coverage, and then proceeding with a traditional bucket wash and microfiber mitt. This adaptation was necessary to optimize the process in my environment.
Washing With A Foam Blaster 6
The Foam Blaster 6 performs effectively for garden hose operation, meeting expectations without pressure washer-level performance. It includes a soap dilution adjustment, with the highest setting proving most effective. Soap is added to the 32-ounce tank, diluted with water to the fill line, and then sprayed.
The package includes the sprayer handle and quick-release connectors for the foam cannon and spray gun; a hose connector is user-supplied. Soap consumption seemed higher compared to pressure washer cannons, and foam thickness was less due to lower pressure. The foam bubbles were noticeably larger than the microfoam from higher-pressure systems. Similar to milk steaming for coffee, smaller bubbles in dense foam are desirable. In cooler climates or with a dedicated foamy soap, the Foam Blaster 6 can deliver satisfactory results without the expense of a pressure washer setup, making it a practical pressure car cleaning tool for many.
Mr. Pink Shampoo: Grit Removal Capabilities
Chemical Guys offers a wide array of car shampoos, with Mr. Pink available in original and Foam Party versions. I opted for the original formula. In hindsight, it might not be the ideal pairing for this foam cannon. Mr. Pink is formulated to be gentle and effective on moderately dirty vehicles, which my car aligned with. It performs well with bucket washing and microfiber mitts. Chemical Guys promotes its easy rinsing and residue-free nature. However, I observed a slight stickiness and, in my dry conditions, found it necessary to diligently remove it from seams and crevices. Considering the vast shampoo selection, Mr. Pink isn’t my top choice for foam cannon application, especially when considering other pressure car cleaning tool options with better soap compatibility.
A Wheelie Good Wheel Brush for Pressure Car Cleaning
My previous wheel brush, superficially similar to the Wheelie all-surface brush, had black bristles and performed adequately. However, the Wheelie brush’s flagged bristles are a significant upgrade. Flagged bristles are split at the ends, increasing bristle count while maintaining stiffness and enhancing softness at the contact point – akin to a mullet haircut for bristles.
These flagged bristles excel at brake dust removal, simplifying wheel cleaning considerably. This is the most effective wheel brush I’ve used for pressure car cleaning. The trade-off is fragility; the finer bristles are more susceptible to damage. However, the improved performance justifies the potential need for more frequent replacements and slightly higher cost, making it a worthwhile investment for efficient pressure car cleaning.
Thirst Trap Towel: Assessing Drying Performance
My established drying method, learned long ago, involves using two microfiber towels simultaneously. One towel removes bulk water beads, and the second absorbs the remaining moisture film.
The Thirst Trap towel is a large drying tool, measuring 28 x 24 inches and featuring a thick construction with two microfiber layers sandwiching a synthetic chamois. Both chamois and microfiber materials function optimally when slightly damp, utilizing capillary action to draw water into their fibers. I pre-soaked the Thirst Trap, wrung it out, and then used it for drying. In my dry climate, it dried out too quickly. Its large size also required conscious effort to prevent dragging it on the ground – a habit ingrained from years of using smaller microfiber towels. For users preferring large chamois-style drying tools over smaller microfibers, the Thirst Trap might be appealing. However, for my preferred drying technique, it didn’t offer a significant advantage over my existing microfiber towel setup for pressure car cleaning related drying.
HydroBlitz Hybrid Ceramic Spray Wax: A Pressure Car Cleaning Shortcut?
Ceramic coatings are a leading trend in car detailing. Essentially, they are silicone (SiO2) in a solvent. Upon application, the solvent evaporates, and the silicone bonds to the clear coat, forming a durable, UV-resistant layer. HydroBlitz is a spray wax incorporating silicone, but it’s not a full ceramic coating. While I have experience with full ceramic coatings, those are subjects for separate reviews. HydroBlitz is applied by spraying, wiping, and buffing with a microfiber towel.
Initially testing on a small area, I then taped off half the hood for a direct comparison. The spray nozzle could be improved; the mist was inconsistent, with some large droplets and dry patches. Many spray waxes and ceramics utilize air moisture as a curing catalyst. My observation with cyanoacrylate glues (super glues), which cure slowly in low humidity, suggests HydroBlitz might cure faster in more humid environments.
It requires some drying time and moderate buffing to eliminate haze after drying. While subtle in photos, the treated hood section exhibited enhanced shine, noticeably improved slickness, and better water beading. HydroBlitz won’t deliver the longevity of a true ceramic coating, but at $25, it’s a cost-effective, quick option for adding protection and shine to an entire vehicle in about 30 minutes, making it a convenient pressure car cleaning enhancement product.
Final Thoughts on Chemical Guys Detailing Products for Pressure Car Cleaning
I appreciate Chemical Guys’ effort to democratize foam cannons. The Foam Blaster 6, while priced at $50, avoids the necessity of a pressure washer investment. This not only saves money but also reduces noise, a significant factor for car washing in noise-sensitive times or locations. I’m planning a future deep dive into car wash soap chemistry to guide users in selecting the best options for their specific needs, especially when considering pressure car cleaning.
While the original Mr. Pink shampoo wasn’t ideal in my specific testing conditions, it remains a decent product. Similarly, the Thirst Trap towel didn’t align with my preferred drying method, but it could suit users who favor larger chamois. The Wheelie brush receives a strong recommendation for pressure car cleaning, despite potential fragility, and I’m exploring its recyclability. HydroBlitz hybrid ceramic spray wax provides a quick and easy solution for added protection and shine, even if it doesn’t match the performance of traditional waxes or ceramic coatings – sometimes, convenience is key in pressure car cleaning and maintenance.
Get The Job Done With Proven Gear
Our team is dedicated to rigorously testing tools, parts, and shop equipment. Rely on our hands-on trials and expertise to guide your journey in mastering car care and maintenance.
SEE GIFT GUIDES
