We've discussed many times that most defects in paint are actual caused by poor washing techniques and this is one that is often overlooked, even if you are already doing it. As the name suggests, it's the procedures we do before washing the car. More specifically, the steps before a contact wash. The purpose of the pre-wash is to remove and loosen as much soiling as possible before moving to the traditional contact wash. This may be as simple as rinsing the car. Some of the common methods are listed below.

Basic rinse with a garden hose

Rinse with pressure washer

Apply an all purpose cleaner or similar product with a garden sprayer and allow to dwell

Foam cannon with a snow foam solution, car soap or all purpose cleaner

Foam gun with a snow foam solution, car soap or all purpose cleaner

The term foam cannon refers to a tool that is attached to a pressure washer and produces a thick lather of foam. The foam gun is a tool that attaches to a garden hose and applied a bubbly solution of soap, but it's not shaving cream.