Ryobi EZClean Power Cleaner Foam Blaster

The Ryobi EZClean Power Cleaner Foam Blaster (model RY3112FBA) is designed to elevate your cleaning routine by adding a layer of foam to your power washing tasks. As someone who frequently tackles various cleaning projects, I was eager to see how this foam blaster could streamline my efforts. Here’s my comprehensive take on this accessory.

Design and Build Quality

Straight out of the box, the foam blaster is a simple yet functional accessory. It consists of a plastic bottle, an adapter that connects to the Ryobi 18V ONE+ Power Cleaner, and a nozzle. The design is straightforward, making it easy to assemble and use. The bottle is clearly marked, which helps in mixing the detergent and water accurately. The top control dial is designed to adjust the foam thickness, a feature that is crucial for varying cleaning needs.

However, the build quality leaves something to be desired. While it’s not flimsy, the plastic components don’t inspire confidence in their long-term durability. For a tool that will be exposed to water and detergents frequently, I would have preferred more robust materials.

Performance

The performance of the foam blaster is where opinions might diverge. For light-duty tasks, such as cleaning patio furniture, windows, and decking, it performs admirably. The foam application is even, and the foam control dial allows for some customization in foam thickness. I found that using a 1:1 ratio of car wash fluid to water produced a decently thick foam, which clung to surfaces long enough to break down dirt and grime.

When it comes to more demanding tasks, like washing a car, the results are mixed. Using a high-quality car wash soap, I was able to get a satisfactory amount of foam, but it wasn’t the thick, luxurious foam that some might expect. The foam was sufficient for loosening dirt and grime, but it didn’t quite match the performance of higher-end foam cannons that connect to more powerful pressure washers.

Ease of Use

One of the standout features of the foam blaster is its ease of use. Connecting it to the Ryobi 18V ONE+ Power Cleaner is a breeze, thanks to the quick-connect system. Swapping between the foam blaster and other accessories is seamless, which saves time and effort. The bottle is easy to fill and clean, and the clear markings ensure you get the detergent-to-water ratio right every time.

However, I did encounter some issues with the foam control dial. It’s supposed to allow for easy adjustment of foam thickness, but I found it to be somewhat finicky. It took a few tries to get it dialed in just right, and even then, the difference in foam thickness wasn’t as pronounced as I had hoped.

Versatility

The foam blaster is quite versatile in terms of the surfaces it can clean. It’s effective on vinyl, wood, brick, stucco, concrete, fiberglass, tile, metal, and various plastics. This makes it a handy tool for a range of outdoor cleaning tasks. I used it on my patio furniture, wooden deck, and even my car’s wheels, and it performed well across all these surfaces.

One tip I found useful is to use warm water in the mix, which seems to enhance the foam quality. Also, steering clear of the included Ryobi detergent for car washing is advisable, as it tends to produce runny foam. Opting for a specialized car wash soap yields much better results.

Limitations

Despite its many advantages, the foam blaster does have some limitations. Its performance is closely tied to the power of the Ryobi 18V ONE+ Power Cleaner, which operates at a lower PSI compared to traditional pressure washers. This inherently limits the foam thickness and cleaning power. If you’re looking for super-thick foam, you might be a bit underwhelmed.

Another issue is the compatibility with other pressure washers. The foam blaster is specifically designed for the Ryobi EZClean system, and it doesn’t fit well with other models that use standard 1/4 quick-connect fittings. This limits its versatility if you own multiple pressure washing systems.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the Ryobi EZClean Power Cleaner Foam Blaster is a useful accessory for light to moderate cleaning tasks. It excels in ease of use and versatility, making it a convenient addition to your cleaning arsenal. However, it falls short in terms of build quality and foam thickness, especially when compared to more robust foam cannons designed for higher PSI pressure washers.

Would I recommend it? If you already own the Ryobi 18V ONE+ Power Cleaner and are looking for an easy way to add foam to your cleaning routine, then yes, it’s a worthwhile investment. It simplifies the process and is effective for a range of surfaces. However, if you’re seeking professional-grade foam for car detailing or heavy-duty cleaning, you might want to explore other options.