FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions: Foaminator Coil Cleaner

Application & Performance

Q: Why doesn’t it foam immediately when I spray it?

A: This is by design. Foaminator features a “Delayed Foaming” mechanism. The liquid remains in a penetrating state for 60 to 90 seconds to soak deep into the center of the coil. Once it reaches the inner rows, the reaction triggers, expanding the foam to push debris out from the inside.

Q: Why is the liquid so thick? It shoots like a stream, not a mist.

A: We use a high-viscosity surfactant blend to create a Non-Atomizing Stream. This is a safety feature. By shooting a solid stream (at 3:1 dilution), the chemical lands exactly where you aim it—on the coil—rather than atomizing into a mist that blows back onto your skin or clothes in windy conditions.

Q: What is the difference between Yellow (FM-1) and Blue (FMB-1)?

A: Only the color. Both products use the exact same high-alkaline, delayed-foaming formula. We offer both colors because some contractors prefer Blue to see the coverage on the coil better, while others prefer the traditional Yellow to see the dirt contrast.

Q: Can I use this on indoor Evaporator Coils?

A: The short answer is NO. Evaporator coils are sensitive to pH and Foaminator requires heavy rinsing not easily done indoors. While we do not recommend Foaminator for evaporators, if you’re going to do it, pull the coil, heavily dilute with water before application and rinse immediately.

Q: I sprayed it and it didn’t foam. Is it broken?

A: That is the Time-Delay at work. The liquid is designed to stay fluid for 90 seconds to soak into the center of the coil. If it foamed instantly, it wouldn’t clean the inside. Give it a minute, and you’ll see it push the dirt out. If it’s cold, it can take a little longer for that reaction to trigger.

Mixing & Equipment

Q: My hose-end sprayer isn’t drawing the chemical. Is it broken?
A: Likely not. Because Foaminator contains amazing surfactants with high viscosity, it is too thick for many standard hose-end sprayers to siphon effectively.

1. Best Method: Use a pump-up sprayer. This gives you total control over the dilution ratio and pressure.
2. Hose-End Workaround: If you must use a hose-end sprayer, pre-dilute the chemical (1 part water to 3 part Foaminator) in the sprayer cup so the venturi can draw it up.

Q: Will I get blowback burns on my arms or choke on the mist if it’s windy?

A: Foaminator solves that. At a 3:1 – 4:1 mix, it shoots like a heavy stream—like a laser. It hits the coil, not your face. It’s safer and cleaner than aerosolized mists.

Q: What is the best dilution ratio?
A: It depends on the job and contamination load:

• 3:1 -4:1 (Industrial): For virtually no misting, restaurant grease, impacted cottonwood, matted debris, and heavy oxidation.
• 5:1 – 7:1 (General): For reduced misting stay at 5:1. Most PM jobs will fall in this ratio for standard condensers and cleaning.
• 8:1 – 10:1 (Residential): For standard maintenance. This makes one gallon last up to 11 gallons of solution, offering unbeatable economy.

Safety & Compatibility

Q: Is this safe for Micro-Channel/Mini Splits coils?

A: NO. Foaminator is a high-pH alkaline cleaner designed for outdoor condensers only. It produces fumes that are not suitable for enclosed spaces, and the heavy foam requires high-volume rinsing that is difficult to manage indoors. We strongly recommend using a pH-neutral cleaner for micro-channel/mini-splits (MC-1 Mongoose or EC-1 Eco Clean).

Q: Do I need PPE? It says “Non-Atomizing.”

A: YES. While the non-atomizing stream reduces blow-back risk, this product contains Sodium Hydroxide and causes severe burns. Always wear goggles, chemical-resistant gloves, and long sleeves.

Q: Will it kill the grass around the unit?

A: Like any alkaline cleaner, concentrated runoff can damage vegetation. We recommend flooding the ground beneath the unit with water before and after cleaning to dilute the runoff, or covering nearby plants with a tarp. Never leave standing foam puddles after cleaning coils.

Logistics & Storage

Q: I have a massive roof job. Do you have larger sizes?

A: Yes. For commercial contractors and facility managers, we offer bulk sizes to reduce plastic waste and cost:

• FM-5: 5 Gallon Pail
• FM-55: 55 Gallon Drum

Q: What happens if the bottle freezes in my truck?

A: Foaminator is water-based and can freeze. However, it is stable. If frozen, simply thaw it at room temperature and shake well to remix the surfactants before use. Performance will not be affected.

Q: What is the shelf life?

A: Foaminator has a shelf life of 5+ years from the date of manufacture when stored properly. Warranty is 1 year.

Q: How do I dispose of the empty bottle?

A: Once triple-rinsed, the polyethylene (HDPE) bottles are fully recyclable. Check your local recycling guidelines.

Q: It costs more per gallon than the cheap stuff. Why?

A: You’re actually saving money. Foaminator is a Super Concentrate. While standard cleaners dilute less, one gallon of Foaminator makes up to 11 gallons of residential cleaner. Your cost per coil is actually lower.