The "foam" I use is a liquid cleaner from LTT, the Strong, or the Maxi when really bad. Its the applicator that causes the foam, available from LTT.
I id my first lather suite yesterday for about 8 months.
I didnt use the microfibre sponge method as it was not all that bad, though I did go to the maxi strength in certain areas.
I too use towels to do the final wiping up of the residue, then a coat of protector with a clean cloth.