9 Steps You Need to Take to Winterize Your Pressure Washer

Pressure washing season may soon be over, but before you put away your pressure washer for the cold winter months, you may want to consider winterizing it. Leftover water inside the washer may freeze, and when water freezes it expands. This could lead to a damaged pump head, coil, and more. Here are steps to winterize your pressure washer so it’s in good working condition come springtime.

1. Drain the Pressure Washer

First things first, set your pressure washer to the lowest setting and squeeze the trigger to spray out any leftover detergent and water.

2. Blow Out Remaining Liquid

When you’ve squeezed as much water as you can from the trigger, disconnect the hoses, spray gun, and wand to drain out even more water. To get out any liquid left behind, use an air compressor to blow out what’s remaining.

3. Optional: Mix in Antifreeze

This optional step is another way to keep the parts of your pressure washer from freezing over the cold weather months. Mix a small amount of antifreeze and water in your washer’s bucket. The antifreeze container should have a chart on its label that will advise on exact measurements. Aim the spray gun into an empty bucket, and shoot the mixture out until empty.

4. Drain out the Antifreeze

Disconnect the hose, spray gun, and wand to drain out any excess antifreeze left behind.

5. Keep the Battery From Draining

Disconnect the pressure washer’s battery to ensure it doesn’t drain over the winter as the machine sits.

6. Optional: Drain Gasoline

For gas-powered washers, make sure to drain all gasoline and disconnect the spark plug wires before leaving the machine sitting for a few months.

7. Clean the Machine Off

Clean off any dust, dirt, and debris from the outside of your washer before storing. This will help keep the machine looking good as new when it’s ready to be used again.

8. Store in a Covered Area

Whether you choose to store it in your garage, shed, or elsewhere, it’s best if you can keep your pressure washer indoors for the winter months where it won’t be exposed to freezing air or wet weather. 

9. Consider Protecting Against Mice

If you’re keeping your washer in a shed or garage for the winter, there’s always the chance of rodents joining the space to stay warm for a few months. They may damage the wiring or other parts of the machine. It’s a good idea to deter them, whether you decide on traps, baits, or other methods. After all your hard work, the last thing you need is the wires to be chewed!

Steps to Take to Winterize Your Pressure Washer: