How To Correctly Store Your Pressure Washer During The Winter Months

If you have a pressure washer that you will not be using during the winter months, you need to make sure that you store it properly. Here is what you need to do with the different parts of your pressure washer in order to ensure that your pressure washer winterizes well.    

Use Non-Toxic Antifreeze To Prevent Freezing

Use a garden hose to put non-toxic automotive antifreeze inside of your pressure washer pump. You will need to mix equal parts water with antifreeze.   

Once you have poured the antifreeze into the pump, you need to turn on your pressure washer and pull the trigger. Keep your hand on the trigger until the antifreeze starts to come out of your pump outlet. This will allow the antifreeze to coat the components of your pressure washer and prevent them from freezing during the winter.

Remove The Hose

Next, you'll want to remove the hose from the pressure washer. Wash the hose and allow it to dry. You don't want it to sit cleaning solution inside of it all winter. Store the hose inside of a plastic storage container.

Change The Oil

Make sure that you have fresh oil inside of your pressure washer. Change out the oil as well as both the oil and fuel filter. This will prevent sludge from building up in your pressure washer while it is not in use.

Disconnect The Battery

The battery needs to be disconnected from your pressure washer. If you fail to disconnect the battery, it will discharge slowly over time and may be dead by the time you need to use it again. 

Drain Or Stabilize The Gasoline

You have two options with the gasoline that is inside of your pressure washer. You can either drain the gasoline or you can stabilize it. If you drain the gasoline, make sure that you remove all the gasoline not just from the tank, but from the carburetor and fuel lines as well.

If you choose to leave gasoline in your pressure washer, make sure that you top it off and add a fuel stabilizer to the tank. This will prevent the fuel from degrading while your pressure washer is not in use. After you add the fuel stabilizer, you need to run your pressure washer for a couple of minutes so that the fuel stabilizer runs through the carburetor and fuel lines as well. 

By taking all the steps above, your pressure washer should be able to weather the winter without sustaining any damage. Make sure that your store your pressure washer inside of your garage or shed where it will be protected from the elements. For further assistance, contact local professionals, such as those from Chris' Pressure Wash.

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