How to Winterize an Electric Pressure Washer

Electric pressure washers are known for being convenient and relatively low-maintenance, but this does not mean they can be left in service during the off-season. Proper winterization and storage will ensure that a hard-working pressure cleaner is ready to blast through another year of grime. 

Turn It Off and Wrap It Up 

Turn off the pressure washer and unplug it from the outlet, then turn off the spigot or cut off the water source. Squeeze the trigger on the gun a few times until all water pressure is relieved and any remaining water has drained out. 

Remove the garden hose from the spigot to disconnect the pressure washer from its water source. Be sure this is done last, since you should never run a pressure washer without flowing water. 

Diminish the Detergent 

Detach the detergent tank from the pressure cleaner and rinse it thoroughly until all detergent is gone and the water runs out clean. Leaving any residual detergent in the detergent tank will cause build-up and can lead to clogging. 

Detach the Hose 

At this stage, the high-pressure hose connecting the spray gun to the pressure washer can be removed. Begin by unscrewing the gun from the hose and storing it in its place on the pressure washer. Then detach the other end of the hose from the pressure washer, leaving nothing attached to the hose. 

Disconnect Components & Pour Out the Soap 

First, be sure to remove the lance from the gun. Pour out any remaining detergent and place the lance and gun in their respective storage places on the pressure washer. Pour leftover soap back into the soap jug to be more conservative, then rinse out the detergent tank to minimize messes. 

Rinse out the nozzle and hose with plenty of clean water to prevent clogging. If it's too cold out now to use the garden hose, rinse in a bathtub. Soaking these components in warm water can help to dissolve any build-up. 

Wind Up the Power Cord 

Straighten out the power cord and untangle any knots to prepare it for storage. Wind the cord around its storage hooks located on the pressure washer. Press the wound cord into the notch on the plug to hold it in place. 

Hang Up Your Hose 

Store the high-pressure hose on its storage hooks. Wind the hose and store it neatly on its designated hooks, often located somewhere on the pressure washer handle. Collect and hang up the extension cord as well. Wind it into a circle and hang it on a wall hook to keep it dry and easy to find. 

Keep it Warm 

After the pressure washer and its parts have been disassembled and organized, the unit should not be left in the cold. It is best to store a pressure washer in a location that will not reach freezing temperatures. Unless a pump saver has been used, the pressure washer pump could freeze and crack if left where temperatures drop below freezing. 

If a garage or storage shed is subject to freezing, a pump saver product must be added to keep the pump from freezing and cracking.