Pressure washers are invaluable tools for keeping your home, driveway, windows, and outdoor surfaces spotless. But did you know one of the most common reasons pressure washers fail is due to improper storage—especially during winter? If you live in an area where temperatures dip below freezing, winterizing your pressure washer is crucial to prevent damage caused by freezing water inside the unit.

At Neighbours Windows, we want your equipment to last for years, so we’ve created this comprehensive step-by-step guide to help you properly winterise your pressure washer and avoid costly repairs.

Why Winterizing Your Pressure Washer Matters

When water remains inside your pressure washer’s pump during freezing temperatures, it can expand and cause significant damage. This includes:

• Cracked pump housings

• Damaged seals and o-rings

• Clogged internal components due to detergent residue

• Corrosion in gas engines due to degraded fuel

Proper winter storage safeguards your investment, ensuring your pressure washer is ready to go when spring cleaning season arrives.

Step 1: Flush the Pump to Remove Detergent Residue

If you’ve used detergent during your last cleaning session, residue may remain inside the pump and hoses. This residue can clog parts and cause damage during storage.

How to flush your pressure washer pump:

1. Attach your pressure washer to the garden hose and plug it in (for electric models).
   

2. Fill the detergent bottle with clean water only.
   

3. Run the pressure washer on low pressure for about 30 seconds. This dilutes any detergent inside.
   

4. Increase to high pressure and run for another 30 seconds to flush out remaining residue.

This process helps prevent buildup and keeps the pump components clean and functioning.

Step 2: Purge the Pump of Remaining Water

Next, disconnect your pressure washer from the water supply.

• Turn the pressure washer on and run it until all water inside the pump and hoses has been expelled.
  

• This ensures no water is left that can freeze and cause damage.
  

• Once the pump is purged, turn off the unit and unplug it.
  

Step 3: Winterize the Pump with Pump Saver Fluid

Simply draining water is not enough to fully protect your pressure washer. You’ll need to use a pressure washer antifreeze or “pump saver” product to coat and preserve internal components.

How to apply pump saver:

1. Purchase a canister of pressure washer antifreeze or pump saver fluid.
   

2. Connect the tube from the canister to the quick-connect coupler on your pressure washer.
   

3. Attach the coupler to the pump inlet.
   

4. Depress the button on top of the canister to release the antifreeze into the pump.
   

5. Continue until you see the fluid exiting the pump outlet.
   

6. Disconnect the antifreeze canister from the pump.

This protective coating prevents rust, corrosion, and freezing damage inside the pump throughout the winter months.

Step 4: Gasoline Pressure Washer Owners—Winterize the Engine

Electric pressure washers don’t require engine winterizing, but gas-powered models do. Gasoline degrades over time, especially ethanol blends common at fuel stations, which can cause:

• Corrosion inside the engine
  

• Build-up of varnish and deposits
  

• Damage to fuel lines and carburetors
  

To winterize your gas pressure washer engine:

• Add a fuel stabilizer to the gas tank as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
  

• Run the engine for a few minutes after adding stabilizer to circulate it through the fuel system.
  

• Consider draining the fuel tank and carburetor completely if storing for very long periods.

This simple step can save you headaches and expensive engine repairs come spring.

Additional Winter Storage Tips for Pressure Washers

• Store indoors if possible: An unheated garage or shed can expose your pressure washer to freezing temperatures. If you have the space, store your unit inside your home or a heated garage.
  

• Keep it covered: Use a waterproof cover to protect from dust and moisture buildup.
  

• Check hoses and accessories: Drain and store hoses separately to prevent cracking.
  

• Follow manufacturer instructions: Always refer to your pressure washer’s manual for specific winterizing and storage guidelines.
  

Summary: Protect Your Pressure Washer and Save Money

Winterizing your pressure washer is a simple but essential maintenance task that prolongs its life and prevents costly damage from freezing temperatures and degraded fuel. By flushing, purging, applying pump saver, and stabilizing gas engines, you ensure your pressure washer stays in top shape for years to come.

At Neighbours Windows, we not only offer expert window cleaning services but also understand the value of maintaining your equipment properly. Follow these steps to winterise your pressure washer and enjoy hassle-free cleaning every season.