Learn the steps required to winterize and safely store a pressure washer during colder months.
However, simply storing apressure washerisn’t enough to ensure the safety of this popular tool.
Use this guide to learn how to winterize a pressure washer and safely store this garden tool.
Credit:Getty Images / Irina Shatilova
You may need to turn the pressure washer on for a short period to empty the fuel tank fully.
Wear gloves, safety glasses, and a mask to ensure your ongoing safety while completing this job.
However, knowing whether the pressure washer relies on gas or a battery for power is important.
Additionally, finding a suitable location to store the pressure washer after it has been successfully winterized is necessary.
If you have an electric pressure washer, skip this step.
If the machine is fueled by gas, start the job by emptying the fuel tank.
At this point, add two capfuls of fuel stabilizer to the gas tank.
Find the oil drain plug on the pressure washer anduse a socket wrenchto remove it.
Ensure a metal bucket or receptacle is ready to catch the used oil as it drains out.
This process usually takes about 10 minutes to complete.
Once the oil is fully drained, put the oil drain plug back in.
Then, use an oil funnel to refill the oil tank with synthetic motor oil.
Check the levels frequently to avoid overfilling the pressure washer.
Take this opportunity to remove and rinse any accessories, such as filters, nozzles, or hoses.
Find the inlet for the water pump and attach a short garden hose.
Use a large funnel to pour the antifreeze into the other end of the hose.
Place a metal bucket or receptacle near the water pump outlet.
bring up the water pump outlet and pull the water pump cord to circulate the antifreeze through the machine.
Remove, rinse, and dry the garden hose, funnel, and metal bucket or receptacle.
