Home Improvement Ideas Remodeling Advice & Planning Maintenance & Repairs How to Winterize a Pressure Washer Learn the steps required to winterize and safely store a pressure washer during colder months. By Timothy Dale Published on January 8, 2024 Trending Videos Close this video player Photo: Getty Images / Irina Shatilova Project Overview Working Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 1 hour Skill Level: Beginner Estimated Cost: $25 to $50 During cold months, many appliances and tools, such as hoses, pool pumps, and pressure washers, aren't often used. Instead, they should be stored in a safe location, like a garage, shed, or basement, until warm weather returns. However, simply storing a pressure washer isn't enough to ensure the safety of this popular tool. Winterize a pressure washer by draining the fuel, removing the batteries, and emptying any remaining water to prevent internal damage. If the pressure washer will be stored in an uninsulated shed or garage, it's a good idea to rinse the pump with antifreeze to reduce the risk of the components freezing. Use this guide to learn how to winterize a pressure washer and safely store this garden tool. Safety Considerations Winterizing a pressure washer isn't as hazardous as using a pressure washer, but it's still important to be careful and take safety seriously while you work. Work outdoors or in a well-ventilated space when removing gas, changing the oil, or rinsing the device with antifreeze to protect yourself from powerful chemical smells and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that might be released into the air. You may need to turn the pressure washer on for a short period to empty the fuel tank fully. When using the pressure washer, turn the power output down to a manageable level and direct the nozzle toward a suitable surface that the high-pressure spray will not damage. Wear gloves, safety glasses, and a mask to ensure your ongoing safety while completing this job. Preparing the Pressure Washer The pressure washer doesn't require much prep work to prepare it for winterization beyond draining any remaining water, emptying the gas tank, and changing the oil. 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. Gas pressure washers need to be fully drained before they can be stored, while battery-powered pressure washers just need the batteries removed from the device for safe storage in a warm location. The entire pressure washer unit can be stored in a warm area, like a basement or a closet inside the home. If you have a suitable location in a warm area, then the pressure washer doesn't need antifreeze, but changing the oil before sticking the tool in storage is still a good idea. The 8 Best Pressure Washers to Scour Away Dirt in 2024, According to Testing What You'll Need Equipment / Tools Siphon pump Large funnel Oil funnel Short garden hose Metal bucket or container Socket wrench Materials Fuel stabilizer Synthetic motor oil Antifreeze Instructions How to Winterize a Pressure Washer Empty the Fuel Tank Check the type of pressure washer before you begin. 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. Find the fuel shutoff valve, turn it off, and use a siphon pump to drain the fuel into a metal bucket or receptacle. If the pressure washer isn't completely empty, run the machine for a few minutes to use the remaining gas. At this point, add two capfuls of fuel stabilizer to the gas tank. Remove the cap from the gas tank, pour in the fuel stabilizer, and replace the cap to close up the tank. Drain and Refill the Oil The next step is to change the oil, but if you changed the oil recently, you can skip this step. Find the oil drain plug on the pressure washer and use a socket wrench to 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. Remove the Battery Those with an electric pressure washer should remove the battery for safe storage in a warm location. Disconnect the battery from the machine and store it in the basement or an available closet indoors, where it will remain safe during the winter. Clean Pressure Washer Exterior Rinse the exterior of the pressure washer to remove any dirt, debris, or fluids that may have collected on the outside of the machine. Take this opportunity to remove and rinse any accessories, such as filters, nozzles, or hoses. Store the accessories separately from the pressure washer in a closed container to keep these components safe from dust, dirt, or invasive pests. Use Antifreeze to Rinse the Pump If the pressure washer will be stored in an uninsulated space, like a garage or shed, it's a good idea to add antifreeze to the pump to prevent freezing. 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. Open the water pump outlet and pull the water pump cord to circulate the antifreeze through the machine. When the water escaping the outlet is no longer clear but is the pink color of the antifreeze, close both the inlet and outlet. Remove, rinse, and dry the garden hose, funnel, and metal bucket or receptacle. Store the Pressure Washer The pressure washer is winterized at this point, but it still needs to be stored in a safe location. Ideally, store the pressure washer indoors, but if you don't have the space for this, a shed or garage is appropriate, as long as the machine will not be exposed to any moisture while in storage. How to Safely Use a Pressure Washer to Clean Your Exterior Surfaces