Winter is coming…for your pressure washer! As temperatures drop, preparing your pressure washer or power washer for cold weather is crucial for preventing expensive damage and making sure it’s ready to go when spring rolls around. Without proper winterization and storage, you could break the pressure water pump or damage internal components. Whether you own a gas or electric pressure washer, following a few simple steps can extend the life of your equipment and save you money on time-consuming repairs.
In this Greenworks blog, we’re breaking down how to winterize your pressure washer or power washer the right way.
Why It’s Important to Winterize Your Pressure Washer
Safeguard your investment! Pressure washers aren't built to handle freezing temperatures. If water is left inside the pump or hoses, it can crack internal components when the water freezes and expands. This can lead to expensive fixes (or even require pressure washer replacement).
The following quick and easy steps need to be taken each time your machine is stored for more than 30 days. If ignored, you could break your pump, damage internal components, or worse.
How to Winterize a Pressure Washer in 5 Steps
Whether you're storing your pressure washer in a garage, shed, or basement, here's how to winterize your unit safely and effectively.
Step 1: Disconnect and Drain Hoses
Remove the high-pressure hose, garden hose, and spray gun from your pressure washer. Let all water drain completely. It’s important that no water remains in the lines—even a small amount can cause damage if it freezes.
Step 2: Flush Out the System
Run the pressure washer for a few seconds (without a hose attached) to clear out any remaining water in the pump. This step is especially important for gas-powered pressure washers.
Step 3: Add Pump Saver or Antifreeze
Use a pressure washer pump saver or RV-type antifreeze to protect internal seals. Connect the bottle to the pump inlet and squeeze until you see the product exit through the outlet. This displaces any leftover water and coats the inside to prevent freezing and corrosion.
Greenworks Tip: This step is essential for both gas pressure washers and electric pressure washers! It might seem small, but adding pump saver to your pressure washer is crucial if you want to prevent corrosion, protect from freezing, extend the life of your pump, and ultimately make it easier for you to start your pressure washer next spring.
Step 4: For Gas Pressure Washers, Treat the Fuel
Add fuel stabilizer to the gas tank, then run the engine for a couple of minutes to circulate the treated fuel. This helps prevent gumming and keeps the carburetor clean. Alternatively, you can also drain the fuel tank completely and run the engine until it stops. Either method helps protect your gas-powered pressure washer during long-term storage.
Greenworks Tip: Want to skip this step? An electric pressure washer might be for you. Try the Greenworks 80V 3000-PSI Pressure Washer and experience lower maintenance, more power, and zero fuel costs. It’s a top-rated pressure washer for a reason!
Step 5: Store Your Pressure Washer Properly
Properly storing your pressure washer for winter protects the pump, engine, and other components from damage caused by moisture, freezing, and corrosion. Place your pressure washer in a dry, well-ventilated area away from extreme cold. Avoid placing it directly on concrete (moisture can build up here). Instead, keep it elevated on a piece of wood or a shelf.
FAQs: Winterizing a Pressure Washer
Have more questions about how to prep your pressure washer for cold weather? We have answers!
Q: Can I store my pressure washer outside in the winter?
A: We don’t recommend it. Even with a cover, exposure to freezing temps can cause damage to the water pump and internal components. Store your pressure washer indoors if possible or in a clean, dry garage or shed.
Q: What happens if I don’t winterize my pressure washer?
A: It may be tempting to avoid the few minutes of work it takes to winterize your pressure washer, but water trapped inside can freeze and crack the pump, valves, or hoses—leading to expensive repairs or even a fully ruined unit.
Q: How do I winterize an electric pressure washer?
A: If you own an electric pressure washer, follow the same steps we outlined above (paying particular attention to draining all water and adding pump saver). Just skip the fuel treatment.
Final Thoughts on Winterizing Your Pressure Washer
Avoid a Cold-Weather Disaster
Winterizing a pressure washer might take as little as 15–20 minutes, but it can save you hundreds of dollars in the long run. A bit of pre-winter prep means no surprises when you start it next spring—just a machine that’s clean, protected, and ready to get back to work!
Trying to decide between a gas or electric pressure washer? Check out everything you need to know in our Pressure Washer Buying Guide.
Plus, if you want to tackle one more pressure washing job before winter, you might be interesting in reading How to Pressure Wash Your House: The Greenworks Guide.
Written by The Green Team, a creative arm within Greenworks Tools.
Our team of writers, designers and content creators bring a breadth of experience and a touch of fun to all things tools. With an assist from the Greenworks product teams and technology experts, we’re here to provide helpful and engaging content to make your yard (and life!) beautiful.
