From clay and gravel build-up to dirt and salt, dump trucks are used to haul a wide variety of materials from site to site. Starting each new project with a clean base is essential for preventing cross-contamination.

Figuring out an efficient process is important given the scale of these trucks. Of all the different methods you have at your disposal, you can’t beat the speed and effectiveness of pressure washing.

We have a detailed guide on pressure washing construction equipment, but today, we want to narrow our focus and discuss pressure washing dump trucks specifically. From the truck floor to the wheels and the undercarriage, we’ll empower you to restore your dump trucks to their original glory.

We aren’t just going to walk you through how to clean a dump truck either. You’ll gain access to the premier selection of commercial pressure washers in Houston. We have more than 45 years of experience serving the state of Texas, so you can rest assured you’re in good hands!

The Role of Dump Truck Cleaning

Dump trucks can cost well over $200,000. An investment of that stature demands the best care possible to keep it in good working condition for as long as possible.

Regular cleaning helps prevent the buildup of materials like dirt, grime, and residue from transported loads, which can lead to corrosion over time.

But it’s not just about cleaning the bed of the dump truck – you also need to take care of the undercarriage and moving parts where accumulated debris can cause mechanical issues, leading to costly repairs or even breakdowns.

There are safety considerations as well. Residual materials left on the truck’s surface can create slipping hazards. The truck bed and floors need to be free of any leftover substances that could affect the load’s stability or the operation of the dumping mechanism as well.

There may even be compliance issues associated with failing to clean your dump truck between loads. Trucks that transport hazardous or potentially contaminating materials must be cleaned thoroughly to prevent cross-contamination and environmental damage.

If for no other reason, you should invest in dump truck cleaning because a tidy fleet of equipment reflects your professionalism as a business owner.

Still, you need to make sure you’re being as efficient as possible because time is money, and you have more jobs to get to. That’s why pressure washing dump trucks is your best bet.

Why Pressure Washing Dump Trucks is the Way to Go

When you’re dealing with vehicles that haul everything from dirt and gravel to more stubborn, sticky substances, a standard hose or manual scrubbing just doesn’t cut it.

Pressure washing delivers the power needed to blast away grime and debris, getting your dump trucks clean quickly and thoroughly.

It can reach all those tough spots that are nearly impossible to clean by hand, too. With all the crevices, moving parts, and hard-to-reach areas where dirt loves to hide, you need a pressure washer.

Most importantly, though, nothing cleans as quickly as a pressure washer. You can get your truck ready to hit the road for the next job much faster compared to other cleaning methods. What might take hours with a hose and brush can be done in a fraction of the time.

A benefit that surprises most business owners about pressure washing dump trucks is that it’s gentle on the environment, too. You’d think the powerful jet of water would be less efficient – but you actually end up using more water with a traditional garden hose!

In the long run, pressure washing can save you money by protecting your trucks from wear and tear. Regular cleaning helps prevent rust and corrosion, which can be a big problem for dump trucks that are constantly exposed to harsh conditions.

Choosing the Right Pressure Washer, Detergents, and Accessories

Getting started pressure washing dump trucks can be stressful – there are so many nuances among the different types of pressure washers, and figuring out what soap to use in pressure washer can be overwhelming too.

Don’t sweat it, though. The experts at Hotsy of Houston are here to help you streamline the sourcing process so you can get started dump truck cleaning the smarter, easier way.

Get in touch for a personalized recommendation or learn more about what to look for in a pressure washer cleaning arsenal below.

Pressure Washer Selection Criteria

Understanding the differences between pressure washer PSI vs GPM is essential, so read our guide if you haven’t yet. For cleaning dump trucks, get a unit rated for at least 3000 PSI (pounds per square inch) and a flow rate of around 4 GPM (gallons per minute). This is strong enough to help you blast away heavy dirt, mud, and grime.

You’ll also need to decide between a hot water vs cold water pressure washer. Heated units are generally more effective for breaking down grease and oil, which are common contaminants in dump trucks. Cold water is fine for general cleaning but will fall short for tough, greasy deposits.

Choosing between an electric vs gas pressure washer is another important decision. This will mostly come down to where you intend to clean and the level of power you need.

Generally, we recommend gas-powered models for their mobility and power. They may produce more noise, but you can take them straight to job sites for cleaning if need be.

That being said, electric-style pressure washers have their place too. They’re great for situations where noise or emissions are a concern, but they typically don’t match the power output of gas units.

Regardless of your specific needs, you’ll also need to figure out whether investing in your own unit or renting a pressure washer makes the most sense. This all depends on how much you intend to use it.

Whatever you’re looking for in a pressure washer, you can trust that Hotsy of Houston has you covered. We have the best commercial pressure washer for sale or rent.

Choosing the Right Detergents

A pressure washer alone may not be enough to eradicate tough grease and grime. You need to pair it with the best pressure washer soap for better results and increased efficiency.

You’ll want a detergent designed specifically for heavy-duty vehicle cleaning without being too harsh on the truck’s surfaces. If you’re dealing with grease or oil, consider a degreaser that’s specifically designed to break down these substances. A few great options include:

Hotsy Transport
Hotsy Power Shine
Hotsy Ripper I
Hotsy Salt Lick

Each of these is specially formulated for a specific cleaning task and approved for use on vehicles. You can get in touch with our team for a personalized recommendation on which is right for you.

Essential Accessories to Make the Job Easier

The pressure washer itself and the detergent you pair it with will make up the bulk of your dump truck cleaning arsenal – but there may be a few other accessories you want to add as well:

Surface Cleaners: Great for cleaning large, flat areas like the bed of the dump truck. It attaches to your pressure washer and delivers an even, streak-free clean across wide surfaces, saving you time and effort.
Turbo Nozzles: These deliver a rotating, high-pressure stream that’s perfect for breaking up dirt that’s really stuck on.
Extension Wands: This can help you clean hard-to-reach areas without having to get down on the ground or climb up on the truck.
Hose Reels: Managing long hoses can be a hassle, especially when you’re moving around a large vehicle like a dump truck. This keeps everything organized and makes it easier to move around as you clean.

Again, we have all the best pressure washer accessories here at Hotsy of Houston, too. So, what are you waiting for?

Reach Out Today to Source Your Cleaning Arsenal!

Investing in premium-grade equipment will deliver an ROI for years to come, helping you clean your fleet faster and with less stress. That’s why Houston businesses trust us for their equipment.

From commercial cold water pressure washer in Houston to commercial hot water pressure washer in Houston, and even pressure washer trailers in Houston, we have all the different styles you need to streamline your pressure washing process.

You can also source the full lineup of Hotsy pressure washer detergent here from us as well. We’ll offer a few recommendations based on your specific needs.

If you decide buying a unit is out of your budget, that’s ok. We are proud to present the most seamless commercial pressure washer rental in Houston as well!

So, get in touch today and take the first step towards making dump truck cleaning a quick, easy part of your workflow. In the meantime, we’ll walk you through actually using a pressure washer below.

How to Clean a Dump Truck With a Pressure Washer: Step-by-Step Guide

Dump truck fleet pressure washing is fairly simple and straightforward when you set yourself up for success with the right equipment. Once you have everything you need, here’s how to put it to good use.

Getting the Truck Ready for Cleaning

Begin by removing any large debris, such as rocks, dirt clumps, or leftover materials from the truck bed. You don’t want these items getting lodged in places where they could cause damage or block the drainage during cleaning.

Next, inspect the truck for any areas that might need special attention, like built-up grease or oil stains. This is also a good time to make sure all the truck’s moving parts (the hydraulic system and tailgate) are in the correct position and secured.

If you can, elevate the truck bed slightly to allow better access to all areas during cleaning. Then, it’s time to get to work.

Pre-Rinse to Loosen Dirt and Grime

Use a wide-angle nozzle (40 degrees) to spray the entire truck with water, focusing on the dirtiest areas like the wheels, undercarriage, and truck bed. This helps dislodge surface-level dirt so the detergent can easily penetrate tougher areas and do its job.

Make sure you keep the pressure lower during this stage to avoid splashing debris that might still be clinging to the surface. The goal here is to wet the truck down and soften up any caked-on dirt or mud. Don’t worry about blasting grime away at this point.

Breaking Down Tough Grime With Detergent

If you haven’t learned how to use soap with a pressure washer, start there. Your pressure washer will likely have a detergent injector, but if not, get a foam cannon for the job.

Start from the top of the truck and work your way down, ensuring even coverage. Let the detergent sit for a few minutes, but don’t let it dry on the surface. This dwell time is where the detergent breaks down stubborn grime, oil, and grease so they can be blasted away later on.

Rinsing the Detergent Away

Now it’s time to let your pressure washer blast away detergent, and with it, all the caked on mess you’ve accumulated inside and outside the truck.

Switch to a 25-degree nozzle and increase the pressure to around 3000 PSI, which is ideal for heavy-duty cleaning. Begin at the top of the truck and work your way down, using overlapping strokes to clean every inch of the surface.

Pay special attention to areas that are prone to heavy soiling, such as the wheels, undercarriage, and tailgate. You can switch to a turbo nozzle for for extra tough spots. Make sure you move the pressure washer steadily across the surface to avoid streaks and ensure a thorough clean.

Focus on the Undercarriage to Prevent Corrosion

You probably came here to learn how to clean a dump truck floor, but the undercarriage is just as important. Adjust the nozzle to a 15-degree angle and direct the spray under the truck, making sure to clean out any dirt, mud, or salt that may have accumulated.

This step is essential for prolonging the life of your dump truck since this is where a lot of wear and tear happens, and most operators won’t notice it until it’s too late.

Drying to Prevent Water Spots and Streaks

Sure, most dump truck cleaning is for a practical purpose. But you still want your fleet to look good!

A proper drying process won’t just ensure your truck looks its best but will prevent prevent rust from forming in areas where water might linger, especially in nooks and crannies that are harder to reach

So, follow up by using air blowers to speed up the drying process. Pay special attention to areas where water tends to pool, such as in the truck bed or around seals and joints. Consider wiping windows down with a clean microfiber cloth to prevent water spots for a streak-free finish.

Closing Thoughts on Dump Truck Cleaning

That wraps up our guide on pressure washing dump trucks. This is an essential step towards protecting your investment and keeping your operation compliant and efficient, all at once.

Dump truck cleaning is just one of the ways you can use your new pressure washer. Use it on other heavy equipment trucks in your fleet, or clean up job sites once all the work is done. The possibilities are endless.

Want to learn more about the world of pressure washing? Explore our blog for resources like how to rent a pressure washer, pressure washing factory floors, pressure washing cooling tower, warehouse pressure washing, pressure washer rental cost, what to wear when pressure washing, pressure washing farm equipment, pressure washer storage, how to maintain a pressure washer, pressure washing concrete, and a lot more.

For all your pressure washing needs, from equipment to expert advice, trust Hotsy to provide the best solutions for your business. Contact us today to learn how we can support your cleaning efforts.

How to Clean a Dump Truck Floor: Pressure Washing Dump Trucks