Investing in a brand-new power washer for your business is the best way to remove all the hassle from cleaning tasks. Blasting away debris becomes like child’s play with the help of a suitable pressure washer.

But after a hard day’s work, how do you break your machine down and store it for the next time? And what if you need to store your pressure washer for winter? As the premier provider of hot and cold water pressure washers in Houston, Hotsy of Houston is here to help you navigate proper power washer storage. We’ll explore all the pressure washer storage ideas you need to know. Whether you decide to invest in a machine or just need to rent a unit for a few weeks to eradicate stubborn stains, we’ve got you covered.

First things first, why is it critical to learn how to store a pressure washer in the first place?

The Importance of Proper Pressure Washer Storage

Once you’ve decided to switch from manual cleaning to teaching your staff how to use a pressure washer to streamline cleaning tasks, you’ll need to know how to store a pressure washer. This ensures it will stay in top condition for years, maximizing the value of your investment.

Over time, safely storing pressure washers can save expenses compared to paying pressure washer rental costs every time your business needs cleaning.

Preventing Damage and Extending Lifespan

Properly grasping these pressure washer storage ideas is a critical part of how to maintain a pressure washer. If your power washer is incorrectly stored, it can quickly accumulate damage from temperature fluctuations, excess moisture, or corrosion.

The damage caused by improper storage can quickly add up over time. For example, failing to drain your pump and hoses completely will cause the excess water to damage your device, especially during the winter.

Over time, a lack of proper power washer storage will cause dangerous cracks, rust, and ruptures that can render your machine useless long before its typical lifespan.

Importance of Storage in Maintaining Performance

Even the best commercial pressure washers are vulnerable when stored in poor environmental conditions. Environmental wear and tear impacts your ability to eradicate stubborn stains.

Let’s return to our example of excess moisture in the pump and hoses of your machine. This water buildup can cause your seals and valves to dry out and become brittle due to water erosion, directly impacting performance.

Additionally, mineral buildup can clog your components and interfere with cleaning. Understanding this guide’s pressure washer storage ideas will help keep your machine pristine.

How to Store a Pressure Washer: Step-by-Step Guide to Safely Storing a Pressure Washer

Now that you know the impact proper procedures can have on the lifespan of your devices, it’s time to explore our pressure washer storage ideas in full detail. It is critical to ensure every employee in your business understands this checklist.

Gather your materials. You will need a spacious storage area, a fuel stabilizer for gas machines, and a tarp for your device.
For gas engines, you’ll begin by adding a fuel stabilizer to the tank. This will prevent the breakdown of any excess gas which could hinder the components.
Clear the tank of fuel by detaching the tank and letting the engine run for up to 5 minutes.
Turn off your machine and drain all the water from the pump by detaching the hose.
Disconnect and drain all accessories, including hoses and spray wands.
Rinse your soap tank with clean water to clear leftover detergent.
Store and cover your machine in a sheltered space with all your accessories, soaps, and equipment.

While the checklist is a great beginner’s guide to how to store a pressure washer, there are a few specifics we should explore further.

Ideal Storage Locations: Indoor vs Outdoor Considerations

So you have the basics down, but just like in real estate, there’s a critical factor to consider: location, location, location.

The best location for storing pressure washers will depend on your available space and climate. Indoor areas like small sheds, offices, or basements can shield your device from elements but may be impractical for larger devices.

Conversely, outdoor locations must have enough protection from precipitation, extreme temperature changes, and direct sunlight. In either case, we recommend storing pressure washers in an elevated position to prevent any flooding in case of excess water.

Once you’ve found an ideal spot for pressure washer storage, we encourage you to mark the area to ensure you and your team are all on the same page.

Correct Positioning and Protective Covering

Another crucial part of learning how to store a pressure washer is figuring out the best way to position your device. While the ideal position could vary based on your specific machine, there are some general best practices to consider.

Position your machine upright on its wheels or base for maximum stability. From there, you’ll take your protective covering like a tarp, placing it over the entire machine. Be sure the material is breathable enough to prevent any moisture buildup over time.

Once the tarp is on, secure it with rope or bungee cords, especially if you use an area susceptible to wind.

Tips for Storing Accessories and Attachments

Now that your machine is stored correctly, you’ll want to care for your accessories and extra equipment.

We recommend a nearby area with a toolbox, storage container, or pegboard to organize your nozzles, brushes, and extension wands. You should also clearly label each of your accessories and brief employees on specific use cases for specialized gear.

This is especially vital when storing your pressure washer detergent. By clearly labeling each soap, you can save time and ensure employees understand what kind of soap to use for pressure washers.

These storage tips even apply to pressure washing gear. You can also store safety gear like goggles, gloves, and pressure washing boots to encourage a safer work environment.

Consider The Specifics of Your Machine!

While we’ve covered the basics, understanding tips for your specific machine can help you further avoid storage damage.

Several pressure washer types are available on the market, including gas vs electric power washers and hot water vs cold water pressure washers. Your business needs may require multiple machines, so you must ensure your employees understand storage procedures for each device.

Gas pressure washers require emptying the gas tank and stabilizing fuel before long-term storage. Compared to electric pressure washers, many of these devices are also larger and could require outdoor storage in a garage rather than in an office space.’

While electric pressure washers are simpler to manage, you still need to ensure any power cords are appropriately coiled and organized.

Hot and cold water devices have similar routines during the summer, but the winter months require specific procedures. Hot water machines contain a water heater and temperature systems that must be drained and flushed with antifreeze to avoid climate-based damage.

Speaking of cold weather, we’ll cover the winterization process in further detail next!

Seasonal Considerations: Storing a Pressure Washer in Winter Specifically

Learning how to store a pressure washer in the winter requires a few more steps to avoid any long-term damage. These tips are helpful even with cold water pressure washers or for businesses in climates with mild winters, as any sudden temperature dip can be disastrous for your device’s lifespan.

Protecting Your Equipment from Freezing Temperatures

You should disconnect all water sources and spray accessories and check for a thorough drain. A helpful way to ensure proper drainage is to thoroughly flush the pump and water system with antifreeze. While most types of antifreeze for plumbing or vehicles will suffice, check with your manufacturer for specific recommendations.

Necessary Steps for Cold Weather Storage

Here’s a quick checklist for winterizing your machine.

Drain your device entirely, including accessories and internal components.
Use antifreeze to flush your pump and water tanks.
For gas engines, fill your tank, then add a fuel stabilizer to avoid condensation.
Store your machine in an insulated area with temperatures above freezing.
Cover your machine and insulate any exposed tubes.

Getting Your Unit Back Up and Running After Long-Term Power Washer Storage

After reading this guide on how to store a pressure washer, there’s another key thing for you and your staff to learn: how to get your machine running again!

Steps for Re-commissioning After Prolonged Storage

These steps will look similar to our pressure washer storage guide, only in reverse.

Remove any coverings and ropes.
Inspect the machine for any cracks or leaks and repair them as needed.
Perform maintenance tasks like oil changes for gas units and test your spark plugs, air filters, and pumps.
Run your pump dry to flush lines of any excess moisture
Drain old antifreeze and fill your tanks with fresh water.

Inspecting for Potential Issues

As part of your inspections, you want to watch for any damage from storage. Test your machine for leaks or cracks in the pump, hoses, and tanks. You must also watch for mineral build-up within these components.

By taking the extra time to look for potential problems, you can get them fixed and avoid additional damage.

Final Thoughts on How to Store a Pressure Washer

Storing a pressure washer may be a simple process, but every step in these instructions is crucial to the long-term health of your device.

Properly storing pressure washers is only part of ensuring your appliance lasts decades. The other way to extend a pressure washer’s lifespan is to buy or rent a pressure washer from the most trusted name in the industry: Hotsy!

Hotsy of Houston is the #1 dealer for sales and pressure washer rentals in Houston. Our team of Houston residents has decades of combined experience in the industry. We pair that knowledge with Hotsy machines that have earned their reputation over five decades of helping businesses eradicate stubborn stains.

Our inventory of cold and hot water pressure washers for sale in Houston contains a machine for nearly every stain, from vehicle debris to grease and oil stains and even biofilm for maritime businesses.

Hotsy of Houston is also the #1 home for pressure washer repair in Houston, including Hotsy Warranty servicing and pressure washer parts in Houston for quick fixes.

Our friendly team is available to help you with all your burning questions, from the best soap for power washers and pressure washing pre treatments to the best pressure washer hoses, pressure washer hose length, and other accessories.

Our blog has more resources on topics like pressure washing licenses in Texas, what size pressure washer do I need, and how to use soap with a pressure washer.

So whether you are looking for a pressure washer trailer for sale in Texas, help with pressure washer trailer setup, or need advice on how to store your machine, Hotsy of Houston is here to help. Contact us by email, phone at (832) 968-WASH(9274), or visit our Pasadena location.

And if you’re ready to shop for a new commercial pressure washer in Houston, there’s only one thing left to do. Reach out to us today to begin streamlining how your business handles cleaning!

How to Store a Pressure Washer: The Complete Guide to Pressure Washer Storage