Top 13+ Helpful Pressure Washer Tips

Use a Pump Protector Product

Use a Pump Protector Product, Change Oil Frequently, Properly Prepare for Storage, Add a Hose Extension, Use Only Cleaning Fluids Designed for Pressure Washers, Empty the Soap Dispenser After Each Use, Use a Specific Spraying Technique, Protect the Area Before You Pressure Wash

Leaving water in the pump can result in mineral buildup and corrosion, which wear out the pump seals and pistons. To avoid costly repairs, flush the pump after every use.

Pick up a can of pump lube/antifreeze solution. Screw a garden hose adapter onto the pump inlet and press the trigger until you see foamy liquid shoot out the other port. That means the pump is fully lubed and protected against damage.

Change Oil Frequently

Use a Pump Protector Product, Change Oil Frequently, Properly Prepare for Storage, Add a Hose Extension, Use Only Cleaning Fluids Designed for Pressure Washers, Empty the Soap Dispenser After Each Use, Use a Specific Spraying Technique, Protect the Area Before You Pressure Wash

The small engines on residential pressure washers have a limited life span (sometimes less than 200 hours). But you can extend the life of the engine by changing the oil often.

Even if you have only a few hours' use, drain the oil and refill with fresh oil (follow the manufacturer's recommendation for viscosity and type). "I maintain my machines several times throughout the season," Pancione says.

Properly Prepare for Storage

Use a Pump Protector Product, Change Oil Frequently, Properly Prepare for Storage, Add a Hose Extension, Use Only Cleaning Fluids Designed for Pressure Washers, Empty the Soap Dispenser After Each Use, Use a Specific Spraying Technique, Protect the Area Before You Pressure Wash

An important part of pressure washer maintenance is getting the machine ready to be stored. You can't just stick a pressure washer in your shed and forget about it for the winter.

"Before the end of the season, I like to rinse out all the guns and hoses, change out the fluids, empty the fuel and add pump protector to ensure the machines are ready to run as soon as spring hits," Pancione says.

Add a Hose Extension

Use a Pump Protector Product, Change Oil Frequently, Properly Prepare for Storage, Add a Hose Extension, Use Only Cleaning Fluids Designed for Pressure Washers, Empty the Soap Dispenser After Each Use, Use a Specific Spraying Technique, Protect the Area Before You Pressure Wash

Most residential pressure washers come with a 25 ft. hose. That means you have to lug the machine upstairs to wash your deck or constantly shut down the engine, so you can move it as you work. Solve this problem with a 50-ft. extension hose and leave the pressure washer in one spot. The extra hose will cause a slight pressure and volume drop, but you'll still have enough power to clean most surfaces.

Use Only Cleaning Fluids Designed for Pressure Washers

Use a Pump Protector Product, Change Oil Frequently, Properly Prepare for Storage, Add a Hose Extension, Use Only Cleaning Fluids Designed for Pressure Washers, Empty the Soap Dispenser After Each Use, Use a Specific Spraying Technique, Protect the Area Before You Pressure Wash

Use dedicated pressure washer fluids only, or risk destroying the pump. Even if the soap is rated for pressure washer use, ensure it's the right soap for the job. Vehicle wash soap, for example, won't clean concrete, and the chemicals in concrete soap can discolor bright metal car parts.

For the best results, let the soap set for the recommended time and scrub heavily soiled surfaces with a brush before you rinse.

Empty the Soap Dispenser After Each Use

Use a Pump Protector Product, Change Oil Frequently, Properly Prepare for Storage, Add a Hose Extension, Use Only Cleaning Fluids Designed for Pressure Washers, Empty the Soap Dispenser After Each Use, Use a Specific Spraying Technique, Protect the Area Before You Pressure Wash

Never leave soap in the dispenser when you store the machine—it can dry into crystals and cause pump damage. Flush it after each use and pull the gun trigger to run clear water through the pump before you shut it down. Make this a regular part of your pressure washer maintenance routine.

Use a Specific Spraying Technique

Use a Pump Protector Product, Change Oil Frequently, Properly Prepare for Storage, Add a Hose Extension, Use Only Cleaning Fluids Designed for Pressure Washers, Empty the Soap Dispenser After Each Use, Use a Specific Spraying Technique, Protect the Area Before You Pressure Wash

Ghent says to point the wand away from any surfaces, then pull the trigger to begin the stream. Work in a wide, sweeping motion and add a flick at the end of each pass. This pulls the pressured water stream away from the surface and prevents gouges or uneven cleaning. "This is the best method, but it takes a little practice at first," Ghent says.

Protect the Area Before You Pressure Wash

Use a Pump Protector Product, Change Oil Frequently, Properly Prepare for Storage, Add a Hose Extension, Use Only Cleaning Fluids Designed for Pressure Washers, Empty the Soap Dispenser After Each Use, Use a Specific Spraying Technique, Protect the Area Before You Pressure Wash

If spraying a cleaning agent or chemical through a pressure washer, Pancione recommends first rinsing plants and any surfaces not being washed. If removing peeling paint, cover plants, landscaping and other items with netting. The water drains away, and the paint chips are caught in the netting for easy cleanup. "This is such a simple, inexpensive solution to a problem we've encountered for years," Pancione says.

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