A little winter prep goes a long way to help ensure your machine is ready to clean again next spring. Drain the water, protect your hoses, and store in a dry, frost-free place —your jet washer will thank you come spring!
Water left inside the machine, hoses, or accessories can freeze, expand, and cause cracks or other mechanical failures. Securing cables, covering the machine, and performing a quick maintenance check ensures your pressure washer stays in top condition year after year.
How to prepare your pressure washer for winter
- Disconnect your water supply from its source.
- Turn off your machine and then pull the trigger on your gun to release the pressure and allow the water to drain from the nozzle.
- Disconnect your water supply hose from your machine.
- Disconnect the high-pressure hose from the gun, turn your machine on and allow the pump to drain out the remaining water from the system. Turn your machine off again when no more water comes out of the high pressure hose.
- Unplug your machine.
- Disconnect the gun and lance and shake gently to remove any remaining water. Be sure to also shake the nozzles and drain any residual water from them too—especially the rough (rotary) nozzle.
- Lay the hose out straight on the ground and use the reel handle to wind it in easily and free from kinks and knots.
- Neatly secure the power cable with the elastic band.
- Store the nozzles, lance, gun & foam sprayer in their designated places on your machine.
- Store in a dry and frost-free place. Choose a dry area where the temperature will remain above freezing. Avoid damp areas to prevent rust and corrosion.
Keep your pressure washer in top condition
- Regular Maintenance: Before storing, inspect your pressure washer for any signs of wear or damage. Addressing issues before storage can prevent complications when you use it again. For example, check that O-rings on the water inlet connector on the machine, on the high pressure hose (end that connects to the gun) and also on the ends of the lance are in good condition.
- Protect with a Cover: Cover your machine with an old sheet to protect it from dust, debris, and moisture during winter storage.
Nilfisk pressure washer benefits
Nilfisk machines come with an external foam sprayer, which means no detergent runs through the pump or motor, unlike other machines. This has several benefits:
- No residue buildup: Since the detergent doesn’t pass through the internal components, there’s no residue, which helps extend the life of the pump and motor.
- Less detergent waste: You can store any remaining detergent in the external bottle — no need to flush it out of the machine.
- Easily switch detergents: If you want to switch between different tasks using specific detergents, such as from car cleaning to patio cleaning — you can simply swap the bottle with no waste or risk of mixing products.
In addition, all Nilfisk machines have a metal pump, even in the smaller models, and metal hose connectors. This means:
- Increased durability: Metal components withstand cold temperatures better than plastic, reducing the risk of cracking or damage during winter storage.
- Low maintenance: Metal parts are less prone to wear making it easier to store the machine for long periods without worrying about leaks or failures.
The hose reel (on most Nilfisk machines) another practical feature:
- Fast and easy reeling: The hose can be wound back neatly in seconds, keeping it tangle-free.
- Easy water drainage: Water flushes out easily from the hose during storage, reducing the risk of freezing or internal damage.
- Neat storage: The hose stays protected and organized, which makes winter storage simpler and safer.
Finally, on-board storage ensures that all items — nozzles, lance, cables, and accessories — are stored neatly on the machine itself:
- Everything in one place: You leave all components together, reducing the risk of losing or misplacing items when picking up the machine again.
- Organized and ready to use: Makes setup and cleanup faster, and keeps the machine tidy during winter storage.
Explore all our accessories and spare parts on the website.
