A guy using Active 2.0 Pressure washer that can be winterize

Top Tips for Winterizing Your Pressure Washer: A Step-by-Step Guide

Winter can be tough on pressure washers, hose reels, and just about every mechanical part of your cleaning setup. Freezing temperatures can crack pumps, damage seals, and shorten the lifespan of your gear. But with a little preparation, you can keep everything in top shape and ready to go when spring arrives.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to winterize gas and electric pressure washers, as well as your hose reel and other accessories, so your setup lasts season after season.

Winterizing Your Gas Pressure Washer

If you’re running a gas-powered pressure washer, your first step is to add fuel stabilizer.

  1. Make sure your tank is full of clean, fresh gasoline.

  2. Add the recommended amount of fuel stabilizer (check the bottle for instructions).

  3. Run your washer for a couple of minutes so the stabilizer circulates through the fuel system.

This prevents the fuel from deteriorating and turning into varnish, which can clog your engine and cause headaches when you try to start it in the spring.

Protecting your Pump with Pump Saver

Whether your washer is gas or electric, this next step is crucial: treat your pump with Pump Saver.

Pump Saver acts like antifreeze, protecting your pump from internal freezing and corrosion. Even in warmer climates, surprise cold snaps can cause serious damage. Every year, we hear from customers in mild areas like North Carolina who discover cracked pumps after an unexpected freeze.

Most warranties don’t cover freeze damage, so spending a few minutes on this step can save you from costly repairs.

Step 1: Flush Out Your System and Accessories

If you plan to winterize your foam cannon, spray gun, and high-pressure hose, start here.

  1. Hook up your pressure washer as usual.

  2. If you have a foam cannon, fill its bottle with clean water.

  3. Run the washer for a couple of minutes to flush out any leftover detergent.

  4. Turn off the water source, remove the detergent bottle, and leave the cannon attached to the spray gun and hose.

This ensures no soap or residue sits in your accessories all winter long.

Step 2: Purge Leftover Water

Next, remove as much water as possible from your system.

  1. Disconnect the garden hose from the pump inlet.

  2. Turn the pressure washer on for up to 10 seconds, squeezing the trigger to release leftover water.

  3. For gas washers, pull the recoil handle a few times (with the engine off) to fully clear the pump.

⚠️ Pro tip: Avoid kinking your high-pressure hose during this step—it can cause permanent damage.

Step 3: Apply Pump Saver

Now it’s time to apply the Pump Saver:

  1. Connect the Pump Saver canister to your pump’s inlet adaptor.

  2. Press down until you see the fluid exiting from the outlet.

  3. For gas washers, pull the recoil handle a few times to help distribute the fluid.

That’s it! Your pump and accessories are now protected from freezing and corrosion.

Store Everything Properly

Once your pressure washer and accessories are winterized, storage location matters just as much.

Pressure Washer - Avoid leaving your unit in freezing or overly dry areas. A climate-controlled garage or basement is ideal. Extremely cold temps can cause freezing even with Pump Saver, while excessive heat can dry out O-rings and seals.

Hose Reel - Store your hose reel somewhere dry and temperate. Active hose reels are powder-coated for rust resistance, but moisture and extreme conditions can still affect joints and rubber components.

Accessories - Your hose, spray gun, and foam cannon should also be stored indoors under mild conditions. If you’ve applied Pump Saver, you’re already one step ahead in preventing damage.

Spring Start-up

When the weather warms up and it’s time to clean again, a quick start-up check will get you back in business.

  1. With the unit powered off, run clean water through the system for about five minutes to flush out the Pump Saver.

  2. For gas washers, top off with fresh fuel and check if an oil change is due.

  3. Let your washer warm up for a couple of minutes before attaching a turbo nozzle or other high-pressure accessory.

Final Thoughts

A few minutes of winter prep can make a huge difference in how long your pressure washer lasts. By stabilizing your fuel, protecting your pump, and storing your gear in the right conditions, you’ll save yourself time, money, and frustration next season.

If you have any questions about winterizing your setup, reach out to our team at support@activeproducts.com — we’re happy to help.

Happy cleaning, and see you next season!