Keep Your Pressure Washer Protected All Winter Long

Cold weather can do serious damage to your pressure washer if it’s not properly prepared. Frozen water inside the pump, hoses, or coils can crack components, ruin seals, and lead to costly repairs come spring. Whether you’re storing your pressure washer for the off-season or need it ready to run through the cold, winterizing is the key to protecting your investment.

At Hotsy Online, we want your pressure washer to perform like new year after year. Here’s how to properly winterize your equipment and avoid unnecessary downtime or damage.


Step 1: Flush Out Detergents and Water

Before storing your unit, start by flushing any detergent or cleaning solution out of the system.

  1. Disconnect the detergent line.
  2. Run clean water through the washer for 1–2 minutes.
  3. Pull the trigger gun until all detergent is cleared.

Next, remove as much water as possible from the system. Disconnect the water supply and squeeze the trigger gun again to release any leftover water from the pump and hose.

Why it matters: Leftover detergent and moisture can freeze, expand, and corrode your pump and components over time.


Step 2: Protect the Pump with Antifreeze

Use Hotsy Pump Saver or RV antifreeze to coat the inside of the pump and protect seals from freezing temperatures.

  • Attach the Pump Saver bottle or a small funnel with a short hose to the water inlet.
  • Slowly pull the recoil starter or briefly run the machine until antifreeze exits the pump outlet.

This creates a protective layer that prevents corrosion and damage caused by expanding ice.


Step 3: Drain and Store Accessories

Detach and drain the:

  • High-pressure hose
  • Spray gun and wand
  • Nozzles and quick-connects

Store them indoors in a dry place to prevent cracking or rusting. Wrap hoses loosely—never kink or tightly coil them—as this can weaken the lining over time.


Step 4: Store the Unit Properly

For gas pressure washers, shut off the fuel valve and either drain the tank or add a stabilizer to prevent fuel separation and gumming.

Keep your pressure washer in a dry, climate-controlled area if possible. If it must stay in an unheated space, ensure all liquids are drained and the pump is filled with antifreeze.


Step 5: Don’t Forget Your Hot Water System

If you have a hot water pressure washer, you’ll also need to winterize the coil and float tank:

  1. Drain the water from the coil by disconnecting the inlet and outlet hoses.
  2. Run antifreeze through the coil until it exits the discharge.
  3. Drain the float tank completely.

Hot water systems have more internal components that can freeze, so extra care here can save hundreds in repairs.


Get Professional Help from Hotsy Online

Not sure if your system is ready for winter? Our service technicians can winterize your unit for you and perform a full inspection to ensure it’s protected from freezing and corrosion.

👉 Schedule your winterization service today or shop Hotsy Pump Saver.