Pressure Washer Safety Guide

Nothing will get your deck, driveway, or cement pathways looking new quite like a few passes with a pressure washer, but it’s not a tool to be used without taking the proper precautions. With spring here, it’s the perfect time to get acquainted with pressure washer safety. Check out our guide below, and in just a few minutes, AppliancePartsPros.com will have you prepped to clean your stuff safely and efficiently. Let’s go!

Safety Basics: Some Quick Pressure Washer Safety Tips

To start, we’re setting you up with some basic safety guidelines that are always relevant.

1. Never aim the pressure washer wand at a living thing

Pressure washers can destroy plants, damage trees leaving them susceptible to mold and parasites, and seriously injure people and animals. Never, ever point the pressure washer wand at a living thing.

2. Do not allow children to operate pressure washers

Beyond the obvious concerns that come with letting a child handle something that could cause other people and property serious harm, pressure washers have considerable kick back that could knock a child off their feet.

3. Never operate a pressure washer on a ladder or roof

The kickback from a pressure washer can knock you off your feet if you don’t have good footing. Avoid serious injury and only operate your pressure washer while on the ground.

4. Know what you can and can’t clean with a pressure washer

There are a lot of videos online showcasing the versatility of pressure washers, but if you aren’t an experienced user, it’s best to stick with pressure washing the basics – sidewalks, decks, and driveways. Power washing can very quickly destroy windows, gutters and siding, blow away paint on just about any surface, put holes in tires, and tear away roof shingles. Avoid using your pressure washer on anything it isn’t specifically designed to clean.

Want some more tips on what you definitely shouldn’t be cleaning with a pressure washer? Check out our guide.

5. Never operate a gas-powered pressure washer in an enclosed space

Gas-powered pressure washers create carbon monoxide, which is extremely dangerous when inhaled. Even in smaller quantities, it can leave you feeling dizzy. In large quantities, it’s fatal.

6. Take proper precautions when operating an electric pressure washer

If you have an electric pressure washer, make sure it is properly grounded when plugged in. Additionally, ensure that you aren’t working near the electrical outlet.

Avoid using an extension cord if you can, but if you must, opt for a heavy duty extension cord approved for wet conditions.

While working with an electric pressure washer, be sure to keep the power cord well out of the way of your work area and out of puddles.

7. Opt for the widest degree nozzle for the job

The more narrow the nozzle, the more intense the pressure, and the greater the risk of damage to whatever you’re cleaning. We advise starting with the largest nozzle you can and working your way down, and avoid using that red zero degree nozzle if at all possible.

8. Keep up with a regular maintenance schedule

Your pressure washer may have oil, fuel, and filters that need regular cleaning and replacement at specific intervals. Consult your washer’s manual for specific guidelines on when you should be cleaning and replacing filters and refreshing oil.

Before You Start: Safe Pressure Washer Prep

Before you do any cleaning, you’ll want to make sure you’re following these safety tips.

1. Read the manual

If you’re a first timer or you aren’t completely comfortable with pressure washer use, read the manual. The manufacturer will have listed safety and upkeep guidelines and specific instructions for features unique to your pressure washer make and model.

2. Before you clean, clear the area

Pressure washer jets can fling even heavier objects easily, and a flying rock or dog toy can do some serious damage to windows and bystanders. No matter what part of your property you plan on cleaning, before you begin, you’ll want to survey the space and do some quick clean up. Get rid of rocks and pick up any loose objects that may be lying around.

You may also want to move things like lawn furniture and potted plants – not because they may go flying, but because the pressure washer jet could damage them.

You’ll also want to make note of anything that’s too heavy or inconvenient to move. Things like gas/electric meters and outdoor lighting can be damaged if hit with a pressure washer, so be sure to work around them.

3. Gear up!

Pressure washers can do some serious damage, and injuries caused by pressure washers can be far worse than they appear. Before you start, make sure you’re properly geared up:

• For footwear, opt for sturdy shoes or boots. Steel-toed boots or rubber boots are best, but you should be okay with shoes. Just don’t wear sandals or flip-flops while pressure washing.

• Wear gloves, safety glasses or goggles, and long pants.

• If you have a gas-powered pressure washer, you should consider wearing ear protection. Gas-powered pressure washers are extremely loud, and prolonged exposure can damage your hearing.

4. Check the fluids in your pressure washer

Before you begin, you’ll want to check the fuel (if you have a gas-powered washer), oil, water, and detergent reservoirs. Fill them if needed, and swap them out if they need changing.

Smooth Operating: Using Your Pressure Washer Safely

There are still a few things to keep track of while you work! Consider the following:

1. Remember, never aim your pressure washer at anything you don’t want to be damaged!

This is perhaps the most important rule of pressure washing! Using your pressure washer on the wrong thing can result in serious injury or damage to you, your loved ones, and your possessions. So…

• Do not aim your pressure washer at people, pets, plants, or anything inanimate you don’t want damaged.

• Don’t use your pressure washer to clean dirt off your hands or get a bug off of your leg.

• Don’t point your pressure washer at windows, gutters, light fixtures, tires, air conditioner, meters, painted surfaces, or any small objects that aren’t properly secured.

2. Be mindful of electricity while you work!

Watch out for cords, cables, power lines, and electrical meters while you work. You want to avoid getting these things wet at all – not just avoid spraying them directly with your pressure washer’s jet.

3. Stand three to four feet from whatever you’re cleaning

This will help to protect you from potentially harmful flying debris.

4. If you’ve never pressure washed something before, start with a test patch

Try washing a small area on a low pressure setting, gradually increasing the pressure as needed. You don’t want to go in full blast and wind up causing damage to your deck or driveway.

5. When you aren’t actively working, engage the safety latch

Most pressure washer wands include a safety latch, a little bar on the trigger – usually red in color – that prevents unintentional engagement of the pressure washer gun. Any time you aren’t actively using the pressure washer, you should engage the safety lever to ensure you don’t accidentally spray something that shouldn’t be sprayed.

If you need to stop washing for more than a minute or two, go ahead and shut the pressure washer off completely. It’s better for the equipment’s pump and motor that way.

6. Be aware of your surroundings

You should have already cleared away any errant toys or debris, but you should still remain vigilant while you work. Make sure no pets or people cross into your path while you work, and avoid anything that could be damaged by the spray.

7. Be sure to depressurize your equipment when you’re done

When you’ve completed your work, be sure to put your pressure washer away properly! Shut your pressure washer off, then point the wand at something that won’t be harmed by water or pressure, and squeeze the trigger. Hold it until all remaining pressure is released and do not disassemble the rest of your washer until this is complete.

Once the pressure is expended, you’ll want to completely empty the water tank and remove the hose and gun for storage. Disassembling your pressure washer before the pressure is safely released will cause that pressure to release as you are removing parts, which will almost certainly end in serious injury. Play it safe!

Wrapping Up

Pressure washers aren’t all that hard to operate, but they need to be used with care. We hope this guide has set you on the path to cleaning your property quickly and safely. If you have more questions that aren’t answered here, check out our blog for more tips and tutorials, or head over to our main site to get advice from one of our friendly experts. AppliancePartsPros.com is here to help you start this spring off right!