If possible, store the washer indoors in the off-season to avoid damage to the pump, hoses and spray wand. Otherwise, winterize them using only antifreeze designed for recreational vehicles (RVs); see Photo 6. When a gas-powered washer won’t be used for a month or more, prevent damage to the engine by draining the system of gas or adding a gas preservative to the fuel tank.

1 . TO START a gas-powered washer: (1) Clean any debris from the inlet filter. (2) Connect any accessories (like this chemical injector). (3) Run water through the washer for one minute to prime the system and remove any air. (4) Squeeze the spray wand trigger to bleed water pressure, and (5) pull the starter cord to start the engine.

2.  WASH siding to prepare it for painting. Begin with the wand’s nozzle 4 ft. from the house and slowly move it closer until you achieve the desired cleaning effect. Grip the spray wand with two hands, direct the water stream at a 45-degree angle to the siding and move the water stream constantly.

3.  CLEAN cars and other items with an accessory brush and detergent. First rinse the area with water, then switch to a detergent wash and finish with a rinse.

4.  SCOUR oil and dirt off a garage floor with a deter-gent: (1) Rinse surface dirt off the floor at high pressure. (2) Change the nozzle setting to low pressure to dispense detergent. (3) Finish by changing the nozzle back to high pressure and rinsing with water.

5. RENEW deck boards by holding the spray wand at a 45-degree angle 1 to 2 ft. from the decking. Keep the water stream constantly moving. Use a higher-pressure (2,000 psi or greater) gas-powered washer and a concentrated spray nozzle setting (15-degree).

6. WINTERIZE a pressure washer by filling the pump and internal system with undiluted RV-type antifreeze. Insert a funnel into a 3-ft. section of garden hose (one with a male faucet coupling), attach the coupling to the water intake on the washer and slide a 1-ft. section of hose over the water outlet. Start the gas engine and pour antifreeze into the funnel until a steady stream of antifreeze flows from the discharge hose. Stop the engine, pull off the hoses, and seal the intake and outlet with duct tape.