6 tips for using a pressure washer safely

A pressure washer is your ally for cleaning floors and other outdoor surfaces (walls, stairs...), cars and other vehicles, and gardening tools. Not only that, but it’s also your right-hand man for DIY projects: with the right accessories, you can unclog pipes and downspouts, and use sandblasting to strip paint, remove rust, and more. All this is made possible by a pump that pressurizes the water. Today, we’ll share 6 key tips on how to use a pressure washer safely.

Let’s start with a piece of advice: always read the user manual for a new pressure washer, even if you’ve owned one before, because there may be differences between models. Consulting it helps you get to know the machine well: its components, safety features, how it works, how to use it properly, and how to keep it running efficiently.

1. Operate it correctly

Place the high-pressure washer on a dry, level, stable surface—so it won’t tip over—as close as possible to the faucet from which it draws water.

Make sure the water supply hose is laid out straight and that neither it nor the power cable, if any, gets run over by cars or people passing by. If the pressure washer itself, the power cable, the water hose, the spray gun, or any other part is damaged, do not start it: replace any replaceable components yourself with original spare parts, or contact your trusted Oleo-Mac service center.

Work from a stable position, keeping your feet firmly on the ground—high-pressure water can force you backward with great force—and wear non-slip shoes. Do not use the pressure washer while balancing on a ladder or any other unstable surface.

Use only original accessories, such as pressure wash brushes, floor cleaning lances, or drain-cleaning probes (we discussed these in the section on safely cleaning gutters and downspouts).

2. Manage the high water pressure

Hold the pressure washer gun firmly to maintain control of the high-pressure water jet and counteract the backward thrust. For an even more secure grip, wear non-slip gloves.

Do not direct the water jet toward people, animals, or yourself. Keep it at a safe distance from the surface you’re cleaning, adjust the spray width, and be careful around delicate objects or materials, such as tires, glass, and outdoor curtains.

If you pause your work briefly, engage the safety lock on the gun trigger to prevent the jet from opening accidentally. If you take a longer break, shut down the machine by following the procedure below.

Once you’ve finished working and turned off the pressure washer’s power switch, complete the shutdown procedure: unplug the unit from the power outlet (or disconnect the spark plug wire if the machine has an internal combustion engine), and release any remaining water and pressure by pressing the trigger on the spray gun.

3. Be aware of electrical hazards

Is the machine powered by electricity, like almost all Oleo-Mac hot- and cold-water pressure washers? The electrical system to which you connect the plug must comply with legal requirements. Additionally, the voltage it supplies must be compatible with your pressure washer’s power requirements.

Is the pressure washer’s power cable too short? To work from a distance, you’ll need an extension cord: it must be waterproof, no longer than 10 m, and of the appropriate gauge. Power cables, plugs, outlets, and the pressure washer itself must be kept dry.

Do not spray water toward equipment connected to a power outlet, power sockets, electrical panels, etc. When working near them, cover them so they are not exposed to water splashes.

4. Use caution with fuel

If you have a hot-water pressure washer with an internal combustion engine, such as the PWX 200 C cold-water model, handle the fuel with care. The boiler in our hot water pressure washers runs on automotive diesel fuel, while the engine of the internal combustion pressure washer is powered by unleaded gasoline. Do not use fuels other than those specified.

Do not use the pressure washer indoors to avoid inhaling its exhaust fumes. Be careful when refueling: the machine must be turned off and cool; pour the diesel or gasoline so that it does not spill out of the tank.

Before turning off the hot-water pressure washer, cool down the delivery circuit by running it on cold water for a couple of minutes. Once you’ve finished working and turned off the machine (see the shutdown procedure in Tip No. 2), let it cool down before cleaning it, performing maintenance, or storing it in the garage, and do not touch any hot parts (exhaust, etc.).

5. Perform routine and non-routine maintenance

Before cleaning or performing maintenance, shut down the pressure washer as described above and wait for it to cool down. Clean it after use and perform routine maintenance regularly: inspect the basic components (power cable, if any; water supply hose; fittings; gun; lance), and clean the inlet water filter and the lance nozzle. If it has an internal combustion engine, check the engine oil level and also clean the air filter and spark plug.

Do you need to replace a part, such as the water supply hose? Use only original spare parts. For non-routine maintenance, contact your nearest Oleo-Mac service center, which is also available to address any concerns and answer your questions.

Proper care is essential for both the safety and efficiency of the equipment: here’s how to maintain your electric pressure washer. Is the machine not building pressure or works in fits and starts? Read the article to solve the problem.

6. Wear the right clothing

When using the pressure washer, protect yourself from the impact of the water jet, from material that the pressure may dislodge (dirt, debris, etc.), and from noise. Prevent slipping on wet surfaces and maintain control of the spray gun with a secure grip. So wear the most appropriate protective clothing: waterproof, non-slip boots, work pants, safety goggles, ear muffs, and non-slip gloves.

Don't have a pressure washer yet, and are you thinking it might help you get some jobs done? Here’s our guide to choosing one. In the meantime, here’s a video showing how to use it properly.