Best pressure washers near Sidell, IL

Whether you need to winterize your pressure washer depends on where it will be stored. If it's kept in a location where temperatures could drop to freezing, any liquid left in the water pump can freeze, expand, and cause severe damage to the machine. To prevent this, you can add antifreeze to the pump. While emptying the machine with compressed air is an alternative, it can be a tedious process and may not remove all the liquid. If you can store the pressure washer in a relatively warm place with no risk of freezing, you won't need to add antifreeze. However, regardless of storage conditions, it is good practice to empty the gas chamber and refresh the oil before storing it for the winter.

The best and fastest way to remove paint from a deck often involves combining a chemical stripper with a pressure washer. Gel-based paint strippers are highly recommended because their thick consistency makes them less messy and easier to apply than liquid strippers. After applying the stripper to loosen the paint, you can use a pressure washer to efficiently wash away the residue. When using a pressure washer for this task, it's important to use a low pressure (under 1000 PSI) to avoid forcing too much moisture into the wood, which could lead to mildew or rot.

Even at the lowest setting, there’s always a risk that pressure washing might damage your shower or tub. Never use this technique if there’s pre-existing damage in your shower or tub, like peeling caulk, sealant, or cracked tiles. And skip this method entirely if there are any wood features present.

Cedar shake siding requires regular cleaning, or else it will grow mold and algae. However, a pressure washer can easily damage your cedar shakes if the water pressure is too high. We recommend cleaning with a garden hose instead. Review our guide to cedar siding maintenance if you’ve just finished your installation.