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Whether you need to winterize your pressure washer depends on where you store it. If you can keep it in a relatively warm place with no risk of freezing, you won't need to add antifreeze. However, if the machine will be stored in freezing temperatures, any liquid left in the water pump can freeze, expand, and cause severe damage. To prevent this, add antifreeze to keep it in good condition. While some suggest emptying the machine with compressed air, this can be a tedious process that may not fully drain the liquid. Regardless of storage conditions, it is also good practice to empty the gas chamber and refresh the oil before winter storage.

You can put a gentle cleaner such as distilled white vinegar, dish soap, or a degreaser in your pressure washer in a detergent injector. The attachment will mix your detergent with the water and spray it out. If you have stubborn stains on your driveway, a gentle cleaner in the attachment can help dissolve and remove those stains. Rinse the area with the pressure washer.

You should avoid using a pressure washer on any surface or item that could be damaged by the high-pressure spray, as some materials are too delicate to withstand the force.

Key items and surfaces to avoid include:

• Electrical Components: Never pressure wash electrical systems, as water can cause short-circuits and create a safety hazard. This includes utility meters, breaker boxes, electrical outlets, generators, and HVAC or air conditioner units.

• Delicate and Fragile Materials: Fragile items can crack, shatter, or be stripped by the pressure. Avoid pressure washing windows, glass, light fixtures, shingled roofs (especially asphalt), and stucco.

• Painted, Stained, or Sealed Surfaces: Unless your goal is to strip the finish, do not pressure wash painted surfaces, stained wood (like decks), or anything with a protective seal that could be stripped away. Be especially cautious with older surfaces that may contain lead paint.

• Soft Woods and Certain Decking: Delicate surfaces like softwood, composite decking, and antique or wooden patio furniture can be etched or damaged. If you must wash wood, use a lower-powered pressure washer with a wide-angle nozzle to prevent damage.

• Living Things: Never use a pressure washer on people, pets, or plants. The force can cause serious injury and will destroy landscaping.

You can use a pressure washer to clean a whole host of surfaces. The exterior siding of your house is one of the most popular spots, as well as your driveway, garage floor, patio or deck, and even your outdoor furniture. Just be mindful about the amount of pressure you apply to different materials—concrete can handle a lot more than wood, for example.