Perform high-pressure cleaner maintenance and care correctly

Overview: High-pressure cleaner maintenance

• High-pressure cleaner maintenance should be performed regularly after use

• Clean clogged nozzles with the nozzle needle included with the power tool

• Clean and replace the water filter if necessary

• Drain the high-pressure cleaner for winterising and storage

• The storage location should be frost-free, ideally in a basement or garage

HIGH-PRESSURE CLEANER: MAINTENANCE AND REGULAR CARE

A long machine service life and optimum durability require the right high-pressure cleaner maintenance. Just a few simple steps are needed before and after each work assignment to ensure that your high-pressure cleaner is always in first-class condition. This is a quick job, as regular high-pressure cleaner maintenance primarily involves checking individual components and cleaning them if necessary.

Cleaning the water filter as needed

We recommend that you use a water filter. This protects the pump against dirt from the water inlet and contributes to a longer service life for your high-pressure cleaner. 

Cleaning the water filter at regular intervals is also part of maintenance of a high-pressure cleaner. To do this, disassemble the filter and clean it under running water. You can then grease the seals with fittings grease and reassemble the water filter. 

Winterising pressure washers

The ideal time to winterise your high-pressure cleaner is before the first frost. To prevent frost damage to the high-pressure cleaner in winter, you should drain it completely shortly after the last use in autumn. To do this, proceed as follows:

If you wish to drain your high-pressure cleaner immediately after use, first switch off the power tool, disconnect it from the mains and turn off the water tap. Then operate the high-pressure gun while the high-pressure cleaner is switched off. This drains the system so that any remaining pressure is released from the high-pressure hose.

In the second step, remove the garden hose from the high-pressure cleaner and, depending on the model, also the high-pressure hose. Then connect the device to the power supply and switch it on for approx. three seconds. A quantity of residual water escapes from the hose connection or from the high-pressure hose. The pump of the high-pressure cleaner is also drained.

Now all the steps of high-pressure cleaner maintenance are complete, so you can store your machine for a longer period of time.

Storing high-pressure cleaners correctly

After drainage has been performed correctly, you can store your high-pressure cleaner over the winter. Choose a frost-free location, ideally in a basement or garage.

The best way to service your high-pressure cleaner is as follows: Remove the cleaner's spray lance and connect the shortest possible water hose to the power tool. The shorter the hose, the less antifreeze is required. 

Mix the antifreeze according to the instructions for use and fill it into a clean container. Now dip the water hose into this container, and press and hold the lever of the spray gun. 

Switch on the high-pressure cleaner and press and hold the lever until an even jet comes out of the spray gun. To do this, hold the spray gun in the antifreeze container. You can now press and release the lever several times.

Now you can switch off the high-pressure cleaner again and remove the power plug from the socket. Dismantle the spray gun and water hose and let the remaining antifreeze from the hose run back into the anti-freeze container. You can now store the antifreeze properly or dispose of it in accordance with regulations.

Before storing your high pressure cleaner, check that the nozzles, spray lances and high-pressure hose are in perfect condition. That way you’re ideally equipped for the next task. Check for dirt and clean any affected components before storage. And if you find any damage, contact your STIHL dealer directly. With them, your high-pressure cleaner is in the best hands for any needs that go beyond regular high-pressure cleaner maintenance.