How to pressure wash a motorcycle
Time to wash your motorcycle or scooter? Then it’s also time to get your high-pressure cleaner out, for sparkling results in no time.
21.11.2025
Can I use a pressure washer to clean my motorcycle or scooter?
A long motorcycle ride is sure to lift your spirits – but likely to leave your two-wheeled friend covered in dirt and dead insects. A powerful high-pressure cleaner seems like the perfect way to get your pride and joy gleaming again, and it is – though some care is needed. If you keep a few points in mind, you can be sure of a thorough wash without damaging any of the workings.
- Keep your distance: the closer you stand as you wash your motorcycle, the stronger the water pressure it is subjected to, so you should always observe the minimum distance recommended in the operating instructions – generally 30 centimetres. In fact, at the start of the wash process we recommend you stand even further away from your motorcycle or scooter and then move closer if necessary. Also, to protect the paintwork while you wash your motorcycle, always ensure the water jet is not pointed directly at painted surfaces, but at a shallow angle.
- Hand wash any delicate parts: do not aim the pressure washer water jet directly at the delicate hubs, lever joints, oil and water coolers, swing arm, steering bearings or O-ring chains. The force could damage these components and cause water to infiltrate into fine crevices and bearings, potentially damaging the motorcycle. You should instead wash these parts by hand, wiping them with a sponge or a soft brush after cleaning agent has been applied.
- Avoid the electrics and engine block: make sure that as little water as possible gets onto the electrical components and the engine.
- Be careful with the tyres: for your own safety, you should make sure you keep the hose at a sufficient distance and use a low pressure setting when you wash the motorcycle tyres. Do not aim the jet at one place for too long, otherwise the tyres may incur invisible damage which causes them to burst at high speeds or on long journeys.
Motorbike washing is subject to similar regulations as car cleaning with a pressure washer: find out about the motor vehicle washing regulations in your municipality. Cleaning on the street is usually prohibited, washing on private property is sometimes permitted. The background to this is environmental protection: to prevent water contaminated with oil or chemical cleaning agents from getting into the groundwater or sewage system, cleaning is often only permitted where there is an oil separator in the drain. Engine washing is usually prohibited.
Working with powerful tools is fun and means you can extend your abilities, which is great as long as you are relying on effective and safe protective clothing while using them. Always wear your personal protective equipment when working with pressure washers. This includes safety glasses, ear protection and more. Please see the operating instructions for your product for further details. Before you wash with your pressure washer for the first time, you should thoroughly familiarise yourself with the tool and ensure it is in flawless condition before each use. On request, your STIHL dealer will be happy to prepare your tool for its first use, and will also advise you on models and sizes of protective clothing that you can try at your leisure. Please remember that personal protective equipment is no substitute for safe working techniques.
How to wash a motorcycle with a pressure washer: step-by-step instructions
Step 1: rinse off coarse dirt
If your motorcycle or scooter is very dirty, use the high-pressure cleaner and plain water to wash off any coarse dirt. Do not aim the jet directly at delicate parts such as bearings, hubs or coolers.
Step 2: apply cleaning agent
Pour some vehicle shampoo into the spray set as directed in the instructions for use, and secure it to the high-pressure cleaner. Then spray the cleaning agent onto the motorcycle to soften dirt such as oil residue and insect matter.
Step 3: wipe off dirt
The next step is to manually wash the motorcycle down. You can do this by using a sponge to remove the dirt which has been loosened by the vehicle shampoo. You should also use a sponge or soft brush to clean delicate parts such as the water and oil coolers, the lever joints, steering bearings and O-ring chains. The best way to clean wheel rims is with a wash brush attachment on your pressure washer.
Step 4: rinse
Use the pressure washer to spray clean water and rinse away the cleaning agent and dirt. Once again, be sure to avoid aiming the jet directly at delicate components and seals.
Step 5: dry
Don’t forget to thoroughly dry your motorcycle, as this is important to prevent the development of rust. Use a chamois or a soft microfibre cloth to remove moisture – the latter means there is less risk of damaging the paintwork. If you have one, an air jet from a compressor helps remove water from any areas that are difficult to access.
Step 6: finish and treat
Finish with some important maintenance steps to keep your bike in great condition. Use spray oil on dry metal components. Chrome and aluminium areas can be polished, while protective hard wax should be applied to seal the surface of paintwork; use a soft cloth or polishing cloth. Unpainted motorcycle parts and sections made from plastic are best treated with specialist polishes.
Your motorcycle has now been thoroughly cleaned, taken care of, and is ready for its next outing. Happy riding!
Summary: how to Pressure wash a motorcycle
- Be sure to keep your pressure washer hose at the recommended minimum distance from your motorcycle so that you do not damage it (please check the operating instructions of your pressure washer; the minimum distance is usually 30 centimetres)
- Do not apply the pressure washer jet directly onto sensitive bearings or seals. You should also take care to ensure that as little water as possible gets onto the engine block and electrical components
- Always wear personal protective equipment while you work, as directed in your operating instructions
- First rinse off coarse dirt with plain water. Then use the pressure washer to apply a cleaning agent which will work on grime and oily residues
- Wash delicate components with a soft brush or sponge, then rinse off the cleaning agent with plain water from the pressure washer
- Wipe down your motorcycle or scooter thoroughly and use oil to conserve metal components. Use the appropriate care products to maintain aluminium parts, paintwork and other surfaces
You can pressure wash a motorcycle, though you should avoid directly pointing the jet at tyres and delicate components, as well as ensuring water doesn’t get into the electrics or engine block.
When pressure washing a motorcycle it’s important to consider general pressure washing safety, such as wearing appropriate protection and keeping the water jet at the required minimum distance according to your operating instructions. You should also be aware of which delicate components should be cleaned by hand, such as hubs, lever joints, oil and water coolers, swing arm, steering bearings and O-ring chains.
To wash a motorcycle at home, you can use a high-pressure cleaner to first blast away any coarse mud and dirt. Then, with the help of a spray set, the same tool can apply cleaning agent. Use a sponge to wipe away dirt, then rinse with plain water. Ensure that electrics and the engine block don’t get wet, and that delicate parts are protected from high pressure.
