Pressure Washer Safety Tips

Pressure washing cars is a great way to remove caked-on and embedded soils. However, any time a pressure washer is used, it’s important to exercise care to protect both the vehicle and the operator. Because high pressure water streams can cause damage or injuries, there are a few pressure washer safety guidelines that must be followed.

pressure washer safety clipart

Pressure Washer Safety Guidelines

  1. Remove all jewelry, watches, and rings before pressure washing. This will help prevent scratches and injuries.
  2. Only use the pressure washer while standing on the ground. Never use a ladder – the power of the pressure washer back-kick can be enough to knock you right off!
  3. Always wear goggles and other personal protective equipment!
  4. Never aim the pressure washer wand or gun at another person.
  5. Do not use the pressure washer to rinse hands, feet, or any other body parts. The pressure is so powerful it can hurt intensely.

How to Pressure Wash a Vehicle Safely

  1. Start by holding the pressure washer gun in both hands and spraying it on the ground to test the power.
  2. After the ground test, try it on a small area of the car to be sure it doesn’t cause damage. Make sure you are using the right kind of nozzle for your application!
  3. Work across the car’s surface in overlapping movements. This helps to eliminate marks left where strokes began and ended – sort of like mowing the lawn, or vacuuming.

Following these steps may add a few extra minutes to your total wash time, but it is worth it for the additional safety! By following appropriate safety protocols, you will have a great result and a happy car owner. Visit our pressure washing catalog for all the equipment and soaps you need, and don’t hesitate to give us a call at 1-800-233-3873 for help choosing the right products!