Winterizing Your Cleaning Equipment: Protect Your Investment, Maximize Performance

When temperatures drop, your cleaning equipment faces new challenges. Cold weather can wreak havoc on machines if they’re not properly prepared, leading to costly repairs, downtime, and shortened equipment lifespans.

At CleanFreak.com, we know your machines are more than tools—they’re essential to keeping your business running smoothly. That’s why proper winterization is critical.

Why Winterization Matters

• Prevent freezing damage: Water left in tanks, hoses, or pumps can freeze, expand, and crack internal components.
• Extend equipment life: Proper care during the off-season reduces long-term wear.
• Save money: Preventative maintenance helps you avoid expensive repairs and replacements.
• Reduce downtime: When spring arrives, your machines will be ready to perform at their best.

Winterization Tips by Equipment Type

Carpet Extractors
(Heated, non-heated, self-contained & spotters)

1. Empty Both Tanks Completely: Drain solution and recovery tanks until no water remains.
2. Run the Machine With Antifreeze: Use non-toxic antifreeze.
   • Fill the solution tank with 1–2 gallons.
   • Prime the pump.
   • Run solution through the wand/hand tool until antifreeze appears. This protects pumps, valves, and internal lines.
3. Flush the Vacuum System: Vacuum up antifreeze through the hose to protect the intake.
4. Clean Filters & Screens: Remove lint, debris, sediment, and buildup.
5. Store Indoors: Keep extractors in a heated, dry area above 40°F.

Floor Buffers & Burnishers

These may not have plumbing, but cold can still affect them.

1. Clean the Underside & Pad Driver: Remove chemical residue that may corrode metal over winter.
2. Inspect the Power Cord: Cold temperatures can stiffen cords—check for splits or fraying.
3. Check the Motor & Bearings: If the machine sounds rough, lubricate or schedule service before storing.
4. Store Upright in a Heated Space: Avoid stacking or applying pressure to the handle.

Auto Scrubbers

Because they have water lines, winterization is essential.

1. Drain Solution & Recovery Tanks: Open all valves until completely empty.
2. Run Antifreeze Through the System:
   • Add antifreeze to the solution tank.
   • Turn on solution flow.
   • Run until antifreeze reaches the lines.
3. Vacuum Up the Antifreeze: This coats internal components and protects the vacuum intake.
4. Remove & Clean the Squeegee Assembly: Wipe dry so rubber doesn’t warp or crack.

Pressure Washers

Freezing can destroy pumps—don’t skip these steps.

1. Disconnect Hoses & Drain Everything: Let gravity pull out as much water as possible.
2. Use Antifreeze: Run antifreeze through the pump until it exits the other side.
3. Clean Filters & Nozzles: Clogged nozzles freeze faster and reduce performance.
4. Store Indoors: Cold temperatures are especially harsh on gas engines.

Vacuums
(Wet/dry, backpack, upright)

1. Empty & Dry Tanks: Moisture leads to mildew and freezing issues.
2. Clean or Replace Filters: HEPA filters clog quickly in winter conditions.
3. Inspect Hoses: Cold plastic becomes brittle; replace cracking hoses.

Best Places to Store Equipment

✔ Recommended:

• Heated warehouse
• Climate-controlled storage
• Inside your building or house (not in sheds or garages)

✘ Avoid:

• Trailers
• Uninsulated garages
• Work vans overnight in freezing temps (unless heated)

Quick Winterization Checklist

• Drain all water lines and tanks
• Add antifreeze when applicable
• Clean and dry tanks thoroughly
• Lubricate moving parts
• Store equipment in a warm, dry space
• Maintain battery health during off-months

Proper winterization ensures your extractors, scrubbers, pressure washers, and other cleaning equipment stay in top shape and ready for spring. Taking these steps now helps prevent freezing damage, extend equipment life, and reduce costly downtime.

Whenever you're ready for maintenance tips, replacement parts, or new equipment, CleanFreak.com has everything you need to keep your fleet performing at its best.