Beat the Heat: Summer Safety Tips for Power Washing Professionals 

Protect Your Crew. Protect Your Equipment. Protect Your Business. 

When the summer sun blazes, pressure washing jobs don’t stop, but the heat brings a whole new set of risks and challenges. Whether you’re cleaning commercial concrete, soft washing rooftops, or managing a fleet of rigs, summer safety isn’t optional, it’s essential. 

At PowerWash.com, we’re committed to helping contractors and businesses not only grow but stay safe and efficient in all conditions. Below, we’ll walk you through the best practices to keep your team healthy and your equipment running strong throughout the hottest months of the year. 

Personal Safety in Extreme Heat 

1. Hydration is Non-Negotiable 
Heat-related illness can sneak up fast. Dehydration leads to fatigue, dizziness, and poor decision-making. Encourage techs to hydrate constantly, water every 15 to 30 minutes is a must, even if they don’t feel thirsty. 

2. Dress for Success (and Safety) 
Outfit your team with: 

• Light colored, moisture wicking shirts 
• Cooling neck towels or bandanas 
• Wide brimmed hats or neck shields 
• UV rated safety glasses 
• Non slip, breathable work boots 

3. Shift Your Schedule 
Where possible, structure your workday around the sun. Start early, break mid day, and resume later. Jobs from 10 AM to 3 PM are at highest risk for heatstroke, especially on rooftops or unshaded concrete. 

4. Watch for Heat Illness Symptoms 
Educate your team to look for: 

• Muscle cramps, headaches 
• Dizziness or confusion 
• Excessive sweating or, worse, no sweating 
• Nausea or vomiting 

If these occur, get them in shade, provide water, and seek medical help as needed. 

5. Provide Shaded Rest Areas 
Portable canopies, umbrellas, or shaded truck setups give your team a place to cool off and recover. OSHA recommends a 5-minute break every hour in high heat conditions. 

Equipment Health in High Heat 

1. Don’t Let Pumps Overheat 
Power washers shouldn’t idle in bypass more than 2 minutes. Excessive heat buildup can damage plunger seals and O-rings. Make sure thermal relief valves are installed and functioning, or shut down between sprays. 

2. Keep Bleach and Chemicals Cool 
Sodium hypochlorite breaks down rapidly in heat and sunlight. Store SH in dark containers, inside a shaded area or covered trailer. Always rotate stock, and avoid using solutions older than 30 days. 

3. Monitor Oil and Filters 
Heat accelerates oil breakdown. Check engine and pump oil more frequently in summer. Replace dirty air filters to prevent engines from running rich, which causes power loss and fuel waste. 

4. Protect Your Hoses and Seals 
High ambient temps can soften hoses and expand fittings. Inspect your pressure lines and fittings for leaks or fatigue. Store hoses in shaded areas and never leave them coiled in direct sun. 

5. Use UV-Resistant Equipment 
PowerWash.com carries rigs, tanks, and components with UV protection. Upgrade your setup with Rhino-lined skids, ventilated hose reels, and sealed storage to extend gear lifespan in direct sun exposure. 

Suggested Summer Gear & Tools 

• Thermal Relief Valves – Prevents pump overheating during idle time. 
• Delux® Proportioners with UV-Stabilized Tanks – Keeps SH potent longer. 
• Max Flow Hose Reels (with Ventilated Drums) – Reduces internal heat buildup. 
• Cooling Workwear & PPE Kits – Keep your crew safe and OSHA compliant. 

Explore these products on PowerWash.com or call our experts at 1-800-433-2113 for help configuring your summer rig setup. 

Washaholic Training for Summer Success 

Want to dig deeper into summer jobsite strategy? PowerWash Academy’s LMS platform includes safety modules like: 

• Working in High Heat Conditions 
• Proper Use of Thermal Relief and Bypass Systems 
• Safe Chemical Storage and Handling 
• Hydration and First Aid for Field Crews 

Franchise operators and large fleet managers can white-label this training for their teams. Visit PowerWash Academy or ask about Business Support Services (BSS) to access these resources. 

Stay Cool, Stay Profitable 

Summer is peak season for the power washing industry, but it also tests your limits. Heat doesn’t just affect comfort, it affects safety, performance, and profit. By following these personal and equipment care strategies, you’ll protect your crew, extend the life of your gear, and stay ahead of unexpected downtime. 

For tailored summer solutions, rig upgrades, or on-site safety consultations, PowerWash.com is your trusted partner. 

Let’s keep your business safe, clean, and cool all summer long.