How To Wash Large or Small Construction Equipment
April 4, 2023

Generally, washing construction equipment doesn’t sound like an exciting idea, but it is fun. This is especially true if you get to wash large construction equipment. Washing construction equipment is not that difficult. Let’s look at the process.

Observe your equipment

When you inspect your construction equipment, ensure that you observe the condition of the body, tires, and wheels. Look for rust and other signs of wear or damage. If there is damage, then you should repair it right away. Otherwise, it will only get worse over time.

What you will need to wash construction equipment

You will need basic cleaning tools like a bucket, brush, and sponge to wash your construction equipment. You can also use soap or detergent if needed. You may also want to have towels handy, so you can dry off your equipment after washing it with water from a hose or spraying it from a pressure washer.

Arrange your hoses and sprayers

Before washing your equipment, arrange all your hoses and sprayers so that they are easy for you to reach during the washing process. This will help speed up the process because you won’t have to keep running back and forth looking for something when you need it most.

Clear any loose debris

You can start by clearing loose debris from your equipment, like leaves or dirt. This will make it easier to clean the rest of your machine.

Spot clean

To spot clean, use warm water and mild detergent on a soft cloth or sponge. Avoid using harsh chemicals that could damage your equipment’s finish. If you have stubborn stains, try using white vinegar mixed with water instead of cleaners containing ammonia, bleach, or hydrogen peroxide. These ingredients are especially damaging to plastic parts such as bumpers and grills.

Pressure wash

If your equipment is very dirty or has heavy stains, you might want to consider pressure washing it instead of spot-cleaning it. Pressure-washing equipment requires more time and effort than other methods. Still, it can effectively remove dirt and grime from hard-to-reach areas like undercarriages and underneath hoods. Be sure to follow safety precautions when pressure washing. Wear protective goggles and gloves while operating the pressure washer so that you don’t accidentally get sprayed with water yourself.

Remove and clean filter cartridges, screens, strainers, and filters

Remove the filter cartridge from your machine and clean it with a garden hose. Use a brush to scrub away any debris that may be stuck in the filter. If your equipment has multiple filters, remove them one at a time for cleaning. You can also use a high-pressure sprayer to clean them off with water.

Scrub hard-to-reach spots and oil leaks

Some construction equipment has hard-to-reach areas that collect dirt and oil over time. Use an exterior cleaner on these areas to help remove any dirt and grime. Once you have scrubbed these areas, rinse them off with water again to ensure they are completely clean.

Hose down equipment again with clean water

Once all your equipment has been cleaned off, hose down each part of your machine with clean water so that all traces of cleaning chemicals are removed from its surface.

Conclusion

You can properly wash construction equipment by preparing it ahead of time, such as cleaning and drying out the engine. It’s important to have the right equipment, such as a pressure washer, detergent, and the right extension cords to do it right.