Freeze Guarding Truck mount Equipment

Can you believe it’s already getting dark at 5 PM? That means winter is here—and if you haven’t thought about how to protect your carpet cleaning machine and gear from freezing temps, now’s the time. If your equipment isn’t stored in a heated space, your tools and truckmounts are at serious risk of expensive damage.

Let’s talk about why winterizing your truckmount and cleaning equipment is essential—and how you can do it right.

🧊 Why Carpet Cleaning Equipment Is So Vulnerable in Winter

Water is a major part of your work—and also your worst winter enemy. Here’s why:

• Water contracts as it cools but starts expanding again near 39.2°F.

• At 32°F, it can expand by more than 9%.

• That expansion creates enormous pressure inside your hoses, valves, jets, and fittings—which can cause them to crack, split, or burst.

Your carpet cleaning machine and truckmount system are full of water lines designed to handle high pressure—but not freezing expansion. Damage can start just below 40°F. By the time it hits freezing, it’s often too late.

✅ Follow Manufacturer Guidelines First

Every piece of cleaning equipment is different.

Your truckmount, extractor, or spotting machine may require different types of antifreeze or winterization procedures.

• Some manufacturers recommend RV antifreeze, washer fluid, or green engine coolant.

• Always consult your owner’s manual before adding any winterizing fluid.

• Use only approved fluids to avoid voiding warranties or damaging components.

💡 Important: Don’t forget to flush out antifreeze before your next job to avoid contaminating a customer’s home or office.

🔧 How to Blow Out Your Tools and Lines

Antifreeze isn’t your only line of defense. You should also blow out water from your tools and hoses with compressed air.

Here’s how:

1. Build or buy a tool with a solution line quick-connect on one end and an air compressor fitting on the other.

2. Attach to your compressor.

3. Trigger each tool (wand, stair tool, upholstery tool) facing downward until water stops sputtering.

4. Don’t forget to drain solution lines, ball valves, and quick connects—they’re just as prone to splitting.

🔥 Don’t Want to Winterize Truckmount? Keep It Warm Instead

If you’d rather avoid antifreeze and draining lines, keep your equipment warm—but do it right:

• Store gear in a garage or shed to take advantage of shelter.

• Use a space heater with a digital thermostat to maintain safe temps.

• Be cautious of power outages—even a few hours of freezing can ruin thousands of dollars in equipment.

🛠️ Don’t Forget These Components

Winterize or protect these items too:

• Auto-fill and dump lines

• External heaters

• Portable machines and floor scrubbers

• Spotting tools

• Solution tanks and chemical bottles (keep chemicals in a heated area if possible)

💰 Protect Your Investment This Winter

Your truckmount system and professional cleaning tools are a major investment. A little preparation now can save you from spending thousands on repairs—or replacing an entire carpet cleaning machine.

At Cleaning Depot, we carry the tools, parts, carpet cleaning chemicals, and even truckmounts for sale to help you stay prepared year-round. Need help winterizing your equipment or replacing a damaged component? Reach out—we’re here to help.

Don't wait until it’s too late. Winterize now and keep your carpet cleaning business running smoothly, no matter the season.