Proper Wand & Gun Care

by Diane M. Calabrese | Published June 2026

 

 

Reliability is great. Yet it’s also too often the catalyst for benign neglect.

Wands and spray guns are highly reliable, but they should not be taken for granted.

To stimulate some thought—and encourage everyone to give wands and guns the attention they deserve—we put some questions to experts on the ancillaries.

Respondents to the questions are Ryan Lindaman, vice president of sales at Barens Inc. in Seneca, PA (who explains that he crafted his answers in collaboration with his colleague Mike Grindle, vice president of marketing); and Dirk Niesen, Germany director of sales and innovation with Suttner America Company, Dubuque, IA.

 

Questions and Responses from Ryan Lindaman (with Mike Grindle) and Dirk Niesen

 

Cleaner Times (CT): Which is a part of wand care that is too often neglected?

Lindaman: A standard pressure washing wand is typically the longest-lasting component and requires the least amount of care. An exception to this would be dual lances, allowing for low-pressure chemical injections.

By introducing anything other than water to any system, the risk of corrosion increases exponentially, which will then deteriorate the lance, typically beginning at connection points or valves. The best standard care for any lance (standard or dual) is a quick flush with clean water after use.

Niesen: A critical point frequently underestimated in the field is the progression of micro-corrosion. Many operators choose coated carbon steel wands due to lower initial costs. However, as soon as the protective chrome or zinc coating is slightly damaged by outside impact—such as being placed on concrete or hitting an edge—the oxidation process begins beneath the coating.

The maintenance of quick-connect couplings at the end of the lance is often neglected. Since professional systems today almost exclusively use interchangeable nozzles or foam lances via couplings, the O-rings are permanently exposed to abrasion and chemicals. Regularly greasing these seals not only prevents leaks but also ensures the smooth operation of the quick-change system, saving time and physical effort during a demanding workday.

 

 

(CT): Which is a part of gun care that is too often neglected?

Lindaman: As with any actionable component, a spray gun should always be flushed after use and depressurized once the job is complete. This is especially true if using chemicals as corrosion can build up in the valve causing the ball to not sit properly on the seat and eventually begin to leak.

Niesen: The trigger gun is the heart of operational safety, yet internal cleaning after chemical application rarely takes place. Residues from cleaning or disinfecting agents can crystallize inside the gun or attack the seals. Simply wiping the exterior is insufficient.

Particularly critical is the proactive draining of the equipment before storage in cold environments. This addresses the physical anomaly of water: if residual amounts remain in the gun, they can freeze and block the shut-off valve. In the worst-case scenario, the gun will fail to close automatically when work begins—a massive safety risk, as the high-pressure stream would exit uncontrollably. Additionally, a visual inspection for housing cracks or sharp edges should be standard to ensure ergonomics and prevent injury.

 

 

(CT): Is there any scenario in which a power washing contractor can take a one-size-fits -all approach to choice of a wand and in doing so ensure the wand is not mistreated?

Niesen: The answer depends heavily on the definition of a “standard lance.” In the professional sector, stainless steel is the technical benchmark. A stainless-steel lance can be used in almost any situation as it is resistant to most chemicals and is significantly less affected by moisture and residue.

However, if a carbon-steel lance is used, it may be pressure-resistant but is susceptible to chemical erosion and internal corrosion from residual water. Furthermore, the ergonomics factor is decisive: a galvanized tube rated for 6000 psi is approximately 17 percent heavier than the stainless-steel version. With long wands or dual wands, the center of gravity shifts so far forward that the leverage effect puts unnecessary strain on the operator’s joints. Thus, stainless steel is not just a matter of durability but of occupational safety and ergonomics.

 

 

(CT): Is there any scenario in which a power washing contractor can make a one-size-fits-all choice of spray gun/lance and in doing so ensure the gun/lance is not mistreated?

Lindaman: Just like selecting the right pressure washer, identifying the proper components allows a contractor to perform the job as quickly and safely as possible. In doing so, they will maximize component life while increasing the number of jobs they can perform per week and month.

Contractors should be picky when it comes to selecting components and should never be afraid to explore their component options. Manufacturers and developers are constantly innovating to improve cleaning time and efficiency and in doing so are setting their products apart from the field, ultimately making a contractor stand out to their clients.

Next time you walk into your dealer of choice, ask them to show you something new; odds are, you’ll see something you didn’t know existed and ultimately make or save you money on a daily basis.

 

(CT): Is there any scenario in which a power washing contractor can take a one-size-fits-all approach to choice of a spray gun and in so doing ensure the gun is not mistreated?

Niesen: A high-quality professional gun is designed to cover a wide range of applications. The key factor here is the material pairing within the valve. Standard guns with basic seals quickly reach their limits when exposed to hot water above 195°F (90°C) or aggressive media.

Truly “damage-free” and permanently safe operation is only possible if the valve is designed for the specific load. High-performance combinations of ceramics and stainless steel offer the advantage of closing perfectly at both high and low pressure (e.g., when drawing chemicals). A “standard gun” from the semi-professional sector would fail within a very short time under the stresses of professional service applications due to seal or valve failure.

 

 

(CT): What should have been asked?

Lindaman: More important than maintenance for guns and lances is what you should never do.

The summary of what to never do begins with not using the lance for any purpose other than that for which it’s intended. It’s not for prying, scraping, or stabbing when the proper tool is out of reach. And the summary continues with a quick flushing with clean water after each use of chemical, not running over spray guns and lances with vehicles, and never “ever, ever” (emphasizes Lindaman) leaving water in a system in a cold climate—always winterize.

Niesen: Proactive maintenance management makes more economic sense than repairing equipment after a failure.

And Niesen explains that under standard operating conditions, his company recommends that valve parts (valve seat, balls, O-ring) be replaced after 1000 operating hours or annually. Under extreme operating conditions (hot water, chemicals) the recommendation is to replace valve parts at 500 hours or six months.

 

(CT): And perhaps we should have asked something about the interaction between the operator and the tool—an important consideration to optimal outcomes. Indeed, we get a reminder about that.

Niesen: A final tip on ergonomics: ensure that the insulation or side handle on a wand is securely fastened. Loose grips can cause operator fatigue due to them compensating for the movement with their muscles, which can cause fatigue.

 

Gaining vs. Coasting

The information provided by our experts feeds into a picture that’s bigger than wands (lances) and spray guns. That picture is how to accomplish the maximum with minimum downtime.

Stopping to make a repair or stopping because of fatigue caused by a bad fit ultimately translates to a negative on the bottom line.

Every type of gun, wand (lance), and nozzle cannot be stocked and carried by a contractor. Experience helps guide the selection. But as Lindaman notes, take advantage of the expertise of distributors.

Distributors have helped others with similar approaches. They also know the array of options available, options that focus on precision cleaning as well as ergonomics.

A weary operator is a less efficient operator. And in a fatigued state, an operator may reduce safety despite all the safety features built into equipment in 2026.

A tired operator with the best equipment will be less efficient, so ergonomic considerations rank high in the design of new ancillaries.

Proper care of wands and guns begins with a commitment to provide the care, irrespective of how well the ancillaries are working. Don’t push the maintenance schedule beyond the recommended limits.

If valve parts should be replaced at 500 hours because chemicals or hot water are in regular use, as Niesen’s company recommends, take the time to complete that task.

Gaining advantage among competitors depends in large part on the reliability of equipment. So, keep all equipment—including wands and guns—at the peak of performance.

And try to match the ancillaries to the task as precisely as possible. It saves time and energy; and in the current economic climate, the energy savings can give a significant boost to a business.