Before the sweltering days of summer hit your business hard, it’s a great time to tackle a necessary chore—cleaning your forklift. If you’re looking for some tips on how to clean forklift parts properly and efficiently, take a look at the following tips.

Top Tips for Cleaning a Forklift

1. Start by Removing Loose Dirt, Rust & Debris

Before you begin any kind of serious washing, remove whatever caked-on dirt and debris you can with a broom or duster. Be thorough and make sure to cover all forklift parts, including the chassis, as its performance can be hampered by too much built-up gunk and grime. When these obvious patches of dirt and sludge are removed, it makes the all-over cleaning of your forklift much easier.

2. Clean With a Pressure Washer

Soap and water just won’t cut it. If you want to get all of your forklift parts completely clean, you need to use a pressure washer. In addition to being the most efficient method, it’s also the safest—forklifts often come in contact with hazardous elements, and you risk exposing yourself to chemicals when you wash the machine by hand.

3. Work from Top to Bottom

When you’re ready to use the pressure washer, it makes the most sense to begin at the top of the machine and work your way down. That way, all of the dirt will move downward, and the forklift parts that have already been cleaned will stay clean. 

4. Protect Yourself

You may think that cleaning a forklift is a pretty simple and hazard-free chore, especially when you have a pressure washer keeping you at a safe distance from heavy forklifts parts and potentially hazardous chemicals. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t sustain other types of injury, including ones that result from improper use of a pressure washer. Arm yourself with protective gear such as goggles, gloves, and boots, and make sure you know how to properly and safely handle the pressure washer.

For more tips on how to clean a forklift, contact the experts at AJ Jersey in Middlesex County, NJ. For more than 45 years, this forklift supplier has been selling forklifts and forklift parts from top brands such as Doosan® and Crown®, as well as providing maintenance and repair services. Visit their website to learn more about their services, and call (908) 754-7333 to speak with a friendly team member today.