I have a wash pad on a Wagulator which does the same job as an applicator, so you are rinsing it off as you go along (under a tap or in a bucket), so it shouldn't be too bad. So maybe once a week I do it with a hose, not a high pressure, but with an ordinary hose with a high jet on it, and it brings it up luvverly.somewhere i saw a vid of Herman washing one using a pressure washer-it was incredible how much dirt came out- im sure washing machines dont get them totally cleaned by comparison