Cleaning your lawn mower isn’t necessary after every use, but doing it occasionally can add years to its life. A quick cleanup helps it run smoother and protects essential parts from rust, clogging, and engine wear.

Why Clean Your Lawn Mower?

Even the best lawn mowers wear down over time, but regular cleaning can make a big difference. While it might seem like a chore, a quick cleanup after mowing is easier than waiting for a full deep clean. Here’s how regular maintenance can help:

• Rust Prevention: Grass clippings left on your mower trap moisture, which can lead to rust, especially on metal parts like the deck and frame. Moist grass also has acids that damage metal surfaces, and any chemicals from the lawn can cause corrosion.
• Clog Prevention: Clippings can clog key areas, like the blade belt, blades, or grass catcher, reducing the mower’s efficiency and performance.
• Engine Protection: Debris buildup can find its way into the engine, causing corrosion and overheating, which can wear down the engine faster. Plus, the mix of heat and dry grass or leaves can pose a fire risk.

How to Clean Your Lawn Mower

You don’t need to deep clean after every mow, but here’s a quick guide for a thorough cleanup:

1. Blow Off Grass and Debris: Use a leaf blower to clear grass clippings and debris from the mower’s deck and around the belt and pulleys.
2. Wash the Underside of the Deck: If your mower has a hose port, attach a hose, turn on the water, and run the mower’s blades to flush out grass from the deck. If not, spray the deck using a hose, avoiding the engine.
3. Blow Off Water: Use your leaf blower or an air compressor to blow off excess water, especially under the deck.
4. Dry Thoroughly: Let the mower air dry or wipe away any pooling water with a rag before storing.

Tips to Keep Your Mower Clean

• Mow Later in the Day: Letting grass dry before mowing reduces wet clippings.
• Mow More Often: Regular mowing means less debris buildup, making cleanup easier.
• Install a Hose Fitting: If your mower doesn’t have a deck-cleaning port, consider adding one for easy cleaning.
• Seasonal Deep Cleans: Do a thorough clean once or twice a season, including areas around the wheels, belts, and engine. Grease all fittings as well.
• Check the Air Filter: Regularly shake out or replace the air filter to keep dirt and debris from entering the engine.

Following these steps helps extend the life of your lawn mower and ensures it’s ready to tackle the grass all season long!