Winter Lawn Mower Storage Tips and Tricks

As the days get shorter and the temperatures drop, it’s time to tuck your lawn mower in for a long winter’s nap. Proper winter storage is about making sure your mower wakes up ready to tackle the turf next spring. A little prep work now will save you from a lot of headaches later. Use our winter lawn mower storage tips and tricks.

Give It a Good Cleaning

First things first, your mower needs a bath. Grass clippings, dirt, and other debris trap moisture, which leads to rust and corrosion over the winter months.

Start by disconnecting the spark plug to prevent accidental starts. Then, tilt the mower on its side—the air filter and carburetor should face up to avoid fuel or oil leaks—and give the underside a thorough scrape.

Use a putty knife or a wire brush to remove caked-on grass and mud. Once the big chunks are gone, use a hose to wash away the rest. Wipe the entire mower down with a dry cloth before moving on.

Handle the Fuel Situation

You have two options when it comes to leftover fuel: drain it or stabilize it.

• Drain It: Running the mower until the tank is empty is the easiest way to do this. An empty tank prevents the fuel from going stale, which can gum up the carburetor and cause issues when you try to start it in the spring.
• Stabilize It: If draining sounds like too much effort, add a fuel stabilizer to the tank. Follow the instructions on the stabilizer bottle, running the engine for a three to four minutes to move the stabilized fuel through the system.

Leaving untreated gas in your mower over winter is a common reason people have to troubleshoot lawn mower engine problems come springtime.

Change the Oil

Old oil contains contaminants that damage internal engine parts. Starting the storage season with a fresh oil change protects your engine while it sits idle.

Run the mower for a few minutes to warm up the oil, which helps it drain more easily. Then, follow your owner’s manual to drain the old oil and refill it with the correct type and amount.

Prepare the Battery and Blade

If you have a battery-powered mower, remove the battery and store it in a cool, dry place away from the mower. For gas mowers with electric starters, you should do the same. This protects the battery from the cold and helps it hold its charge longer.

Winter is also the perfect time to show your mower blade some love. Remove the blade and have it sharpened. A sharp blade makes for a cleaner cut and a healthier lawn. If the blade has major nicks or damage, replace it. Lightly coat the blade with oil to prevent rust before reinstalling or storing it separately.

Find a Safe Storage Spot

Now that your mower is clean, prepped, and ready for hibernation, find it a suitable winter home. The ideal spot is a dry, covered location, such as a garage or shed. This protects it from rain, snow, and harsh winter elements. If you must store it outside, use a waterproof, breathable mower cover to shield it from moisture and prevent rust.

Following these winter storage tips and tricks will have your lawn mower in great shape for next season. When spring arrives, you’ll be able to wheel it out, reconnect the battery and spark plug, and get right back to mowing.