How to Properly Store Your Lawn Mower in the Garage: A Comprehensive Guide

The grass has been mowed, the yard looks impeccable, and now it’s time to put away your trusty lawn mower. But simply shoving it into a corner of the garage isn’t the best strategy. Proper storage is crucial for extending the lifespan of your mower and ensuring it’s ready for action when the next mowing season rolls around. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the necessary steps to safely and effectively store your lawn mower in your garage, covering everything from preparation to final placement.

Why Proper Lawn Mower Storage Matters

Before diving into the ‘how,’ let’s briefly discuss the ‘why.’ Improper storage can lead to a host of problems, including:

• Fuel Issues: Old fuel can gum up the carburetor, making it difficult or impossible to start your mower next season.
• Battery Drain: If you have an electric or battery-powered mower, improper storage can lead to a dead battery.
• Corrosion: Exposure to moisture and humidity can cause rust and corrosion, damaging essential parts of your mower.
• Mechanical Problems: Storing your mower haphazardly can lead to physical damage to the deck, blades, or other components.
• Safety Hazards: A poorly stored mower can be a tripping hazard or even a source of injury, especially with sharp blades exposed.

By taking the time to properly prepare and store your lawn mower, you’ll save yourself headaches, repair costs, and ensure your mower is ready to perform its best for years to come. Now, let’s get into the steps!

Step-by-Step Guide to Storing Your Lawn Mower

1. Safety First: Disconnect the Spark Plug and Battery (If Applicable)

Before you do anything, safety should be your top priority. For gasoline-powered mowers, the first crucial step is to disconnect the spark plug wire. This prevents accidental starts, which could lead to serious injury. Locate the spark plug (typically a small ceramic component with a wire connected to it near the engine) and gently pull the wire off. If you have a battery-powered or electric mower, disconnect the battery from the mower. Refer to your owner’s manual for the precise location and method for your specific model. Be sure to store the spark plug wire away from the spark plug so that it can not make accidental contact.

2. Clean the Mower Thoroughly

A clean mower is a happy mower. Built-up grass clippings, dirt, and debris can contribute to corrosion and other issues. Take the time to give your mower a good cleaning. Here’s how:

• Remove Loose Debris: Use a stiff brush, putty knife, or even a plastic scraper to remove caked-on grass from the mower deck, undercarriage, and around the engine.
• Wash the Mower: If you have access to a hose or pressure washer, use it to rinse away any remaining dirt and debris. Avoid spraying water directly at the engine, carburetor, or electrical components. If you need to wash the top of the mower, use a wet cloth.
• Dry Thoroughly: After washing, be sure to dry all parts of the mower completely. This is crucial to prevent rust. Use a clean towel or cloth to wipe it down, or let it air dry in a well-ventilated area. For those hard to dry areas, consider using compressed air.

3. Stabilize or Drain the Fuel Tank (For Gas Mowers)

Gasoline can degrade over time, forming gum and varnish that can clog the carburetor and make it difficult to start your mower next season. You have two main options for dealing with fuel:

• Fuel Stabilizer: The most recommended approach is to add a fuel stabilizer to the gas tank. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the bottle for the correct ratio. Run the mower for a few minutes to circulate the treated fuel through the system. This will protect the fuel system and prevent fuel breakdown.
• Drain the Fuel Tank: If you prefer to remove all fuel, use a siphon or fuel pump to drain the tank into a safe, approved container. Start the mower and let it run until it stalls and the remaining fuel in the system is burned. Be sure to follow your local guidelines for disposal of gasoline.

4. Change the Oil (For 4-Stroke Gas Mowers)

If you have a four-stroke gas mower (where the oil and fuel are kept separate), it’s an excellent idea to change the oil before storing it for the winter. Old oil contains acids and contaminants that can corrode internal engine parts. Refer to your owner’s manual for the correct procedure and the proper type of oil. This is also the ideal time to change the oil filter if your model has one.

5. Sharpen or Replace the Blades

A sharp blade is essential for a clean and efficient cut. Before storing your mower, inspect the blades. If they are dull, chipped, or bent, they need to be sharpened or replaced. You can either sharpen them yourself with a file or have them professionally sharpened. If they are damaged, replace them with new blades according to your mower’s specifications. This is a good idea even if the blades seem in good shape. Getting new blades will ensure a sharp cut with your first mow of next season.

6. Lubricate Moving Parts

Moving parts like the wheels, cables, and height adjustment mechanisms should be lubricated before storage to prevent them from seizing up. Use a multi-purpose lubricant like WD-40 or a similar product. Be sure to apply lubricant to all pivot points and any other moving part. This will help everything to move smoothly when next season arrives.

7. Inspect and Clean the Air Filter

A clogged air filter can reduce engine performance. Remove the air filter and inspect it. If it is dirty or damaged, replace it with a new filter. Even if it appears fine, giving it a cleaning may be a good idea. If you have a paper filter, simply tap it gently to remove excess dirt. If you have a foam filter, clean it with warm soapy water and let it air dry completely before re-installing it.

8. Consider the Storage Location in Your Garage

Where you store your lawn mower in your garage matters. Here are some considerations:

• Away from Moisture: Choose a dry location to prevent rust and corrosion. Avoid areas near windows, doors, or damp walls.
• Away from Traffic: Place the mower in an area where it won’t be bumped or tripped over. Ideally, along a wall or in a designated storage area.
• Accessibility: While you want it out of the way, ensure it is accessible when you need it in the spring. Don’t bury it behind piles of other items.
• Off the Floor: Consider hanging the mower from a wall or ceiling with a specialized mower storage system or sturdy hooks. This can save floor space and protect the mower from damage and moisture. Be sure any system you use is rated for the weight of your mower. This will help prevent damage and potential injury.

9. Proper Storage Orientation

Most lawn mowers are designed to be stored with the wheels on the ground. If you’re storing it against a wall, be sure it is resting on the wheels. If storing your mower vertically using a wall or ceiling mount system, ensure that the engine (or the part containing the battery on an electric mower) is facing upward. This will prevent oil from seeping into places where it shouldn’t be.

10. Cover the Mower (Optional)

If you want extra protection, you can use a tarp or a designated lawn mower cover to protect it from dust and debris. However, it is important to make sure it is completely dry before doing this to prevent mildew or rust.

11. For Battery-Powered Mowers, Remove Battery

If your mower is battery powered, remove the battery and store it in a cool dry area. Keeping it on the mower can drain the battery and reduce its life. Consider investing in a battery maintainer if you plan to store it for long periods. These devices will keep the battery at an optimal charge without overcharging it. Refer to your battery manufacturer recommendations for optimal storage conditions.

12. Double-Check Everything

Before you walk away, take one final look to ensure everything is as it should be. Confirm that the spark plug is disconnected (for gas mowers), the battery is removed (for electric mowers), all fuel has been stabilized or drained, and the mower is in a safe, stable position.

Additional Tips for Storing Your Lawn Mower

• Consult Your Owner’s Manual: Always refer to your lawn mower’s owner’s manual for specific instructions and recommendations for your particular model.
• Routine Maintenance: Proper storage is just one part of lawn mower care. Be sure to follow recommended maintenance schedules for oil changes, air filter cleaning, and blade sharpening.
• Seasonal Inspection: Each spring, give your mower a thorough inspection before using it again. Check oil levels, blade sharpness, and overall condition.

Conclusion

Storing your lawn mower properly in the garage might seem like a chore, but it’s an essential investment in the longevity and performance of your machine. By following these steps, you can ensure your mower is ready to tackle your lawn with ease when the mowing season returns. A little preparation goes a long way in saving you time, money, and frustration. Happy mowing!