How to Clean a Lawn Mower Correctly

Equipment to help you clean your lawn mower correctly

• Protective gloves
• Scraper
• Dry duster

Cleaning your lawn mower is easiest when it is done straight after use when the grass is still moist. After you have finished cutting the lawn your first job is to remove any dirt or debris from the underside of the lawn mower, but first off you need to make sure that it is safe to do so.

If you are using an electric lawn mower, make sure you have unplugged the lawn mower from the mains electricity supply. If it is a petrol lawn mower, remove the spark plug and remove any fuel from the tank and oil to avoid spillages. Remove the grass collection box, if fitted and place it to one side. Next tilt the lawn mower onto its side so that you can see the underside of the lawn mower. If you own a petrol lawn mower, refer to your manufacturer’s instructions before doing this as some petrol mowers cannot be tipped on their sides.

While wearing protective gloves with a hand towel or similar item, scrap any grass or debris from the underside of the lawn mower gently working around the blade of the lawn mower. With a soft brush, do the same around grass chutes, fan, all air inlets, grass box and the grass box lid ensuring they are clean and free of grass. Failing to clean grass from around the motor and air inlets can cause the motor to overheat, resulting in your lawn mower from breaking down.

Next using a damp, (but not wet) cloth gently clean the underside of the lawn mower to remove grass from the underside of the lawn mower and prevents grass from sticking. Next turn your lawn mower back upright and clean the top of the deck, taking special attention around the wheels and finish by wiping lawn mower down with a dry cloth.