Cleaning Your Mower: Step by Step Instructions

One of the most commonly ignored areas of lawn mower maintenance is the underside of the mower deck. Cleaning your mower deck is essential, especially at the end of the mowing season. Removing all the caked-on dirt and grass blades from the mower deck allows you to start fresh come spring! 

Why Bother??

All that grime can actually be quite harmful. Not only will your lawn mower wear out quicker, but also, your grass will not receive the proper care it needs. The hardened grass and dirt on the underside can hinder the blade rotation on your mower. In addition, cleaning your mower deck ensures the grass is cut cleanly upright. With the excess buildup under the mower, you may find your grass blades are being bent and torn rather than cut properly. This can actually cause diseases to fester and transfer from the grass on your mower to your lawn. 

Excess Buildup

Additionally, if you ever need to mow a wet lawn, this can increase the buildup on your mower. The damp grass blades stick to the underside of your mower more easily than dry grass blades. They also tend to be more susceptible to fungal diseases when the mower is stored after use. Cleaning your mower regularly can eliminate the risk of spreading these diseases. 

Cleaning Your Mower Step by Step

1. Unplug the mower or disconnect the spark plug to avoid any injury while cleaning your mower deck.
2. Turn the mower on its side and use your garden hose to spray away large clumps and loose grass and dirt.
3. Using a brush and soapy water, scrub off the rest of the buildup.
4. Finally, rinse off the suds and dry the mower deck thoroughly before storing.

Following these few, simple steps a couple times per year can ensure proper mower maintenance and a healthy lawn. Cleaning your mower deck does not have to be such a daunting task! During the off season, you don’t want that buildup to stick around. That’s why it is essential to remove all the excess grass blades at the end of each mowing season. This will give you a great fresh start when it comes time to start mowing again in the spring!