How to Winterize Your Power Mower
At the end of autumn when you no longer need to mow your yard, there are some things you need to do before you store your power mower away for the winter. If you learn how to store your power mower properly, it will keep you from having to repair it in the spring. You can learn how to winterize your power mower in a few short steps.
Supplies
- Gloves
- Penetrating oil
- Scrub brush
- Steel wool
- Motor oil
- Make sure there is no gas in the gas tank before you put your power mower away for the winter. If it has gas in it, you can mow your yard one last time if it needs it to run it out, or just ride around on the mower in your yard with the blades up to run the gas out.
- Remove any oil that is in your power mower, if it has oil in it.
- Remove rust from the power mower by rubbing the rust areas with a steel wool pad. Make sure to put on gloves when doing this, as steel wool will cut your hands.
- Replace the air filter if it is dirty. The air filter on your power mower should be replaced in the middle of the mowing season and then again at the end. You can clean the air filter if it does not need to be replaced.
- Put the mower on its side and use a hose to wash off any dirt or grass that is on it. If there is grass or dirt stuck to it, use something to scrape it off. You can use a brush to clean it with a mild soap and warm water. Rinse it off thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.
- Sharpen the blades on the mower, if needed. You can use a filing tool to sharpen them yourself or you can take them to a lawn mower shop to have them sharpened.
- Put oil in the tank when you are finished. Do not put gas in the tank until you are ready to mow your yard again when winter is over.