The question we posed was simple enough: how often do you wash your lawnmower? The answers we got ran the gamut from never to once a week to once a year. But one expert, Allen Qualls, the owner and operator of Outdoor Power Equipment of Troy, Alabama, offered this perspective:
“As a dealer of 23 years, all of you that are regularly washing your mower are causing it damage. Water is the enemy period. Washing a mower should be done no more often than 2-3 times a year in very dirty conditions. Blow it off as frequently as possible and never leave grass clippings built up anywhere on the mower. No mower is waterproof. A mower being a little dusty and dirty looking won’t hurt a thing but washing it frequently will. The majority of the mower is made of steel and we all know what happens when you put water and steel together.”
So, that advice about water – especially when applied using a pressure washer, as a longtime mechanic, Allen has seen his share of rusted decks and failed bearings because of water. And that’s just for openers.
“Even just a regular water hose, putting cold water on a hot bearing, you know what happens when it heats up and when it cools off. It expands and contracts. When it contracts with cold water hitting it, now it’ll suck water into the bearing; idler pulleys will go out, spindle bearings go out, all kinds things like that go out. We replace all kinds of parts like that every year because people do that.”
Allen tells his customers: “If you want to spray [your mower] off with some kind of mild degreaser and wash it a little bit once a year or twice a year, okay fine, but any more than that and you’re just begging for damage, begging for potential problems.”
The better approach than a water hose is a leaf blower or air compressor.
“If you simply blow it off…that won’t hurt the machine,” Allen says. “Obviously, you’ll have occasion where it’s wet or you go through a muddy spot or whatever, and when you do get in that situation, yeah, keep it clean.
“But the whole point about water is: the less, the better.”
Essential Lawn Mower Cleaning and Maintenance Tips
- Regular Debris Removal: Each time you use your mower, remove the grass clippings and any other debris. A brush or a blower can be used to remove this loose material, ensuring that the mower remains clean and functional, and prolongs its lifespan.
- Periodic Deep Cleaning: Aim to give your mower a thorough clean 2-3 times per year. This includes cleaning the undercarriage with care to avoid getting water in the engine. A putty knife or brush can be used to remove any compacted grass or hardened debris. Disconnect the spark plug prior to cleaning to ensure safety.
- Blade Maintenance: As part of the deep clean process, check the condition of the blade. Clean it thoroughly, and if it’s dull, have it sharpened, or if damaged, consider replacement. Always remember to disconnect the spark plug before doing any work on the blade.
- Air Filter and Oil Change: As part of the maintenance, regularly check the air filter and clean or replace it as necessary to maintain mower efficiency. Change the oil in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines. Both these steps can be carried out during your 2-3 times per year deep clean.
Remember, each lawn mower model may have specific cleaning and maintenance instructions. Always refer to your mower’s user manual for specific procedures and safety guidelines. It’s also a good practice to wear safety gear such as gloves and safety glasses while cleaning and maintaining your lawn mower.