How to Properly Store Your Lawn Mower in the Garage

Storing your lawn mower correctly in the garage is crucial for its longevity and your safety. Proper storage prevents damage, ensures it starts easily next season, and minimizes fire hazards. This guide will walk you through the steps to properly store your lawn mower in the garage, covering everything from preparation to long-term care.

store lawn mower garage: Preparing Your Lawn Mower for Garage Storage

Before you can store your lawn mower, it needs a thorough cleaning and some preventative maintenance.

Fuel System Preparation for Gasoline Mowers

For gasoline-powered mowers, treating the fuel system is the most critical step. Leaving fuel in the tank and carburetor can lead to gumming and corrosion, making your mower difficult to start.

1. Add Fuel Stabilizer: Fill the gas tank about three-quarters full with fresh gasoline. Then, add a fuel stabilizer according to the product’s instructions. Run the engine for 5-10 minutes to ensure the stabilized fuel circulates through the entire fuel system, including the carburetor. This process displaces water and prevents the formation of varnish and gum.

2. Empty the Carburetor (Optional but Recommended): If your mower has a drain screw on the carburetor bowl, you can carefully drain any remaining fuel after running it with stabilizer. Place a suitable container underneath to catch the fuel.

Cleaning and Lubrication

A clean mower is less prone to rust and makes inspection easier.

• Clean the Mower Deck: Remove grass clippings, dirt, and debris from the underside of the deck, wheel wells, and engine housing. Use a stiff brush, scraper, or compressed air.
• Wash and Dry: Wash the exterior of the mower with mild soap and water. Ensure it’s thoroughly dried to prevent rust.
• Lubricate: Apply a light coat of oil or spray lubricant to any metal parts that might be exposed to moisture, such as pivot points, linkages, and the blade shaft.

Battery Care for Electric Mowers

If you have an electric lawn mower, battery care is paramount.

• Charge the Battery: Fully charge the battery before storing it.
• Store Separately (if possible): For lithium-ion batteries, it’s often recommended to store them in a cool, dry place, separate from the mower itself. Check your manufacturer’s manual for specific recommendations, as extreme temperatures can degrade battery life.

store lawn mower garage: Positioning Your Lawn Mower for Storage in the Garage

Once your mower is prepped, you can position it for storage.

Choosing the Right Location

• Level Surface: Always store your mower on a level surface. Tilting it can cause fuel or oil to leak.
• Dry Environment: Garages can be prone to moisture. Avoid storing the mower directly on a damp concrete floor. Use a piece of plywood, a rubber mat, or a dedicated mower stand to elevate it.
• Away from Ignition Sources: Keep the mower away from water heaters, furnaces, or any open flames. Gasoline is highly flammable.

Positioning for Storage

• Upright Storage: Most walk-behind mowers are designed to be stored upright. This prevents oil from leaking into the cylinder or carburetor. If your mower is designed for horizontal storage, consult your owner’s manual for the correct orientation to prevent oil leaks.
• Tire Pressure: If storing for an extended period, you might consider slightly deflating the tires to prevent flat spots. Re-inflate them before the next use.

Expert Tips for Storing Your Lawn Mower

These tips can help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure your mower is ready when you need it.

• Tip 1: Inspect the Blade. Before storing, check the mower blade for damage or dullness. A sharp, balanced blade cuts more efficiently and reduces strain on the engine.
• Actionable Step: Remove the spark plug wire for safety, then carefully inspect the blade for nicks, bends, or excessive wear. Consider sharpening or replacing it.
• Common Mistake to Avoid: Storing a damaged or dull blade, which can lead to poor cutting performance and potential engine issues next season.
• Tip 2: Check Oil Levels and Quality. Ensure your oil level is correct and the oil is clean. Old, dirty oil can become acidic and damage engine components over time.
• Actionable Step: Check the oil dipstick and top off if necessary with the manufacturer-recommended oil. If the oil appears dark or sludgy, change it.
• Common Mistake to Avoid: Skipping the oil check or change, leading to increased engine wear and potential internal damage.
• Tip 3: Secure Loose Parts. Before putting your mower away, double-check that all handles, levers, and other components are securely fastened.
• Actionable Step: Gently wiggle all external parts to ensure they are tight. Tighten any loose nuts or bolts.
• Common Mistake to Avoid: Leaving loose parts that could vibrate off during storage or handling, leading to loss or damage.

Failure Mode: Fuel System Degradation When You Store a Lawn Mower Improperly

One of the most common and frustrating failure modes when you store a lawn mower improperly in the garage is fuel system degradation.

Detecting Early Signs

• Stale Fuel Smell: If you notice a persistent, strong gasoline smell in your garage even when the mower isn’t running, it could indicate leaking fuel or fuel evaporating from the tank.
• Sticky Controls: After a period of storage, if the throttle or choke controls feel stiff or sticky, it’s often a sign of gummed-up fuel lines or carburetor.
• Difficulty Starting: The most obvious sign is when you try to start the mower after storage and it sputters, runs rough, or won’t start at all. This is frequently due to varnish and debris in the carburetor.

How to Prevent It

The primary prevention is the fuel stabilization and running the engine step outlined earlier. If you forget to stabilize the fuel, you may need to clean the carburetor in the spring.

Checklist for Proper Lawn Mower Storage

Before you wheel your mower into its winter resting place, run through this checklist.

• [ ] Fuel Stabilizer Added & Circulated: Is fresh fuel with stabilizer in the tank and the engine run to distribute it?
• [ ] Mower Cleaned: Is the deck, engine, and exterior free of grass clippings and debris?
• [ ] Battery Charged (Electric): Is the battery for electric mowers fully charged and stored according to manufacturer recommendations?
• [ ] Oil Checked/Changed: Is the oil level correct and the oil in good condition?
• [ ] Blade Inspected: Is the blade in good condition, sharpened, or ready for replacement?
• [ ] Stored on Level Surface: Is the mower positioned on a flat, stable area?
• [ ] Protected from Moisture: Is the mower elevated off the concrete floor or on a protective mat?

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FAQ About Storing Your Lawn Mower

Q1: How long can I store my lawn mower without starting it?

A1: With proper fuel stabilization, a gasoline mower can typically be stored for 6-12 months. For electric mowers, follow battery storage guidelines; many can be stored for several months if the battery is charged and kept at an optimal temperature.

Q2: Do I need to disconnect the spark plug?

A2: It’s a good safety practice to disconnect the spark plug wire before performing any cleaning or maintenance, especially when working near the blade. For long-term storage, some recommend removing the spark plug and adding a small amount of oil to the cylinder to prevent corrosion, then turning the engine over by hand, and re-installing the plug without the wire attached. Always consult your owner’s manual for specific guidance.

Q3: What if I don’t have a fuel stabilizer?

A3: If you don’t have fuel stabilizer, the best alternative is to run the engine until it completely runs out of gas. This will empty the carburetor, but it can be harder on the engine’s internal parts if run completely dry. Using a stabilizer is highly recommended for protecting your fuel system.