It’s that time of year when it’s time to start thinking about storing away household items for winter. One of these includes your lawn mower. Most likely, it’s not going to be helpful to you during this harsh time of year, especially once the snow and frost cover our lawns. You don’t just want to throw it in the garage or shed and wash your hands of it. Instead, you need to prepare your lawn mower for storage so it will work effectively for you come spring.

1- Clean Thoroughly

Your first step should be to clean your lawn mower thoroughly. Typically, a lot of debris accumulates in many parts of the lawn mower, such as grass clippings, dirt, and leaves. You don’t want to leave this buildup sitting with your lawn mower in storage because, over time, it can begin to create rust. The mower deck Is one of the most important areas to pay attention to. This is the area that houses the blades. Disconnect the spark plug to clean this area safely and avoid accidental starting. Once you’ve done this, you can hose down the deck, wipe it dry, and use a putty knife to remove any stubborn debris.

2- Sharpen the Blades

Sharpening the blades can guarantee a fresh, easy-to-cut lawn come springtime. You can sharpen the blades yourself with a file or bench grinder. Once you’ve done this, you should balance the blade to avoid vibrations that can harm the engine. If you’re on your way to sharpen the blades and notice that they are severely worn, it’s better to replace them altogether.

3- Stabilize Fuel

Unlike gasoline in your vehicle, the fuel sitting in your mower can begin to deteriorate in as little as 30 days. Over time, this will create a buildup of solids in the fuel system, which wreaks havoc on the lawn mower’s engine. A stabilizer will prevent this from happening, which means your lawn mower will start back up smoothly once you are ready to start using it again.

4- Change the Oil

Before storing your lawn mower, you will want to change the oil. Drain the old oil by tipping the mower on its side or using the oil drain plug. Leaving the old oil to sit is never a good idea because it can contain contaminants that can cause corrosion. Be sure to replace it with new, fresh oil, and let it run for a few minutes so it can lubricate the engine parts before being stored away for the winter.

Properly preparing your lawn mower for winter is an investment in its longevity and performance. Taking these simple steps can save you time, money, and frustration once you are ready to get the lawn mower up and ready to be used again. Don’t forget to store your lawn mower in a nice, dry area to avoid rusting, as well as an area free of pests that might try to nest inside the mower, such as rats and mice.