How to Prepare You Lawn Mower for Winter Storage

Fall is here and it is time to prepare your lawn mower for winter storage so that in the spring it will run properly again. Here are some tips on how to maintain a lawn mower and prepare it for winter storage. Nothing is more frustrating when you want to mow your lawn for the first time in the spring and it just won’t start.

You do not want to store the tank empty. You want to put the ethanol free fuel in it for storage. After you have run it dry of regular gas, put the ethanol free gas in it and run that for a few minutes then put it away with the ethanol free fuel still in it.

Change the air filter on your lawn mower at the end of the season, as well as once or twice during the long mowing season. Empty the oil tank and refill after cleaning up your mower and sharpening the blades. Be sure to dispose of the old oil properly.

Cleaning your mower will go a long way to prolong the life of your mower as well, preventing rust buildup, ensuring blades are kept sharp and keeping free of grease and dirty buildup.

Use steel wool pads to rub away any rust spots that appear over the growing season.

Beneath the mower, clean the underside of the carriage as well as the blades. Use a hose to power wash off any dried mud and grass clippings. Some additional scraping may be necessary, especially on the underside, but regular maintenance of this type after each mowing should keep this to a minimum. Be sure to use soap and water and a scrubbing brush to cleanse any oily, greasy spots on the mower.

Sharpening the mower blades is important too. Schedule an appointment at to have this done professionally. Give your mower blade a coating of WD-40 or other penetrating oil spray.

Once you are done, refill the oil tank. Use fresh oil.

For information on outdoor power equipment repair or for ethanol free fuel, contact Monnick Supply.