One morning in June, I was in the yard pulling the starter cord on our mower for the fourth time, but it wouldn’t start. Not even a cough. Just the sound of the lawnmower, the heat and the growing sense that I couldn’t stop the grass from growing.
Sound familiar? Regardless of how often you mow, a lawn mower outside gets dirty and needs more attention than we often give it.
That’s when I decided to care for our mower properly. The summer brought less stress, more nicely cut grass and a cleaning schedule I was able to keep up with. If you want your mower to keep running smoothly all season long, here’s what helped me the most.
Why Regular Lawn Mower Maintenance Actually Matters
To be truthful, most of us expect our mower to run without any problems. I used to think the same. I’d get it out, mutter some bad words and then possibly ask a neighbor or watch a video online for help.
I didn’t expect this: before anything breaks, neglect appears in small ways. A clogged deck means uneven cuts. Dull blades tear grass instead of slicing. Dust in the air filter chokes performance. It’s more than just working properly — it also shapes the appearance of your yard.
And I’m not just talking about expensive mowers. Even if it’s not the best, a mid-range razor can last for a while if you spend five minutes caring for it. That’s what changed it for me. I stopped wondering why the thing was so unreliable and began to think about how I could prevent it.
The 3 Post-Mow Habits That Changed Everything
I began by changing my attitude: instead of seeing the mower as a task I don’t want to do, I decided to treat it as a regular part of my garden work.
I follow these three steps after every time I mow. They’re simple. They’re fast. And honestly? Kind of satisfying.
1. Clear the Deck Before It Cakes
Grass buildup is sneaky. If you leave it, it forms a green coating that’s tough to remove and can trap water that leads to rust. I remove the clumps with a plastic putty knife as soon as they form. Quick wipe with a damp cloth, and I’m done.
2. Check the Oil and Gas — Every Time
It may seem unnecessary, but your engine uses more fuel when it’s hot outside. I give it a glance. I add more oil if it’s not at the right level. If the fuel is old, I smell it — if it smells bad, that’s usually why the mower won’t turn over.
3. Let It Cool in the Shade
Sounds basic, but heat is real. I would roll the mower into a corner of the garage as soon as it was hot. After that, I put it in a shady area, with the lid ajar, to let it cool before rolling it in. It’s similar to waiting for a kettle to stop steaming before you put it back on the shelf.
Total time: 10 minutes.
Stress saved: hours.
How to Actually Clean Your Lawn Mower (Without Breaking It)
This is where I made all my early mistakes. The first summer, I hosed it down like patio furniture — and regretted it deeply. Moisture got into the wiring, and it wouldn’t start for two weeks.
What I do now:
- Unplug the spark plug before anything else — it’s a safety must.
- Use a stiff brush or handheld broom to sweep off grass, twigs, and dust from the engine and deck.
- Wipe with a damp cloth, not soaked — especially around air vents and the handle area.
- Dry thoroughly, especially the blade housing. I keep a microfiber towel in the garage just for this.
- Never store it wet. Not even “a little damp.”
It felt tedious the first few times. Now it’s a rhythm. Like brushing your teeth before bed — simple, automatic, necessary.
The Lawn Mower I Wish I Had Bought First
When we bought our first mower, I focused on power and price. I didn’t even think about ease of maintenance — and that showed.
Let me save you a few headaches. Here’s what I’ve learned about mower types and how they compare when it comes to upkeep:
| Type of Mower | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Electric | Lightweight, no gas/oil mess | Limited by cord or battery life |
| Gas-powered | Strong, handles bigger lawns | Needs regular oil/fuel checks |
| Battery-powered | Quiet, cordless, less upkeep | Battery replacement can be pricey |
If I were starting again, I’d go battery-powered. It’s just… calmer. Easier to clean. And I don’t smell like gasoline when I’m done.
Where You Store It Makes a Bigger Difference Than You Think
Here’s something I overlooked for years. I used to roll the mower under the deck — shady, sure, but still damp. The result? Rusty bolts, soft handles, and mystery mold. Gross.
What works better:
- A dry, ventilated space — not just out of sun, but out of moisture.
- If storing in the garage, place it on a wood pallet or thick mat — not directly on concrete.
- Leave the fuel tank half-full, and keep the lid loose so air can circulate (just don’t tip it).
- Don’t cover it too tightly — airflow matters. Think “tent,” not “suffocating tarp.”
It’s like skincare for your mower. You don’t need much. Just consistency.
What to Watch For Mid-Season
There’s this moment in July — maybe early August — where summer is at its hottest, and things start to slow down. That’s also when your mower might start complaining.
Here are the red flags I now recognize faster:
- Sputtering or stalling mid-mow? Could be clogged air filter or old gas.
- Uneven cuts or torn grass? Time to sharpen the blade.
- Handle feels loose or squeaky? Check screws and lubricate joints.
And if the pull cord starts resisting? That’s your mower saying, “Help me, please.” Trust me — listen the first time.
Bonus: End-of-Summer Mini-Ritual
When September rolls around, I do a little end-of-season reset. I treat the mower like a friend who’s about to hibernate.
Here’s what I do before storing it away:
- Empty or stabilize the fuel
- Change the oil (or check if it needs it)
- Clean the whole body — dry, then wax the metal deck (yes, wax!)
- Store with blade facing up and wheels on a raised platform
It’s much like going to bed for a long sleep and when spring arrives, it feels refreshed.
Final Thoughts
I never imagined I’d say it, but working on our lawn mower has become a little bit therapeutic. It’s not about being perfect or “doing everything right.” It’s all about simple habits that help you enjoy the rest of summer more.
When you cut the grass just right and the mower starts right away, it’s almost like magic.
So here’s my question:
Is there something you own that became better once you started taking better care of it?
👉 If you’re thinking about sprucing up your yard game this year, remember to pin this post.
👉 These steps will help you avoid summer frustrations.
👉 Share your secret — what’s your best way to maintain your lawn mower?
