Storing your lawn mower properly during winter helps protect its engine, prevent rust, preserve the battery, and ensure it starts reliably when mowing season returns.
The exact procedure depends on your mower type and the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Mower Winter Storage Rules
1. Clean the Mower Before Storage
One of the most important winter storage rules is to remove grass clippings, dirt, leaves, and other debris before storing your mower.
Wet grass left beneath the deck can trap moisture and encourage corrosion. Accumulated debris can also block airflow, damage painted surfaces, and make maintenance more difficult when you bring the mower out of storage.
Follow these steps:
- Remove grass clippings from the mower deck, wheels, and discharge chute.
- Brush dirt and debris away from the engine housing and cooling vents.
- Clean the exterior with a suitable brush or damp cloth.
- Dry the mower thoroughly before putting it away.
- Inspect the underside of the deck for rust, damage, or built-up grass.
Always switch off the engine, remove the key, and disconnect the spark plug wire on a gasoline mower before cleaning around the blade. For battery-powered models, remove the battery before working around the cutting deck.
Never place your hands near the blade, even when the mower is switched off. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for tilting a mower or cleaning beneath its deck.
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2. Handle Gasoline Correctly
Fuel is one of the biggest concerns when storing a gasoline-powered mower over winter. Gasoline can deteriorate during extended storage, particularly when exposed to air and temperature changes. This may lead to starting difficulties, clogged carburetor passages, and poor engine performance.
There are two common approaches to winter fuel storage: draining the fuel system or storing the mower with properly treated fuel.
Option 1: Drain the fuel system
Some manufacturers recommend draining the fuel tank and running the engine until it stops, allowing the carburetor to use the remaining fuel. Other models have different procedures, so consult the owner’s manual before doing this.
Drain fuel only when the manufacturer permits it, using an approved fuel container and appropriate safety precautions. Never drain gasoline near flames, heaters, sparks, or other ignition sources.
Option 2: Use fresh fuel and a stabilizer
Some mower manufacturers recommend filling the tank with fresh gasoline treated with an appropriate fuel stabilizer. Follow the stabilizer label and the mower manufacturer’s instructions, including any directions about running the engine to circulate the treated fuel.
Do not assume that every mower should be stored with a full tank or an empty tank. The correct method depends on the fuel system and the manufacturer’s guidance.
Important: Never leave untreated gasoline sitting in a mower for several months unless the manufacturer specifically permits it.
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3. Change the Engine Oil if Required
Old engine oil may contain contaminants and combustion by-products that are best removed before an extended storage period. Changing the oil before winter storage also gives you a convenient opportunity to inspect the engine.
Check your owner’s manual for the recommended oil grade, service interval, and storage procedure.
When changing the oil:
- Run the engine briefly if the manual recommends warming the oil before draining.
- Switch off the engine and allow it to cool enough for safe handling.
- Drain the used oil into an appropriate container.
- Refill with the specified oil grade and quantity.
- Check the dipstick or oil-level indicator to confirm the correct level.
Dispose of used oil responsibly at an appropriate recycling or collection facility.
Some manufacturers recommend changing the oil before storage, while others base the interval on operating hours or seasonal maintenance schedules. Follow the instructions for your specific engine.
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4. Inspect and Maintain the Air Filter
A dirty air filter can restrict airflow and reduce engine performance. Before storing a gasoline mower, inspect the air filter and clean or replace it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Paper filters generally should not be washed unless the manufacturer explicitly allows it. Foam filters may require cleaning and re-oiling, depending on their design.
Check the air filter housing for dirt, grass, and signs of pest activity. Make sure the filter is correctly installed before storing the machine.
A clean air intake helps protect the engine from dust and debris when the mower returns to service.
5. Remove or Maintain the Battery
Battery maintenance is another essential winter storage rule, especially for riding mowers, zero-turn mowers, and electric lawn mowers.
Gas-powered riding mowers
If your mower has a conventional starting battery, follow the manual’s instructions for disconnecting and storing it. Keep the battery clean, dry, and in a location with temperatures suitable for its type.
Use an appropriate battery maintainer if recommended. Avoid allowing a lead-acid battery to remain discharged for an extended period, as this can shorten its service life.
Battery-powered lawn mowers
For cordless electric mowers, remove the battery and store it according to the manufacturer’s specified temperature and charge range.
Lithium-ion batteries generally should not be stored fully discharged. Many manufacturers recommend a partial charge for long-term storage, but the exact percentage varies by product.
Keep batteries away from direct sunlight, moisture, excessive heat, and freezing conditions when prohibited by the manufacturer. Never store a damaged or swollen battery.
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6. Inspect the Blade and Cutting Deck
Winter storage provides an excellent opportunity to inspect the blade and cutting deck before the next mowing season.
Look for bent blades, excessive wear, cracks, damaged fasteners, and rust. Replace a damaged blade rather than attempting to repair it unless the manufacturer specifically permits the repair.
If the blade needs sharpening, have it sharpened and balanced according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
Also inspect the deck for corrosion and damage. Touch up exposed metal with an appropriate protective coating if recommended, and lubricate designated pivot points and fittings as instructed in the manual.
Always disconnect the spark plug wire or remove the battery before servicing the blade. Wear protective gloves when handling cutting components.
7. Check Belts, Tires, and Moving Parts
Riding mowers and zero-turn mowers have additional components that benefit from a pre-storage inspection.
Check the following:
- Drive belts: Look for cracks, fraying, glazing, or unusual wear.
- Tires: Inflate them to the pressure specified by the manufacturer.
- Wheels and fittings: Inspect for looseness, damage, or excessive wear.
- Cables and controls: Check for sticking, corrosion, and damaged insulation.
- Lubrication points: Lubricate only the parts identified in the owner’s manual.
For riding mowers, engage the parking brake and follow the manufacturer’s storage instructions. If the mower will sit for several months, periodically inspect the tires and surrounding storage area for signs of damage or leaks.
Addressing worn components before storage can prevent unexpected problems when mowing season begins.
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8. Store the Mower in a Dry, Protected Location
The ideal winter storage location is clean, dry, well-ventilated, and protected from rain, snow, and excessive moisture.
A garage, suitable shed, or designated equipment-storage building can work well. Avoid leaving a mower exposed outdoors for extended periods, even if it is covered.
Follow these storage rules:
- Store the mower on a stable, level surface.
- Keep it away from heaters, furnaces, open flames, and ignition sources.
- Avoid locations where water can collect around the wheels or deck.
- Use a breathable mower cover if appropriate.
- Keep gasoline in approved containers in a location permitted by local fire and safety regulations.
- Protect the machine from rodents that may chew wiring, hoses, and other components.
Never run a gasoline mower inside a garage, shed, or other enclosed space. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, which can be fatal.
If you use a cover, allow the mower to cool completely first and avoid trapping moisture beneath it.
9. Follow Different Rules for Electric and Gas Mowers
Although many storage tasks are similar, electric and gasoline mowers have different requirements.
Electric mowers may require less routine engine maintenance, but their batteries still need appropriate storage conditions. Always follow the specific model’s instructions.
10. Prepare for Spring Before Putting the Mower Away
A final inspection helps you identify maintenance needs before the next mowing season.
Check the owner’s manual for upcoming service requirements, and make a note of any replacement parts you need. You can also record the mower’s operating hours, if applicable, and the date of the last oil change.
When spring arrives, inspect the mower for leaks, corrosion, pest damage, and loose parts. Reinstall any battery you removed, check fluid levels where applicable, and confirm that the blade and safety controls are in good condition.
For gasoline models, use fresh fuel and follow the manufacturer’s starting procedure. For battery-powered models, inspect the battery and charger before charging and operating the mower.
Do not operate a mower with damaged safety equipment, leaking fuel, exposed wiring, or a visibly damaged blade.
Final Thoughts
Following the correct mower winter storage rules helps protect your investment and makes spring maintenance easier. Clean the mower thoroughly, handle gasoline according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, service the engine oil when required, maintain the battery, and inspect the blade and other components.
Most importantly, store the mower in a dry, protected location away from ignition sources. Because fuel systems, batteries, and maintenance requirements differ between models, use your owner’s manual as the final authority for winter storage.
A little preparation before the mower sits unused can help prevent avoidable repairs and keep your lawn equipment ready for the next mowing season.
