Learn these top tips to keep your lawnmower running smoothly – learn how to clean, store, maintain, and service your mower to get the best performance all season long.
Looking after your lawnmower doesn’t have to be difficult, but it does make a big difference. With a few simple habits, you can keep your machine running smoothly, avoid breakdowns, and get a better-looking lawn every time you mow.
Clean Your Lawnmower After Every Use
Each time you mow, grass clippings and dirt stick to the underside of the mower and around the blades. If left too long, this build-up can block airflow, cause rust, and even stop parts from moving properly.
To stop this from happening, give your mower a quick clean after every use. Use a stiff brush or plastic scraper to remove stuck-on grass under the deck. Wipe down the outside with a cloth and make sure the air vents are clear too.
Cleaning doesn’t take long, but it really helps. It stops corrosion, improves performance, and keeps your mower looking newer for longer. Just always make sure the engine is off and cool before you start cleaning.
Check and Change the Oil Regularly
Oil helps your lawnmower’s engine stay cool and run smoothly. If the oil is old, dirty, or too low, the engine can overheat and wear out much faster.
You should check the oil level every few uses by removing the dipstick. If the oil looks dark or dirty, it’s time to change it. Most mowers need new oil after 20–50 hours of use or at least once a year.
Use the type of oil recommended in your mower’s manual. A clean oil change is one of the best things you can do to keep your mower running well and lasting longer.
Sharpen the Blades Often
Sharp blades make a big difference to your lawn. They cut the grass cleanly, helping it grow back healthier and greener. Dull blades, on the other hand, rip and tear the grass, leaving it ragged and more likely to turn yellow or get diseases.
If you notice your mower is leaving behind frayed grass or uneven patches, it’s time to sharpen the blades. Most people sharpen their blades once or twice a season, but if you mow often or hit sticks and stones, you may need to do it more regularly.
You can sharpen blades at home with the right tools or have them done professionally. Either way, it’s a simple step that makes a huge improvement to both your mower and your lawn.
Store It in a Dry, Covered Space
Where you keep your lawnmower when it’s not in use really matters. Leaving it outside in the rain or in damp conditions can lead to rust, mould, and damage to the engine or electrics.
The best place to store a mower is in a dry shed or garage. If that’s not possible, cover it well with a waterproof tarp or sheet and keep it raised off the ground if you can.
If you’re storing your mower for winter, clean it thoroughly, empty the fuel tank, and disconnect the spark plug. This stops fuel from going stale and avoids problems when you try to start it in spring.
Follow the Manufacturer’s Service Guide
Every mower is different, so it’s always smart to follow the instructions that came with yours. The service guide tells you how often to change the oil, check the air filter, sharpen the blades, and more.
It also lists the correct types of oil, spark plugs, and fuel for your model. Following these details means your mower runs better and stays under warranty too, especially if something goes wrong.
If you’ve lost your guide, many manufacturers have digital versions online. Just search for your brand and model number. A few minutes reading the manual can save you a lot of hassle down the road.
Keep your garden tools running smoothly with expert servicing and repairs from our specialist team in Northampton.
Need reliable lawn mower repairs or garden machinery maintenance in Northamptonshire? We provide full servicing for all makes and models, including ride-on mowers, hedge trimmers, strimmers and more.