How to Winterize a Lawnmower

By
Barbara Gillette
Barbara Gillette
Barbara Gillette
Barbara Gillette is a master gardener, herbalist, beekeeper, and journalist. She has 30 years of experience propagating and growing fruits, vegetables, herbs, and ornamentals.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Published on 07/28/22
Reviewed by
Andrew Hughes
andrew hughes
Reviewed by Andrew Hughes
Andrew Hughes is a certified arborist and member of the International Society of Arborists specializing in tree heal care. He founded and runs Urban Loggers, LLC, a company offering residential tree services in the Midwest and Connecticut.
Learn more about The Spruce's Review Board
How to Winterize a Lawnmower

Natalya Stepina/Getty Images

Project Overview
  • Working Time: 30 mins - 1 hr
  • Total Time: 30 mins - 1 hr
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Estimated Cost: $10-$20

As cooler temperatures arrive, it's time for year-end maintenance on your lawnmower. Whether you cut the grass with an electric, gasoline-powered, walk-behind or riding mower there are a few essential tasks that will keep the unit in top working condition during off-season storage.

When to Winterize Your Lawnmower

If you've kept up with seasonal maintenance like sharpening the blades, and changing the oil and air filter (for a gas mower), getting your mower ready for storage won't take much time. Winterizing is done in late fall but timing depends on where you live and the type of turf grass you grow. After your mower is winterized, store it in a garage or garden shed away from any potential fire hazard.

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Before Getting Started

If your lawnmower is gasoline powered, run as much gas out of the tank as you can. You can choose, instead, to drain the gas. This involves either siphoning or disconnecting the fuel line at the carburetor along with a few other steps. It can be easy or complicated depending on the design of your mower. Manufacturers instructions should give you steps to follow. The simplest method is to run out most of the fuel before storing it or add a stabilizer to any that remains in the tank. Whichever method you choose, have all materials and tools on hand and within easy reach.

Safety Precautions

It's a good idea to use appropriate safety equipment when working with volatile substances like gasoline. Eye and skin protection is recommended.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

Tools for Winterizing a Gas-Powered Lawnmower

  • Funnel
  • Tire pressure gage
  • Garden hose
  • Paint scraper
  • Air compressor or shop vac
  • Blade sharpening tool (optional)

Tools for Winterizing an Electric Lawnmower

  • Air compressor or shop vac
  • Garden hose
  • Paint scraper
  • Tire pressure gage
  • Blade sharpening tool (optional)
  • Battery tender

Materials

Materials for Winterizing a Gas-Powered Lawnmower

  • Stabilizer
  • Rags
  • Eye protection
  • Motor oil (optional)

Materials for Winterizing an Electric Lawnmower

  • Rags
  • Battery cleaner
  • Nitrile gloves

Instructions

How to Winterize a Gas-Powered Lawnmower

  1. Clean the Blades and the Undercarriage

    Disconnect the spark plug wire and turn your walk-behind mower on its side. Use a garden hose to rinse away any loose debris. Stuck on dirt and grass can be removed with a paint scraper.

    If you can elevate your riding mower, you can give the undercarriage a more thorough cleaning. If not, use an air compressor followed by a strong blast with a garden hose to remove debris. Always use a tool to clean around lawnmower blades-not your hands,

  2. Sharpen the Blades if Needed

    If you've recently sharpened your blades, you can skip this step. If not, it will pay off in the long run to take care of it now. Spring yard and garden chores pile up quickly and you'll have one less task next year.

  3. Clean or Replace the Air Filter

    If the air filter is fouled (it will have a dark, dirty color) replace it. If it is still light in color, use an air compressor or shop vac to clean off excess debris. Some newer models have a two-part filter system that includes a separate sponge designed to pick up debris and extend the life of the air filter. Check and clean the sponge if your unit has one. Replace it if needed.

  4. Change the Motor Oil if Needed

    If the the unit is due for an oil change, do that now. Engine oil thickens and collects debris over time so storing the unit with dirty oil can damage the engine on start up the following spring.

  5. Add Stabilizer

    If gas is left in the tank, add a stabilizer according to the label instructions. If you've run the gas out, don't worry about small amounts as these will likely evaporate. However, large amounts left in the tank will pick up moisture during storage, causing engine problems at spring start up.

  6. Check Tire Pressures

    As temperatures drop, so can air pressure in the tires. Make sure they go into storage with the correct amount of pressure and avoid a possible flat.

How to Winterize an Electric Lawnmower

Using a electric lawnmower eliminates most of the winterizing tasks needed for a gas-powered lawnmower. There is no oil to check or change, no air filter and no gas to drain or stabilize. You do, however, need to clean the unit and remove and protect the battery.

  1. Remove the Battery and Store It

    Disconnect the battery starting with the negative charge. It will be marked with a minus (-) symbol.

    Store the battery in a cool, dry location on a plastic or wooden shelf. Do not store it on metal shelving. This can reduce the life of the battery.

    You can attach the battery to a device called a battery tender, a tool designed to bring the battery to full charge and maintain it during storage.

  2. Clean the Battery Terminals

    Put on nitrile gloves and use a rag and battery cleaner to remove build-up and debris from the battery terminals. Accumulated debris on the terminals can lead to rust and connectivity problems.

  3. Clean the Undercarriage and Blades

    Turn your walk-behind mower on it side and use a garden hose to rinse away any loose debris. Stuck on dirt and grass can be removed with a paint scraper.

    If you can elevate your riding mower, you can give the undercarriage a more thorough cleaning. If not, use an air compressor followed by a strong blast with a garden hose to remove debris. Always use a tool to clean around lawnmower blades. Do not use your hands,

  4. Sharpen the Blades if Needed

    If you've recently sharpened your blades, you can skip this step. If not, it will pay off in the long run to take care of that task now. Spring yard and garden chores can pile up quickly so do it now while you have time.

  5. Check Tire Pressures

    As temperatures drop, so can the air pressure in the tires. Make sure the tires go into storage with the correct amount or pressure and avoid a possible flat.

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