Properly storing a lawn mower in the garage is important for protecting it from the elements and keeping the garage organized. Here are some tips for storing a lawn mower in the garage:
Should I store my lawn mower in the garage?
Yes, storing your lawn mower in the garage is recommended. The garage protects the lawn mower from rain, snow, sun exposure, and other outdoor conditions that can damage it over time. Storing the lawn mower indoors extends its life.
Where in the garage should I store the lawn mower?
Find a dry, level spot in the garage away from the auto garage door. Avoid storing the lawn mower right by the door where rain or snow may blow in. The back or side wall of the garage tends to be the best storage location.
Should I use a lawn mower storage cover?
Using a heavy-duty storage cover is highly recommended to keep dust, dirt, moisture, and pests away from your lawn mower while it’s stored. Make sure to get a cover specifically designed to fit your mower’s make and model.
What steps should I take before storing the lawn mower?
Take these steps before storage:
- Clean the mower deck and engine of dirt, grass clippings, etc.
- Check the mower oil and air filter – change them if needed.
- Sharpen or replace dull mower blades.
- Apply a fresh coat of rust proofing paint to any scratches or rust spots.
- Fill the fuel tank with fresh gasoline to prevent condensation build up.
- Disconnect the spark plug wire.
How should I position the lawn mower for storage?
Here are some tips for positioning the mower:
- Clear the area of any clutter or debris before moving in the mower.
- Place on a mat, board, or piece of cardboard to protect the garage floor from stains.
- Sit mower deck flat on the ground – do not stand mower on its rear or front.
- Adjust the mower height setting to the lowest position so it sits closer to the ground.
- Place blocks under the front and back of the mower deck to increase stability.
- Avoid placing heavy objects on top of the mower deck.
What maintenance steps should I take while in storage?
It’s important to periodically maintain the lawn mower during storage. Follow these guidelines:
- Check under the mower cover monthly and keep it clean and tight fitting.
- Keep the fuel tank full with fresh stabilized gasoline to prevent condensation.
- Inflate the tires to the recommended PSI every couple months.
- Remove any corroded battery cables and clean battery terminals if needed.
- Turn over the engine once a month to circulate oil in the crankcase.
How should I prepare the lawn mower after storage?
Properly prepare your mower at the end of winter before mowing season. Here are some tips:
- Uncover the mower and clean it thoroughly.
- Check all fluids (oil, gas, hydraulic) and top them off.
- Inspect belts and replace if cracked or worn.
- Sharpen blades and balance them.
- Lubricate any moving joints or bushings.
- Adjust tire pressure and check mower wheels.
- Reattach any parts removed for storage.
- Test run the mower before first use.
Conclusion
Storing a lawn mower properly in the garage protects it from damage and keeps it performing its best. Position the mower in a suitable spot, prep it for storage, use a cover, and periodically maintenance it while stored. Take time to correctly prepare the mower after winter storage as well. Following these guidelines allows your mower to last many years.
| Storage Step | When to Perform |
|---|---|
| Clean mower deck | Before storage |
| Check/change oil and filter | Before storage |
| Sharpen/replace mower blades | Before storage |
| Apply rust proofing paint | Before storage |
| Fill fuel tank | Before storage |
| Disconnect spark plug | Before storage |
| Place on mat or cardboard | During storage |
| Adjust mower to lowest setting | During storage |
| Block front and back of mower deck | During storage |
| Check under mower cover | Monthly during storage |
| Keep fuel tank full | Monthly during storage |
| Inflate tires | Every couple months during storage |
| Maintain battery | As needed during storage |
| Turn over engine | Monthly during storage |
| Uncover and clean mower | End of storage |
| Check/top off fluids | End of storage |
| Inspect/replace belts | End of storage |
| Sharpen and balance blades | End of storage |
| Lubricate moving parts | End of storage |
| Check wheels and tire pressure | End of storage |
| Reattach removed parts | End of storage |
| Test run mower | End of storage |
This table summarizes the key steps to take when storing your lawn mower over the winter and prepping it again in spring.
Tips for storing a gas lawn mower vs an electric mower
There are some additional considerations when storing a gas vs electric powered mower:
Gas mower storage tips
- Use fuel stabilizer in the tank to prevent gas from going bad
- Avoid storing gas over winter, run engine dry or drain tank
- Disconnect the spark plug before storing
- Change oil and filter before storing since old oil has contaminants
Electric mower storage tips
- Fully charge battery before storing for winter
- Store battery pack according to manufacturer instructions
- Disconnect battery from mower before storing
- Store battery pack in cool, dry place away from extreme temps
Be sure to follow the specific storage best practices for your gas or electric mower model.
Common problems when improperly storing a lawn mower
Improperly storing a lawn mower often leads to problems either during storage or when trying to start it up again. Here are some common issues:
- Corrosion – From moisture or dirt buildup on mower deck or engine parts over time.
- Stale gasoline – Gas that sits too long over winter can go bad and clog fuel lines, carburetor.
- Dead battery – Batteries drain over time and often need recharging after winter.
- Rodents/pests – Mice or insects nesting on mower, chewing wires, making nests.
- Tire dry rot – Tires deflate and crack without proper inflation.
- Rust accumulation – Damp storage conditions lead to rust on steel mower parts.
Avoid these common problems by following the proper prep, storage, and maintenance steps outlined in this article.
Warning signs your stored lawn mower needs service
Watch for these signs that your stored lawn mower may need attention or repairs before using again:
- Won’t start or turn over
- Dead battery
- Visible corrosion on parts
- Gas or oil leaks
- Damaged or deflated tires
- Excessive dirt or debris buildup
- Unusual noises when trying to start
- Visible evidence of nests or chewed wires from pests
Address any issues to ensure your mower runs safely and efficiently when mowing season arrives.
Safety tips when storing the lawn mower
Always keep safety in mind when storing your lawn mower:
- Let the engine fully cool before storage to prevent fire hazard.
- Clean up any leaked gasoline or oil.
- Ensure mower won’t roll or slip from storage position.
- Protect hands with gloves when handling dirty or rusty mower parts.
- Keep children and pets away from mower during prep and storage.
- Use caution when inflation tires – stay away from the trajectory if it bursts.
- Make sure engine is turned off before conducting maintenance.
Alternative lawn mower storage options
If you don’t have room in your garage, consider these other storage options:
- Garden shed – Protect from moisture and pests.
- Under a tarp – Away from sun and precipitation.
- Covered front porch – Against house wall protected from rain.
- Enclosed back patio – Avoid if excessive moisture or chance of theft.
- Rent storage unit – Climate controlled units keep mower protected.
The garage is ideal but these alternatives also work if space is tight.
Tips for saving garage space when storing lawn mower
Try these space saving tips in your garage:
- Store mower upright using a pulley system from ceiling or rack.
- Use dollies to stack mower on shelf or platform.
- Hang tools, accessories on wall instead of taking up floor space.
- Utilize dual purpose items like wheeled trash cans to hold gas, chemicals.
- Use a space partition to separate areas of garage.
- Add overhead storage racks for rarely used items.
- Keep only essentials inside garage, store other items elsewhere.
Lawn mower storage checklist
Use this checklist to keep your lawn mower properly stored:
| Storage Task | Completed |
|---|---|
| Clear debris and clutter from storage area | ☐ |
| Wash and clean mower deck | ☐ |
| Change oil and replace filter | ☐ |
| Check and top off fluid levels | ☐ |
| Sharpen or replace mower blades | ☐ |
| Apply touch up paint to scratches/rust | ☐ |
| Fill fuel tank with fresh stabilized gas | ☐ |
| Disconnect spark plug wire | ☐ |
| Place on mat or cardboard | ☐ |
| Adjust mower to lowest setting | ☐ |
| Block front and back of mower deck | ☐ |
| Cover mower with storage cover | ☐ |
Post this checklist in your garage for easy reference when storing your lawn mower for winter.
FAQs about storing a lawn mower
How do I keep mice out of my stored lawn mower?
Use mothballs or cotton balls soaked in peppermint oil around mower to deter mice. Seal any openings with steel wool or caulk. Set mousetraps nearby and check under cover regularly.
Where is the best temperature to store lawn mower?
Ideally store lawn mower around 50°F to help prevent fuel gelling and tire dry rot. Avoid temperature extremes.
Should I drain the gas or add stabilizer before storing?
Adding fuel stabilizer to a full tank prevents moisture condensation and stale gas issues. Alternatively, you can drain the tank if storing for over 6 months.
Can I just cover my mower with a tarp outside instead?
It’s best to store in garage or shed. A tarp outside leaves mower vulnerable to weather, pests, and theft. Use only if no other indoor options.
How do I keep my mower from rusting in storage?
Wash and dry mower before storage, repair paint chips, coat with rust inhibitor spray, use moisture absorbing products, and keep covered.
Storing your lawn mower properly over winter or during long periods of inactivity ensures it stays in top shape and ready to operate when you need it. Following the recommendations in this article will help keep your mower running for many seasons of mowing ahead.
