- If you have a petrol lawnmower, we recommend completely draining the machine of fuel. Petrol starts to go stale after 30 days from purchase. If left in your mower over winter, it could damage the carburettor and engine, causing your mower not to start when you get it out again next year. Read our draining fuel guide on how best to remove this.
- Unlike petrol, we advise topping up the oil in your mower, or changing it and adding fresh before storing your mower away. Make sure to use the correct type of oil for your mower.
- Remove any batteries from your lawnmower and store indoors in a cool, dry place. This includes batteries for quick electric start engines. Remember to charge them regularly to keep them healthy.
- Give it a good clean! Remove any dirt or debris from your mower, paying close attention to the underside of your mower and blade. If left, it may be harder to remove this in the new year making your mower less efficient and resulting in an inferior cut. Many modern models have a washing deck link so you can simply attach your garden hose and clean the underside. Avoid using pressure washers on your mower as the high pressure can damage it. Make sure your mower is completely dry once cleaned to avoid rusting.
- If your mower is a petrol model, make sure to store it flat on ground level and not upright or hanging on a wall to avoid oil spilling and flooding the engine.
- Never hang a lawnmower from its handlebars, as generally mower handles are not designed to carry the weight of the mower and will bend or break. Most modern models have folding handlebars to help with storage space, and some lawnmowers are also designed to be folded down and stored upright or on a wall. Check your manual or with your manufacturer on how to best store your model.
- Lastly, make sure the shed or garage you are storing your mower in is dry and leak free. We recommend also covering your lawnmower to help protect it. Lawn mower covers for both walk-behind lawnmowers and garden tractors are available from most lawnmower manufacturers and dealers. You could also use an old blanket or bedsheet if it is clean and dry.
- Do not forget to book your mower in for servicing before Spring arrives.
