Learning how to store lawn mower in garage properly is essential for its longevity. Storing your mower in the garage correctly involves a few key steps to prevent problems like corrosion, fuel issues, and difficult starts next season.
A neglected mower can quickly become a costly repair. This guide provides clear, step-by-step instructions to prepare and store your mower safely.
Follow these practices to ensure your machine is protected and ready to go when you need it.
How To Store Lawn Mower In Garage
Proper storage is more than just rolling the mower into a corner. It involves preparation, cleaning, and choosing the right spot. This process protects your investment and makes spring start-up much simpler.
Whether you have a push mower, a riding mower, or a zero-turn model, the core principles are similar. The main threats during storage are old fuel, moisture, and dirt.
Let’s break down the complete storage procedure into manageable tasks.
Pre-Storage Cleaning And Inspection
Never store a dirty mower. Grass clippings, mud, and debris hold moisture and can lead to rust on the deck and undercarriage. They can also hide problems you should adress before storage.
Start by removing the spark plug wire to prevent any accidental starts. This is a critical safety step you should never skip.
Then, follow these cleaning steps:
- Use a putty knife or brush to scrape off large clumps of dried grass from the mower deck.
- Tip the mower on its side (with the air filter and carburetor facing up) to clean the underside thoroughly. Check your manual first, as some models specify a side.
- Use a garden hose or a pressure washer on a low setting to rinse away remaining debris. Avoid directly spraying the engine, muffler, or electrical components.
- Allow the mower to dry completely in the sun or a well-ventilated area before moving it to storage.
While cleaning, inspect the mower blade for nicks and dullness. A damaged blade tears grass instead of cutting it, harming your lawn. This is also a good time to check tire pressure and look for any loose bolts or parts.
Fuel System Preparation
This is the most important step for easy starting next season. Old gasoline left in the tank and carburetor will break down, forming a sticky varnish and gum that clogs fuel lines and jets.
You have two reliable options for dealing with the fuel: stabilization or complete drainage.
Option 1: Using a Fuel Stabilizer
This is often the easiest method for most homeowners. A fuel stabilizer additive prevents the gasoline from degrading for up to 24 months.
- Add the correct amount of fuel stabilizer (like Sta-Bil) to a nearly full gas tank. A full tank leaves less room for moisture-contaning air.
- Run the engine for 5-10 minutes to circulate the treated fuel throughout the entire carburetor system.
- Turn off the engine and let the mower cool. The stabilized fuel is now safe to sit in the tank over winter.
Option 2: Draining the Fuel System
For long-term storage or if you prefer not to use additives, draining is a thorough alternative. Consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions.
- With the engine cool, siphon or pump the gasoline from the tank into an approved fuel container.
- Restart the engine and let it run until it stalls from fuel starvation. This burns the remaining fuel in the carburetor bowl.
- Once the engine is completely cool, you may also disconnect the fuel line and drain the carburetor bowl if your model allows it.
Never store a mower with untreated fuel in the system for more than a month.
Engine And Battery Care
Protecting the engine’s internal components is crucial. After you’ve treated the fuel, the next step is an oil change.
Old oil contains contaminants and acids that can corrode engine parts over the winter. It’s best to change the oil while the engine is warm from running the stabilizer through it.
- Drain the old oil into a pan and dispose of it properly at a recycling center.
- Refill with the grade of oil recommended by the manufacturer. Check the dipstick to ensure it’s at the correct level.
For riding mowers with a battery, you must remove it for storage. A dead battery can freeze and crack its case.
- Disconnect the negative (black) cable first, then the positive (red) cable.
- Remove the battery and clean the terminals with a baking soda and water solution if they are corroded.
- Store the battery in a cool, dry place, like on a wooden shelf in your garage. It’s a good idea to connect it to a battery maintainer or tender to keep it fully charged.
Choosing The Optimal Storage Location
Where you place the mower in your garage matters. The ideal spot is clean, dry, and out of the way of daily activity.
Avoid areas near doors where rain or snow melt might blow in. Also, keep it away from furnaces, water heaters, or other potential ignition sources due to fuel vapors.
If your garage floor is concrete, consider placing the mower on a wooden pallet or a rubber mat. This prevents moisture from the concrete from wicking up and promoting rust on the mower’s underside. It also protects your tires from developing flat spots over time.
For riding mowers, ensure the parking brake is engaged and the transmission is in park or neutral as specified. Chock the wheels for added safety if your garage floor has any slope.
Final Protective Measures
A few last steps will shield your mower from dust, pests, and accidental damage.
After the mower is completely cool and dry, consider lubricating any moving parts like the height adjustment levers and wheel bearings. A light spray of a silicone lubricant can help prevent stiffness.
Plug the exhaust outlet with a clean rag to prevent mice or insects from building nests inside the engine. Remember to remove it before starting the mower again.
Finally, cover your mower with a breathable, fitted cover or an old sheet. Avoid plastic tarps, as they trap moisture and can lead to condensation and rust. A cover keeps dust off and protects the finish.
Spring Start-Up Checklist
When the mowing season returns, don’t just pull the mower out and yank the starter cord. A proper wake-up ensures everything works smoothly.
- Remove the mower cover and the rag from the exhaust.
- If you removed the battery, reconnect it (positive cable first, then negative).
- Check the oil level and top up if necessary.
- Install a fresh spark plug if it’s been a year or more since the last replacement.
- If you used a stabilizer, your fuel should be fine. If you drained the tank, fill it with fresh gasoline.
- Check the air filter and clean or replace it if it’s dirty.
- Reconnect the spark plug wire, and your mower should be ready to start.
Common Storage Mistakes To Avoid
Knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing the correct steps. Here are frequent errors that shorten a mower’s life.
- Storing with a Dirty Deck: This invites rust and corrosion.
- Leaving Old Fuel: This is the number one cause of starting problems.
- Ignoring the Battery: Letting it sit on a concrete floor all winter will ruin it.
- Using a Plastic Tarp: This traps moisture and causes condensation.
- Storing Near Chemicals: Keep the mower away from fertilizers, pool chemicals, or paints which can emit corrosive fumes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should You Store A Lawn Mower With Gas Or Without?
You should only store a lawn mower with gas in the tank if you have treated it with a high-quality fuel stabilizer. An untreated tank will lead to gummed-up carburetor parts. The alternative is to completely drain the fuel system. Both methods are effective when done correctly.
How Do You Store A Lawn Mower For The Winter?
Winter storage involves a full preperation routine: clean the mower thoroughly, stabilize or drain the fuel, change the oil, remove the battery, and store it in a dry, protected location on your garage. Cover it with a breathable fabric to keep dust off.
Is It Okay To Store A Lawn Mower In An Unheated Garage?
Yes, an unheated garage is generally fine for mower storage, provided it is dry. The key is protecting the mower from moisture and temperature swings that cause condensation. Using a fuel stabilizer is especially important in cold climates to prevent fuel separation.
What Is The Best Way To Store A Riding Lawn Mower?
The best way to store a riding lawn mower follows the same steps as a push mower, with extra attention to the larger battery and fuel tank. Engage the parking brake, chock the wheels, and consider using jack stands to take weight off the tires if storing for many months to prevent flat spots.
How Long Can Gas Sit In A Lawn Mower?
Untreated gasoline begins to degrade in as little as 30 days. It can cause starting issues and engine damage if left for a season. Gasoline treated with a stabilizer can remain usable for up to 24 months, making it safe for seasonal storage.