Keeping your lawn mower and outdoor equipment clean is about more than just appearances. A thorough cleaning prevents the buildup of grass, mud, and corrosive grime that can lead to premature wear, rust, and poor performance. Regular maintenance with the right cleaning products ensures your mower deck stays clear for an even cut, your engine runs cooler, and your equipment lasts for many seasons to come.
With so many specialized cleaners, degreasers, and treatments on the market, selecting the best one for the job can be a challenge. This guide simplifies your search by highlighting ten highly effective products designed to tackle everything from caked-on grass clippings and greasy engine blocks to sticky carburetors and dull paint finishes.
The Best Cleaners for Your Lawn Mower and Equipment
- WD-40 Specialist Cleaner & Degreaser
- Simple Green All Purpose Cleaner Concentrate
- Gunk ‘Original Engine Brite’ Engine Degreaser
- Purple Power Industrial Strength Cleaner and Degreaser
- CRC Heavy Duty Pro-Strength Degreaser
- Lucas Oil Slick Mist Speed Wax
- Berryman B-12 Chemtool Carburetor Cleaner
- Sea Foam Motor Treatment Fuel & Oil Additive
- 3M General Purpose Adhesive Cleaner
- Chemical Guys Signature Series Orange Degreaser
WD-40 Specialist Cleaner & Degreaser
For a powerful, all-around cleaner that is safe on a variety of surfaces, the WD-40 Specialist Cleaner & Degreaser is a top choice. Its bio-solvent formula is engineered to cut through tough grease and grime without causing damage. A significant benefit is its non-corrosive nature, which means it will not harm sensitive metals like aluminum and copper, and it prevents flash rust, making it ideal for the entire mower, including the deck and engine components.
The one-gallon size is perfect for users who frequently clean their equipment, and the bottle features a convenient refill port for no-mess transfers. With a low-odor, non-flammable, and non-abrasive formula, it provides a user-friendly cleaning experience. You can confidently use it on painted surfaces, metal parts, and even around mechanical linkages without worry.
Simple Green All Purpose Cleaner Concentrate
Simple Green is a household name for a reason, and its concentrated formula makes it an economical and versatile option for lawn equipment maintenance. Recognized by the U.S. EPA’s Safer Choice Program, this cleaner offers peace of mind with its more environmentally responsible formulation. It effectively removes dirt, grease, and grass stains from mower decks, tractor bodies, and other equipment surfaces.
Because it is a concentrate, you can mix it to different strengths for various tasks—a heavy-duty mix for greasy engine parts or a lighter solution for wiping down the painted surfaces of your riding mower. This versatility means one bottle can handle nearly every cleaning challenge you encounter in your shed or garage.
Gunk ‘Original Engine Brite’ Engine Degreaser
When you need to tackle heavy, caked-on grease and oil on your lawn mower’s engine, Gunk Engine Brite is a time-tested solution. This degreaser is specifically formulated to cling to vertical and complex engine surfaces, allowing its powerful chemicals to penetrate and loosen stubborn buildup. This clinging action means less scrubbing is required, saving you time and effort.
It is designed to work quickly, breaking down grime so it can be easily rinsed away with water. For routine engine maintenance or preparing a machine for repair, Gunk provides consistent, reliable results that help keep your engine running cooler and looking well-maintained.
Purple Power Industrial Strength Cleaner and Degreaser
Purple Power lives up to its name with an industrial-strength, concentrated formula that attacks grease, oil, and dirt on contact. This cleaner is designed to create a barrier between the stain and the surface, which helps lift grime away quickly and efficiently. It is particularly effective for cleaning heavily soiled mower decks and removing built-up residue from undercarriages.
For the toughest jobs, from cleaning years of grass buildup to degreasing a neglected engine, Purple Power offers a potent solution. Its ability to wipe away stubborn stains in just seconds makes it a favorite for those who need serious cleaning power without a lot of waiting time.
CRC Heavy Duty Pro-Strength Degreaser
CRC’s Pro-Strength Degreaser combines aggressive cleaning action with user-friendly features. Its foaming, water-based formula is tough on grease but gentle enough for use on various surfaces, including painted mower bodies, chrome, and stainless steel. The foam clings to surfaces, providing extended contact time to break down heavy deposits.
A notable advantage of this degreaser is its no-odor formula, which avoids the harsh chemical smell common with many powerful cleaners. This makes it much more pleasant to use in enclosed spaces like a garage. It’s an excellent choice for detailed cleaning of engine parts, equipment exteriors, and general maintenance.
Lucas Oil Slick Mist Speed Wax
After cleaning your equipment, protect and beautify it with Lucas Oil Slick Mist Speed Wax. This product is more than a traditional wax; it’s a polymer paint gloss intensifier designed to add a deep, protective shine. It can be used not only on your mower’s painted surfaces but also on glass, chrome accents, and vinyl decals.
Applying this speed wax is a quick process that leaves a slick, high-gloss finish. This layer helps protect the paint from UV rays and makes it harder for grass clippings and dirt to stick during your next mow, making future cleanups faster and easier.
Berryman B-12 Chemtool Carburetor Cleaner
For internal engine cleaning, Berryman B-12 Chemtool is a powerful fuel system treatment. It is specifically designed to dissolve gum, varnish, and other fuel residues that can clog carburetors and fuel injectors. This is a common issue in lawn mowers that sit for long periods with fuel in the system.
Using this treatment helps ensure your engine starts easily and runs smoothly by cleaning the entire fuel system, from the tank to the pistons. Regular use can lead to higher compression, fewer repairs, and increased spark plug life, which is vital for maintaining peak equipment performance.
Sea Foam Motor Treatment Fuel & Oil Additive
Sea Foam is a renowned multi-purpose motor treatment that works in both fuel and oil systems to clean and lubricate. When added to your fuel tank, it cleans carburetor passageways, fuel injectors, and intake valves. When added to the crankcase oil, it helps liquefy and suspend harmful residues and deposits until your next oil change.
This dual-action approach makes it an excellent product for overall engine maintenance and storage preparation. It helps stabilize fuel, control moisture, and ensure your lawn mower’s engine remains clean internally, which promotes smoother operation and a longer engine life.
3M General Purpose Adhesive Cleaner
Sometimes, the mess on your equipment isn’t grease or grass, but sticky adhesive from old labels, duct tape, or decals. The 3M General Purpose Adhesive Cleaner is specifically formulated to tackle this problem. It effectively dissolves sticky residues without damaging the underlying surface.
This cleaner is gentle enough for use on painted surfaces, vinyl seats, and fabric when used as directed. It’s the perfect tool for removing gunk from price stickers on new tools or cleaning off adhesive left behind from protective films, leaving a clean, residue-free finish.
Chemical Guys Signature Series Orange Degreaser
Chemical Guys is known for high-quality detailing products, and their Signature Series Orange Degreaser is no exception. This cleaner uses a powerful citrus-based formula to cut through grease, oil, and dirt. The pleasant orange scent makes the cleaning process more enjoyable compared to harsh chemical smells.
It is a versatile degreaser that can be used on engine bays, mower decks, and tools. It is designed to be tough on grime but safe on most surfaces when diluted properly. For the enthusiast who wants professional-grade results and a more pleasant user experience, this degreaser is a superb option.
Buying Guide: How to Pick the Right Cleaner for Your Lawn Mowers and Equipment
Keeping my lawn mower and other garden tools clean isn’t just about making them look good. It’s about maintenance and making them last longer. Grass clippings, mud, and sap can gum up the works, leading to rust and poor performance. Over the years, I’ve learned that not every cleaner is right for every job, so here’s what I look for when I need to pick one out.
First, I think about the surface I’m cleaning. For the mower deck, where grass and grime get packed in and baked on, I need a heavy-duty degreaser. These are usually alkaline-based and can cut through that caked-on layer. For the engine and other mechanical parts, a dedicated engine degreaser in an aerosol can is my go-to because it’s formulated to be safe on metals and plastics commonly found there. If I’m cleaning the body or just doing a light wipe-down after use, an all-purpose cleaner often does the trick without being too harsh.
The formula is a big deal for me. I prefer biodegradable and environmentally friendly options when I can get them, especially since I’m often cleaning in my yard where runoff is a concern. I also check if it’s safe on the materials my equipment is made from. A cleaner that works great on metal might damage plastic or rubber parts. I always look for a product that specifies it’s safe for use on lawns, so I don’t have to worry about killing my grass after a cleaning session.
Application method is another practical point. Ready-to-use sprays are super convenient for small jobs and spot cleaning. For a big, grimy end-of-season clean, a concentrate that I can mix myself is more economical. I keep a dedicated spray bottle for these concentrates. Foaming cleaners are fantastic because they cling to vertical surfaces like the inside of the mower deck, giving the chemicals more time to work on breaking down the gunk.
Finally, I consider the price and the brand’s reputation. I don’t always go for the cheapest option because a more expensive, concentrated formula might last me much longer. I read reviews from other people who use their equipment as much as I do. Finding the right balance between effectiveness, safety, and cost is the key to choosing from the many available cleaners for lawn mowers and equipment. The right choice makes this essential chore a lot simpler and protects my investment in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean my lawn mower?
I make it a habit to give my mower a quick wipe-down after every use to prevent grass and moisture from building up. For a more thorough cleaning, including the underside of the deck, I do a deep clean every 10-15 hours of use or at the end of the mowing season. This prevents corrosion and keeps it running smoothly for years.
Can I just use soap and water to clean my mower?
For a basic rinse, sure, plain water can wash away loose dirt. But for the sticky, caked-on grass and grease, soap and water often aren’t enough. You need a dedicated degreaser to break down the organic matter and oils. Using the wrong cleaners for lawn mowers and equipment or just soap can mean a lot more scrubbing for a less effective result.
Is it safe to use a pressure washer on my lawn mower?
You have to be very careful with a pressure washer. The high-pressure water can force its way into seals, bearings, and electrical connections, causing damage that is expensive to repair. I always use the lowest pressure setting and avoid spraying directly at the engine, carburetor, air filter, or any electrical components. A garden hose with a spray nozzle is usually a much safer bet.
What’s the best way to clean dried-on grass from the mower deck?
This is a common problem. First, I make sure the mower is completely off and the spark plug is disconnected for safety. Then, I spray a dedicated mower deck cleaner or a strong degreaser onto the dried grass, let it sit for 10-15 minutes to penetrate, and then use a putty knife or a stiff brush to scrape and scrub it off. The chemical does most of the work, so I don’t have to scrub too hard.
Why is it important to clean my lawn equipment at all?
Regular cleaning is a core part of maintenance. A clean mower cuts more evenly because grass clippings don’t clump under the deck. It also runs cooler and more efficiently. Most importantly, it prevents rust and corrosion, which dramatically shortens the life of your equipment. Spending a few minutes cleaning saves me a lot of money and hassle on repairs down the line.