How to Clean Your Lawn Mower Properly

There is no way around it: lawn mowers get dirty. Grass clippings, mud, and plant residue build up quickly, especially in wet Welsh weather. And while it might not seem like a big deal, leaving that mess sitting on the blade and under the deck causes rust, blunts the cutting edge faster, and eventually affects how well the mower cuts.

A quick clean after every mow takes only a few minutes. Here at Cardiff Lawn and Garden, we see the difference it makes when people do it regularly. This guide will walk you through both the quick post-mow routine and the deeper clean your mower needs every now and then.

Why Regular Cleaning Actually Matters

Damp grass cuttings stuck to the underside of the deck create ideal conditions for rust. They also cling to the blade and gradually reduce its cutting performance. A blade coated in dried residue will never cut as cleanly as a clean one, no matter how sharp it is.

• Maintains a clean, even cut every time
• Prevents rust forming on the blade and deck
• Reduces wear on the motor and drive system
• Makes your annual service much cheaper because there is less to fix
• Means your mower is more likely to start first time in spring

Looking to upgrade? Browse our mower range at Cardiff Lawn and Garden. >> Shop Battery and Petrol Mowers

Always Disconnect Before You Start

Before you touch the blade or the underside of the mower, make sure it cannot start accidentally:

• Petrol mower: pull out the spark plug
• Electric mower: unplug from the mains
• Cordless mower: remove the battery

Wear sturdy gloves throughout,
particularly when you are near the cutting blade.

How to Clean Your Lawn Mower After Every Use

This is the quick version you should do every time you mow. You need:

• Sturdy gloves
• A wooden or silicone spatula for scraping
• A hand brush
• A damp cloth
• A specialist cleaner for stubborn residue if needed

The Quick Post-Mow Routine

1. Disconnect power as described above
2. Take off the grass collection box and brush it out
3. Wipe down the outside of the mower with a damp cloth
4. Tip the mower to its cleaning position as shown in your manual. On a petrol mower, always keep the spark plug facing upwards or oil can run into the carburettor and cause real damage
5. Scrape grass and residue off the underside of the deck with your spatula
6. Brush out any remaining debris from around the blade
7. Use a specialist cleaner like STIHL Multiclean if anything is stubbornly caked on
8. Leave it to dry before putting it away

Fresh cuttings come off much more easily than dried ones.
The sooner you clean after mowing, the quicker the whole job is.

How to Deep Clean Your Lawn Mower

Every 25 hours of use, your mower needs more than a quick wipe-down. This is also the right time to check things over and catch any issues early.

What to Cover in a Deep Clean

• Full clean of the deck underside and blade area
• Inspect the cutting blade for cracks, chips, or signs of wear. If you find a crack, do not sharpen it. Replace the blade
• Check whether the blade needs sharpening. A dull blade tears grass rather than cutting it cleanly
• Inspect and clean the air filter on petrol mowers
• Check the spark plug on petrol mowers
• Check battery contacts and charge health on cordless mowers
• Look at the wheels and drive system for anything unusual

If the blade needs sharpening or replacing,
bring it into Cardiff Lawn and Garden and our team will sort it out quickly.

Cleaning Tips for Different Mower Types

Petrol Lawn Mowers

Petrol mowers need a bit more attention because the combustion process produces more grime. The air filter picks up a lot of debris and needs regular cleaning. When you tip the mower over, always position it so the spark plug faces upwards. If oil runs into the carburettor it can cause serious engine problems.

Electric Lawn Mowers

With electric mowers, less water is better. If too much moisture gets into the motor housing it can damage it permanently. A brush and dry or barely-damp cloth will cover most of what you need to clean.

Cordless Lawn Mowers

Always take the battery out before you start cleaning. Keep the battery contacts dry and store the battery in a cool, dry spot away from freezing temperatures. Battery care is easy to overlook but it makes a real difference to how long the battery lasts.

We stock cordless mowers from STIHL and Honda. Come in and see what suits your garden. >> Browse Battery Mowers

Preparing Your Mower for Winter

At the end of the season, cleaning and putting the mower away properly means it will start reliably in spring and you will not be paying for repairs caused by sitting idle for months.

• Do a full deep clean before putting it away
• Drain or stabilise the fuel on petrol mowers
• Remove the battery from cordless mowers and store it indoors at room temperature
• Lubricate any moving parts
• Store in a dry, sheltered location

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often should I clean my lawn mower?

A: A quick clean after every use and a full deep clean every 25 hours or so. End-of-season cleaning before winter storage is also important.

Q: Can I use a pressure washer to clean my lawn mower?

A: It is best to avoid it. High pressure forces water into bearings and sealed components that are not designed to get wet. A garden hose on a low setting or hand cleaning is safer.

Q: Can you wash an electric lawn mower with water?

A: Keep water away from the motor. Dry cleaning with a brush is the safer option for electric and cordless mowers.

Q: How do I clean under my lawn mower?

A: Tip the mower into its cleaning position as described in your manual, disconnect all power first, then use a spatula and brush to clear the deck underside.

Q: Where can I get my lawn mower serviced in Cardiff?

A: Cardiff Lawn and Garden offers servicing and maintenance for STIHL and Honda mowers. Give us a call on 029 2056 9311 or come in and see us.