Putting Your Lawnmower Away for Winter: Cleaning, Storage and Servicing

A lawnmower can work hard for months and then be pushed into the shed as soon as the grass slows down. Before it stays there for winter, it is worth giving it some attention.

Grass left around the deck, an unresolved starting problem or a battery stored in unsuitable conditions can all mean extra work when mowing begins again. Cleaning the machine also gives you a chance to spot wear that was easy to overlook during the season.

For Irish gardens, the timing depends on the weather. A mild autumn can keep the grass growing well beyond the point when you expected to finish. The aim is to prepare the mower for a longer break once regular cutting has stopped, while keeping it ready for any occasional cut that conditions allow.

This guide covers the main jobs for petrol and cordless walk-behind mowers. Use your mower and engine manuals for the exact maintenance procedure, fuel treatment, battery instructions and approved storage position.

Let the lawn decide when regular mowing stops

There is no single date for putting a lawnmower away in Ireland. If the weather stays mild and the grass is growing, an occasional cut may still be useful.

Wait for suitable conditions. Mowing soft, waterlogged or frosty ground can damage the lawn, while wet clippings make the job harder and leave more material around the mower. Use a higher setting for an occasional winter cut and avoid taking off too much at once.

If the mower does come out again after being prepared for storage, clean it afterwards and review its fuel or battery arrangements before putting it away. Our autumn gardening guide covers the wider lawn and garden jobs.

Make the mower safe before cleaning

Stop the machine, wait for all moving parts to come to a complete halt and let it cool. Disconnect the spark plug lead on a petrol mower. For a cordless model, remove the battery and safety key where fitted. Unplug a mains electric mower.

Wear suitable gloves and keep your hands clear of the cutting edge. A stationary blade can still cause a serious cut.

If you need to reach underneath the deck, check how the manufacturer says to support or tilt the machine. The correct side for tipping a petrol mower matters because fuel or oil can move into places it should not. Never work beneath a mower balanced insecurely or held up by another person.

Clear the grass and let everything dry

Start with a brush to remove loose grass and dirt from the wheels, deck exterior and accessible surfaces. Empty the grass collector and clear material from its fabric or vents using the recommended method.

Built-up clippings beneath the deck need attention too. Clean the underside only after the machine has been isolated and positioned safely. Use suitable cleaning tools rather than reaching around the blade with your fingers.

A pressure washer is not a general shortcut for mower cleaning. Water can be forced into electrical parts, bearings and other vulnerable areas. Some machines have an approved wash port or a specified washing procedure; follow that procedure if it applies to your model.

Allow cleaned parts to dry before reassembly and storage. Putting a wet collector back onto a damp machine defeats much of the work.

A petrol machine such as the Oleo Mac G48TK All Road Plus 4 has several areas worth checking, including its steel deck, wheels and collector. Cleaning is an opportunity to see their condition properly.

Check the wear you noticed during the season

Think back to the last few cuts. Was the mower harder to start? Did it leave an uneven finish, vibrate unusually or need more effort to move?

Look for visible damage to the deck, loose or damaged components, worn wheels and frayed control cables. Check that guards and the collector are sound. Safety controls should operate as intended; they should never be tied back or bypassed.

Blade condition deserves particular attention. A damaged or poorly sharpened blade needs the correct assessment, sharpening or replacement. Ask for help if you are unsure about its condition, balance or fitting.

Arrange inspection before using a mower with damage, abnormal vibration or faulty controls. Winter preparation should include resolving the problem, rather than storing it until the next cutting season.

Prepare petrol and oil for the break

Fuel can deteriorate during storage, so deal with what is in the mower before it sits unused for an extended period.

The correct procedure depends on the engine and storage period. Instructions may involve treating fresh fuel with an approved stabiliser and running the engine as directed, emptying the fuel system, or a combination of steps. Adding stabiliser does not turn old petrol back into fresh fuel.

Check the engine manual or ask CLMS which procedure applies. Avoid simply topping up the tank and assuming that this prepares every mower for winter.

Oil also needs model-specific attention. Check the required grade, level and service schedule. An oil change may be due, but requirements differ between engines. Filling above the specified level can cause problems too.

If engine running forms part of the preparation, do it outdoors. Handle fuel away from ignition sources, use an approved container and let the engine cool before refuelling.

Give cordless batteries their own storage plan

A cordless mower still needs cleaning, inspection and dry storage, even though there is no petrol engine to service.

For a model such as the Oleo Mac Gi 44P cordless mower, the removable battery needs separate attention. Follow the battery manual for storage charge, temperature limits and any checks or recharging during a long break.

Avoid applying one percentage rule to every battery. Instructions can differ between brands and battery systems, including those used in robotic mowers.

Keep the battery and charger clean, dry and protected from unsuitable temperatures. Store the battery away from loose metal items that could bridge its contacts, and use the specified charger. If a battery is damaged, swollen or behaving unusually, stop using it and seek advice.

Choose a dry, secure storage space

A shed or garage should keep rain and persistent damp away from the mower. Check for a leaking roof, wet floor or other source of moisture before settling on its winter position.

Let the machine cool and dry completely before covering it. If you use a cover, choose one suitable for the machine and avoid trapping moisture underneath it.

Follow the approved storage position. Some mowers are designed for vertical storage, but that does not make it appropriate for every model. When folding a handle, protect the cables from pinching or stretching.

Keep the mower somewhere it can be accessed safely. Stacking heavy items on it or blocking it behind awkward loads makes inspection and the next use more difficult.

Arrange servicing before the next busy season

End-of-season cleaning can reveal work that deserves a proper service. Starting difficulties, poor drive, an uneven cut, damaged controls or abnormal vibration are useful details to pass on when you contact the workshop.

Depending on the machine and its maintenance schedule, servicing may involve the blade, air filter, spark plug, oil, drive system and safety controls. Ask what is included and whether any repairs are needed separately.

Contact CLMS about lawnmower servicing or repairs and have the make, model and, where available, serial number ready. These details also help when identifying suitable parts and accessories.

Ride-on and robotic mowers need their own winter procedures. Ask about the exact model rather than applying a walk-behind mower routine to a different machine.

Your winter mower checklist

Before the mower goes away for a longer break:

• Isolate the power before cleaning or maintenance.
• Clear the deck, wheels and collector, then let them dry.
• Check for damage, wear and problems that need attention.
• Prepare fuel, oil or the battery according to the relevant manuals.
• Store the machine in its approved position in a dry, secure place.

Keep a note of any service work and the date it was carried out. It will be useful when preparing for the next season.

Questions about winter lawnmower care

Should I empty the petrol tank before winter?

Check the engine manual. The storage process may include stabilising fresh fuel, emptying the system or both. Follow the complete procedure for your engine and intended storage period.

Can a cordless mower battery stay in the shed?

Only if the conditions meet its storage instructions. A shed that becomes damp or falls outside the permitted temperature range may be unsuitable. Follow the battery manual on removal, charge level and checks during storage.

Does the mower need servicing if it still starts?

Starting is only one part of its condition. Blade wear, damaged controls, drive problems and scheduled maintenance can still need attention. Use the service schedule alongside an assessment of how the mower has been running.

What if I need to cut the grass again?

Use the mower only when ground and weather conditions are suitable. Follow the normal checks for bringing it back into use, then clean it and review the storage arrangements afterwards.

Get advice from CLMS in Carlow

For help with mower maintenance, parts or servicing, call 059 916 4455 or contact CLMS.

You can also visit Ray Whelan Business Park, Cannery Road, Carlow. Tell us which mower you have and anything that changed during the season, so we can advise on the next step.