Devin Jacobs
If you have a big lawn, a good mower is your best friend, but should you really clean it after every use? Cleaning the tool might seem like a hassle or even a waste of time, but proper mower maintenance can make all the difference in how well it performs and how long it lasts. Swipe through to read 15 reasons clean-ups are a must.
Prevent Grass Build-up for Better Performance
Grass clippings tend to stick to the blades and mower deck, which can clog the machine and reduce its cutting efficiency. Giving your mower a quick wipe-down once you’re done mowing can help prevent these issues, ensuring a smoother and more even cut the next time you use it.
Avoid Rust by Keeping Metal Parts Dry
Moisture from grass and dirt can lead to rust on your mower’s metal components. Cleaning after each session helps remove moisture and grass juice that sticks to the blades and underside. A quick wipe down of the deck and metal parts not only keeps rust at bay but also prolongs the lifespan of your mower.
Extend Blade Life with Regular Cleaning
Grass clippings and soil can dull your mower’s blades faster than you’d think. Cleaning them after each use helps prevent damage from stuck debris. Sharp, clean blades cut more efficiently, reducing strain on the engine and making future cuts smoother. Extend the lifespan of your mower’s blades with this easy task.
Improve Fuel Efficiency
Keeping your mower free from dirt and clippings allows it to run more efficiently. It helps you optimize fuel efficiency, saving you money in the long run and ensuring it runs at peak performance. A clogged deck forces the engine to work harder, and this way, it consumes more fuel in the process.
Prevent Fires from Debris Build-Up
Believe it or not, debris build-up on a lawn mower can be a fire hazard. Dry grass and leaves stuck around the engine can ignite if they come into contact with hot components. Cleaning after each use removes this risk, making your lawn mowing experience safer. A few minutes of upkeep can help prevent serious accidents.
Make Next Mowing Easier
It’s always smoother to start mowing with a clean machine. Removing any leftover grass or dirt from the deck before you finish mowing will make the next job quicker and more efficient. Plus, it ensures that you won’t face any blockages or uneven cuts when it’s time to mow again.
Avoid Engine Overheating
Your mower’s engine needs to be kept cool to avoid overheating, and debris can block the airflow that helps cool it. To keep your mower’s engine running cool, it’s essential to clear away grass and dirt that might obstruct airflow. Regularly checking and cleaning around the engine will help prevent overheating and avoid costly repairs.
Keep the Mower’s Deck Clean to Prevent Mold Growth
Wet grass left inside the mower deck can start to decay, creating the perfect environment for mold. By clearing away clippings from the deck before storing the mower, you can prevent mold from growing and spreading. Think of it as a way to keep your equipment in better shape.
Reduce Wear and Tear on the Wheels
It’s easy to forget about the wheels when thinking about mower maintenance, but they, too, collect debris. Grass and dirt can build up around the wheels, causing wear and reducing their mobility. Regular cleaning allows the wheels to move freely and reduces overall wear and tear.
Prevent Oil and Grease Contamination
When grass and dirt get stuck around your mower’s engine, they can mix with oil and grease, and this might cause contamination. Contamination could be terrible for your engine—in the best case, it will run poorly, but it could even fail. A clean engine is a smooth engine.
Minimize the Risk of Belt Damage
Your lawn mower’s belts are essential for smooth operation, but they can get damaged by dirt and debris caught underneath them. You’ll reduce the risk of damaging these essential components and avoid unnecessary wear, keeping them in good condition if you ensure the areas around the belts are clean after every mow.
Avoid Clogged Air Filters
The air filter in your mower helps keep dust and dirt from reaching the engine, but if too much debris accumulates, it can become clogged. A clogged air filter reduces airflow, and it makes the engine work harder. For the filter to perform more effectively, focus on cleaning the area around the air intake.
Ensure Proper Bagging and Mulching
A clean mower improves the bagging and mulching of grass clippings. When debris clogs the mower deck or discharge chute, it can affect how well the machine collects or mulches the grass. Cleaning these areas after each mow ensures that your mower will continue to function properly in these key tasks.
Maintain a Clean Appearance for Longevity
Yes, performance is the priority, but appearance matters too. No one likes dirty equipment lying around their yard. With a clean mower, you might even feel more inspired to mow your lawn weekly! Who doesn’t want their tools to look neat and well cared for?
Spend Less Time on Major Repairs
Cleaning your mower after each use is a great way to make sure there is nothing wrong with it before it becomes a big issue. Dirt and grime can hide damage or wear that needs attention. You’ll spend less time and money on major repairs, catching issues early, and maintaining the mower’s performance.