Maintaining Your Lawn Mower with WD-40

Keeping your lawn mower in excellent working condition is an important part of maintaining a beautiful, healthy lawn and is also key to ensuring that your lawn mower lasts as long as possible – about 10 to 15 years. Performing regular maintenance on your lawn mower, especially the engine, will extend the life of your lawn mower and help it perform at its best all season long.

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

Lawn mowers are one of the most important pieces of garden equipment for maintaining your outdoor spaces, keeping them clean, tidy and fresh. However, they are known to break down over time and can be particularly short-lived due to a lack of maintenance and the unfortunate formation of rust.

You don't need to call a professional, and you certainly don't need specialized small engine maintenance skills to perform these tasks efficiently. Our simple but important tips below are inexpensive and useful for the less experienced.

WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR LAWN MOWER IN WINTER?

Did you know that proper maintenance of your lawn mower should always begin during the winter months before storing it? If you don't take basic care before putting it away at the end of the season, it's very likely that it won't be ready to do its job properly come spring.

Here are some simple steps you should take before storing your lawn mower for the winter:

  • It is always safe and important to remove gas from the mower
  • Check cables and make sure they are connected before putting them away
  • Remove and clean grass or debris from cart
  • Make sure to store your lawn mower in a dry place during the winter

STARTING THE LAWN MOWER AFTER WINTER

So now that you know how to put your lawn mower to sleep for the winter, it's equally important to know how to prepare it for a busy spring.

Before starting the mower for its first outing on the lawn, especially after frost, check all removable parts. Even if your lawn mower has been stored in a safe, dry place during the colder months, things can still get dirty and untangled.

Then check the spark plug and air filter. The spark plug is one of the main components that starts your lawn mower. Some avid gardeners and professionals recommend replacing it at the start of each mowing season as it is low-cost and easy to do. Once checked or replaced, it's time to check your lawn mower's filter as it gets dusty and dirty when not in use. Dirt can cause mower stress and exhaust fumes if not cleaned properly. If your air filter needs to be replaced, we suggest doing so in the spring and again mid-season.

Tip: We also recommend thorough cleaning before the first spring cut! A simple, cheap and easy solution, and an excellent lawn mower cleaner, is WD-40®. A simple spray will not only keep the mower housing and blades rust-free, but it will also prevent grass from sticking to them, keeping the feature in tip-top condition. During the sunnier months, if you do a regular weekly cleaning of your lawn mower components with the help of the trusty WD-40 can, you will prevent and remove rust and prevent it from occurring. For a step-by-step guide on more in-depth lawn mower services.

GRASS MAINTENANCE

During the colder months, the lawn is practically inactive; however, lawn care doesn't end in winter. To help you prepare for the freezing season, here are some quick and easy-to-follow winter tips so you can focus on building snowmen!

  • put in order . Before closing your yard for the winter, it's important not to leave debris, leaves, decorations or even children's toys on the grass. They can suppress your lawn, create unwanted conditions, and even invite insects, rats, and other destructive pests.
  • The Last Cut . For the last few cuts completed, lower the mower height a notch or two. Grass that is too tall can suffocate and is at risk of being damaged by frost. Be careful not to cut the grass too short, exposing the plant's foliage to winter weather.
  • Seeding. Before you put your lawn to sleep, invest in some “Fresh Grass Seeds” and spread them evenly across your lawn. This will help protect in the harshest winter conditions.

CAN YOU MOW GRASS IN WINTER?

It is generally not necessary to mow your lawn during the winter unless the weather is mild and the grass is still growing. In this case, mow occasionally with a high cutting setting. However, it is important not to attempt this if ground conditions are soft or icy. Choose a dry day and make sure the soil is firm before starting your winter mowing.

WHEN TO MOW THE GRASS AFTER WINTER?

When it comes to a regular cutting season, it ultimately depends on the weather. The recommendation is to wait until you see the grass growing and changing color before starting. Do not mow your lawn if the ground is soft or if there is frost (or within 24 hours), as mowing in these conditions will damage the grass and compacted soil. Other factors include the shade of your lawn. Additionally, even if you haven't mowed your lawn during the winter, the blades will still need to be set higher than normal (2 to 2.5 inches is the best height), gradually reducing the height each time you mow. If you mow your lawn too low, you will scalp and weaken the grass.

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