Winterizing is a crucial step in protecting your lawn equipment through the cold months, yet it’s often forgotten or ignored. By preparing your equipment for storage, you’re not only cleaning the equipment but ensuring that it’s ready for use when spring comes around. All you need to get started is a microfiber cloth, a wire brush, and (for a deep clean) an air compressor.
Below, we you’ll find winterizing tips to keep your tools performing like new come spring.
How to Winterize a Cordless Lawn Mower
The mower is often the biggest investment in your outdoor power equipment collection, so prepping it for winter to avoid moisture damage and corrosion is crucial to save money in the spring.
Begin by removing the batteries from your battery-powered mower and wiping them down. You want to ensure no debris or moisture is left behind. Once clean, store them uninstalled from the charger in a cool, dry area where they won’t freeze (we recommend an indoor cabinet). A mid-winter check-in charge is a good idea, too.
Next, clean the blades and mower deck with a rag or air compressor. Any dirt, grass, or moisture left on the mower can cause rust, corrosion, and other issues, so you want to make sure all buildup underneath is removed If you notice your blades are dull, be sure to sharpen or replace the mower blades before storage to ensure a clean cut in the spring. Dull blades will tear the grass instead of slicing, causing all kinds of issues from browning to increased disease risk.
To keep your mower working at optimal performance for years to come, don’t forget to treat the less obvious mechanisms:
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Lubricate the springs on the rear discharge door with light oil.
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Lubricate the cutting height adjustment lever and related hardware with light oil.
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Remove the wheels and lubricate the surface of the axle bolt and the inner surface of the wheels with light oil.
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Remove the blade and blade hub assembly and lubricate the motor shaft with light oil or engine oil. Ensure batteries are not in mower when completing this step.
If you have any questions or concerns, refer to the manual for your mower.
How to Store a String Trimmer and Leaf Blower for Winter
String trimmers and leaf blowers are a bit simpler than the mower when it comes to winterization.
String trimmer heads should be cleaned and inspected for any damage or debris. The debris can be wiped off with a dry cloth. Next, clean the battery port and safety guard with an air compressor, brush, or cloth. If you notice that any of your string trimmer parts are worn or damaged, you can replace the string trimmer head, trimmer line, or safety guard. Buying replacements now means you won’t have to rush to the store in spring when your lawn is overgrown. Once it’s clean, store it vertically (preferably off the ground) for the winter season.
To winterize the leaf blower, run it for a minute to ensure there is no debris stuck inside the blower tube. Use an air compressor or rag for more targeted cleaning, if needed. The air compressor can also be used to clean out the air vents, though be careful not to drive debris further into the vents. When the inside is clean, wipe down the outside of the leaf blower with a dry cloth to remove any damaging residue (like fertilizer) or dirt. Store off the ground through the winter to avoid any moisture issues.
General Winter Storage Tips for Lawn Equipment
Beyond the product-specific recommendations, there are a few universal steps you can take to winterize your equipment that apply to most tools in your garage:
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Beyond the product-specific recommendations, there are a few universal steps you can take to winterize your equipment that apply to most tools in your garage:
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Wipe down plastic components and handles with a microfiber cloth
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Remove all batteries and store in a cool and dry place off the charger
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Hang tools or store off the ground, if possible, to reduce the risk of moisture
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Drain water from pressure washer hose lines to avoid freezing
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Cover large items with a waterproof, breathable tarp to reduce dust and moisture
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Check all bolts and fasteners, tighten as needed
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Avoid storing equipment near corrosive materials (like rock salt and fertilizer!)
Lawn Equipment Winterization Safety Tips
Power equipment can be dangerous without proper precautions. When winterizing your lawn care equipment, we recommend:
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Removing batteries or unplugging equipment before cleaning
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Consulting the manual’s safety instructions when cleaning or handling blades
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Reviewing the manual or contacting customer support when any questions arise
Winter Lawn Equipment Storage: Summary
Winterizing lawn care tools is important for longevity. An hour or two of winterizing work now will pay off with countless hours of hassle-free lawn care next year.
For more information and available products, visit https://us.cleva.com/pages/lawnmaster, where our full collection of mowers, string trimmers, leaf blowers, and more can be found.