How To Clean Your Lawn Mower's Deck

The mower deck is the steel, plastic or aluminum cover that shields and protects the operator from the mower blades and any debris they might kick up. Keeping it clean is the key in maintaining proper working order.

It’s a simple chore, cleaning your lawn mower’s deck. Yet, some people don’t take the 20 minutes a week to do this. Reasons vary. Climates change. But if you follow the instructions below and repeat them monthly regardless of the time of year, you're lawn mower will last and perform stronger for longer.

Tips for Cleaning Your Mower’s Deck

• Before you get started there are a few tricks you can do to help prevent dirt and clippings build-up above and below the mower deck.

• To reduce future build-up of grass clippings on the lawnmower's underside, you can spray a small amount of vegetable oil on to it after cleaning.
  

• Using car shampoo or similar soft detergent to clean the upper part of the deck and the engine is better than using any strong detergent since it can harm the paint to chip, flake or rust.
  

• When using a garden hose, be careful not to hose it from the side. It’s important to not let water enter the air filter.
  

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cleaning Your Mower’s Deck

The following steps instruct you on how to clean your mower’s deck properly and thoroughly, allowing your mower to last longer while maintaining durability and remaining in proper working order. Do not follow steps out of order.

1. Remove any gasoline from the gas tank and disconnect the spark plugs.

2. Stand mower on its side.

3. Using a garden hose, spray the mowers deck on full blast to loosen dirt and/or any excess grass remaining from the last time you mowed.

4. Using a brush, soap and hot water scrub down the deck.

5. Rinse the deck and let it dry for at least one hour before using again.

Advantages of Having a Clean Deck

Regular maintenance and cleaning is important for the safety and performance of your outdoor power equipment. There are benefits for your lawn as well. Many lawn problems result from dirty or poorly cleaned mower blades that can tear grass, leaving it susceptible to fungus, disease and infestation. Lawn mower owners who clean and maintain their equipment will also see the benefits over time, as their mowers last for years, even when technology has changed.