Clean and remove grass clippings from mower

Why It Matters

Built-up clippings hold moisture against the deck, accelerating rust, and harbor mold that can transfer to next year's lawn.

Tools

• Putty knife
• Garden hose

How to Do It

1. Disconnect the spark plug wire (or remove the battery on electric mowers) before doing anything else under the deck.
2. Tip the mower onto its side, keeping the air filter and carburetor facing up to prevent oil from entering them.
3. Scrape dried clippings from the underside of the deck using a putty knife, working toward the discharge chute.
4. Hose off the deck to flush out any remaining debris.
5. Let the deck dry completely before setting the mower upright and reconnecting the spark plug.

Related Tasks

• Add fuel stabilizer and run mower for 5 minutes Once a year
• Change lawnmower oil Once a year
• Reinstall lawnmower battery Once a year
• Remove and store lawnmower battery indoors Once a year
• Replace lawnmower air filter Once a year