Most people store their lawnmowers in the garage, which is undoubtedly the best and most practical place to keep them. But are you storing yours properly?
If you want to protect your investment, it’s critical to be aware of some lawn mower storage do’s and don’ts. Your lawn mower works hard during the summer months, and you should give it the care it needs.
Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about how to store lawnmowers in the garage.
Lawn Mower Garage Storage Ideas
Lawn mower garage storage may seem simple. You bring it inside and park it wherever it fits—right?
Finding space for your lawn mower is part of the equation, but there are some things to be aware of.
Let’s review some storage ideas and best practices to keep your lawn mower in shape.
Place a Floor Mat
Many people overlook the importance of a floor mat, but you should have this item in your garage. A quality floor mat protects both the mower and your garage floor.
This item provides a good cushion for your lawn mower during the summer. It also keeps your garage floor clean from any potential oil spills.
Then, when it’s time to store your lawn mower for the winter, the floor mat provides a buffer between your machine’s wheels and the freezing garage floor.
Constant contact with the cold can cause the wheels to break down prematurely.
Cover the Lawn Mower
Do you cover your lawn mower when you don’t use it for weeks or months?
If you’re like most people, you probably overlook this part of lawn mower storage. You may think, “But I’m leaving my lawn mower in the garage. Why do I need a cover?”
The reality is that even though a garage is a protected environment, it still gets dusty. And when it’s cold or raining, humidity can build in your garage.
A cover protects your lawn mower from harsh weather elements, which makes it a must for long-term storage.
Look for something that is both waterproof and dustproof, and you should be all set.
Use an Overhead Pulley/Storage System
If you want to optimize your garage space, an overhead pulley storage system could be an excellent solution.
Installing one requires some construction know-how, but it’s a helpful way to store your lawn mower at the end of the season (however, it’s not the best during the summer when you need easy access to your mower).
Remember that you’ll need to check that you can store your lawn mower vertically, as not all models allow this storage.
You should also ensure your ceiling is strong enough to hold a heavy item like a lawn mower.
Use Wheel Ramps/Risers
When using your lawn mower frequently in the summer, you want to store it in a place that gives you easy access.
One of the best ways to have easy access and gain some extra space is to build a shelving unit with a riser or some curb ramps attached to it.
This solution requires some construction know-how, but it’s an excellent way to store smaller lawnmowers.
You use a ramp to put the lawn mower on top of the platform, and underneath, you can store anything you need—gas cans, tools, lawn clippers, etc.
How to Winterize Your Lawn Mower
When the temperatures drop, your lawn mower’s job is done, and it’s time to winterize your machine before storing it. Yet plenty of people skip this step.
Winterizing a lawn mower is not a long process but shouldn’t be ignored. If you want to keep your lawn mower running efficiently, you shouldn’t just stick it in the garage without a second thought.
Giving your machine extra attention before putting it away will help protect it and keep it in mint condition.
Here’s what you should do if it’s time to put your lawn mower away.
Remove the Battery
The first step is to remove the lawn mower’s battery.
If you’ve never done it before, don’t worry—removing the battery is simple. All you have to do is disconnect the battery cable from the battery, starting with the negative cable (the negative cable has a minus sign). Then, take a clean cloth and wipe down the battery to remove dust or debris.
Next, clean the battery terminal. You can do this in two ways: use a metal brush or purchase a cleaning product specifically for batteries. And if you want to go the extra mile, you can apply a terminal protector.
Once the battery is clean, it’s best to store it in a cool, dry location. Take care to keep it away from the following places:
- Water heaters
- Furnaces
- Gas cans
- Anywhere near a pilot light
Clean the Lawn Mower
Next, it’s time to clean your lawn mower.
It’s critical to complete this step before storing lawn mowers for the winter, as a targeted clean will help ensure your machine has a long lifespan and runs efficiently. It will also make it more likely that your lawn mower will start without problems in the spring.
Your goal should be to get rid of any dirt or debris. Gunk tends to accumulate in the small spaces of the engine, which causes problems like overheating or engine damage. Start on the outside and wipe down the mower.
Then, put some energy into the deck of the lawn mower—the enclosed housing where its blades spin.
Because the lawn mower deck is hidden, there is no aesthetic reason to clean it. Focus on this area to improve your lawn mower’s performance.
A word of caution: you must remove the spark plug first, which will prevent you from accidentally starting the engine.
Then, take a garden hose and spray the deck thoroughly until no debris is left. If things are stuck on, use soapy water and scrub it well.
Remove and Stabilize Fuel
The final step to winterizing your lawn mower is to remove and stabilize leftover fuel. There are lots of reasons to remove the gas. Leaving unused fuel in your lawn mower can cause it to go stale, which may mean rust or buildup.
Storing lawn mowers in the basement is also a fire hazard.
Before removing the fuel, you should purchase a fuel stabilizer and put it in the tank. Let the engine run for about five to ten minutes to allow the stabilizer to circulate. Then, turn the lawn mower off and let the engine cool. Be sure to complete this step outside. Running a lawn mower will cause a dangerous buildup of carbon monoxide gas in your garage.
Then, empty the fuel tank by siphoning excess gas into a clean gas can (anything leftover can go in your car). Start the lawn mower again and let it run until it stops. Turn it on several times until the mower won’t start, which means you’ve cleared out all fuel.
And there you have it—now you’re ready to store your lawn mower until the spring.
FAQs
Is it safe to store your lawnmower in the garage?
Not only is it safe to store your lawnmower in the garage, but it’s also probably the best place for most people. Lawnmowers aren’t weatherproof, so you need to store them somewhere that’s dry and protected from the elements.
Most people store their lawnmowers in the same area they store their garden tools.
Garages and sheds are ideal locations. You can also put your lawn mower in the basement in a pinch, though you’ll have to carry it through your house and down a flight of stairs. This option is best for lightweight, gas-powered models only.
Can you store a lawn mower vertically?
Lawnmowers are bulky items, and it’s not always easy to find a place to store them. Suppose you’re trying to make space miracles happen in your garage. In that case, you may wonder if you can store your lawn mower vertically.
Some lawnmowers can be hung vertically when not in use, but checking the manufacturer’s storage recommendations is critical. If your lawn mower isn’t built for vertical storage, you should store it flat. Otherwise, you risk oil and fuel dripping into the engine, which you don’t want to happen.
Should you leave gas in your lawn mower over the winter?
No, you shouldn’t. As mentioned above, leaving gas in your lawn mower can cause the gas to go stale. You’ll likely discover rust and a buildup of varnish in the spring. Plus, there’s always the possibility of gas leaking in your garage, which no one wants. The best thing to do is remove any leftover gas before storing lawn mowers in your garage.
