Knowing how to clean a lawn mower deck is essential for keeping your mower in ideal shape. The process is simple. You can clean the deck by hand, rinse it with a hose, or use a deck wash port if your mower has one.
Cleaning your mower deck is important because dirt, grass clippings, and moisture build up underneath after each use. This reduces airflow, which can cause the carburetor to overheat, and trapped moisture can lead to rust, shortening your mower’s lifespan. A dirty deck also spreads lawn diseases and causes uneven cuts, making your lawn look unhealthy.
In this guide, I’ll explain the most efficient ways to clean your lawn mower deck after every session.
Step 1: Prepare your mower
Push mowers: Start by placing your push mower on a flat surface to keep it stable. If you have a gas-powered mower, disconnect the spark plug wire for safety. For electric mowers, remove the battery and make sure the cord is unplugged. Tilt the mower on its side, making sure the carburetor or air filter is facing up to prevent spills. On most mowers, these are located on the side of the engine.
Riding mowers: Park the mower on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and turn off the ignition. Remove the key and disconnect the spark plug wire to prevent accidental starting. Because of their large size, you can use ramps or a mower lift to elevate the front of the mower. Some riding mowers have removable decks, which make it easier to clean thoroughly. Always follow your mower’s manual for safe lifting instructions.
Read more: Electric vs. Gas Lawn Mowers
Step 2: Choose your cleaning method
With your mower safely prepared, it’s time to clean the deck. There are three main methods to choose from, depending on your time and how thorough you want to be. Pick the one that works best for you.
Clean by hand
- Skill level: Beginners
- Cost: Up to $23, depending on the supplies you need to buy.
- Estimated time: 10 minutes or less
- Best for: Electric and gas-powered mowers
Cleaning by hand is a quick and easy way to remove grass clippings after every mowing session. It helps prevent buildup before it becomes a bigger problem.
My tip: Use this method after each mow. It prevents heavy buildup, making my deep cleaning session much easier at the end of the month.
You’ll need:
- Brush or broom
- Lawn mower deck scraper or plastic putty knife
- Gloves
How to do it:
- Put on gloves to protect your hands.
- Use a broom or brush to remove loose, bigger debris from under the deck.
- Scrape away stuck-on grass and dirt with a plastic putty knife or ice scraper.
Use a deck wash port
- Skill level: Beginners
- Cost: $25 to $70, depending on the supplies you need to buy. However, it can be free if you already have a hose.
- Estimated time: 5 minutes
- Best for: Gas-powered mowers
Most riding mowers and some push mowers come with a built-in deck wash port — a small connector on top of the deck where you can attach a hose for easy cleaning. While this method won’t give an extremely dirty deck the best clean, it’s quick and helps remove most of the buildup when used after each mowing session.
You’ll need:
- Hose
How to do it:
- Attach your garden hose to the wash port.
- Turn on the water, then start the mower.
- Lower the deck to the lowest cutting height so water reaches more areas.
- Let it run for a minute, then turn off the engine and disconnect the hose.
- Allow the deck to air dry.
My tip: This method works best when done after each mow, before the grass clippings dry and harden.
Rinse with a hose
- Skill level: Beginner
- Cost: From $38 to $70, depending on the supplies needed, or it can be free if you already have a hose and spray nozzle.
- Estimated time: 15 minutes
- Best for: Gas-powered mowers
If you want to get your deck looking brand new, this method is great for more thorough cleaning but takes a bit more time than the others.
You’ll need:
- Hose
- Spray nozzle
How to do it:
- Use a garden hose to rinse away large chunks of grass and dirt from the underside of the deck.
- If needed, you can use a brush or putty knife to scrape off any stubborn buildup; just remember to use gloves when working near the blades.
My tip: Never use a pressure washer; it can force water into sensitive areas and damage your mower.
Read more: What is the One-Third Rule of Mowing?
Step 3: Dry and protect the deck
Once your mower deck is clean, it’s important to dry it completely to prevent rust and corrosion. Even a little moisture left behind can cause damage over time.
Use a cloth to wipe down the deck and remove any excess water. If you have a leaf blower, use it to speed up the drying process. Once most of the water is removed, allow the mower to sit in the sun for about 15 minutes to ensure it’s fully dry.
My tip: I’ve found that WD-40 works great as a top coat after cleaning. I use it on the deck, blades, and other metal parts. It lubricates and adds a protective layer against rust.
Read more: How to Mow a Lawn the Right Way
Step 4: Reassemble
Once your mower is clean, dry, and protected, it’s time to put everything back together. If you removed the deck, securely reattach it following your mower’s instructions. Double-check that all parts, including the spark plug wire or battery, are properly connected. Once everything is in place, store your mower in a dry, covered area.
Read more: 10 Best Lawn Mowers
If you need help mowing, fertilizing, or aerating, Lawnlove can connect you with the right professional to keep your lawn healthy and looking great.
FAQ about cleaning lawn mower decks
According to the University of Illinois Extension, it’s important to clean your mower after each use. It’s best to mow when your grass is dry to avoid clumping. Regular maintenance, mowing at the proper height, and sharpening blades also make a big difference.
It’s not recommended to pressure wash a lawn mower deck because the high-pressure water can force moisture into sensitive components, leading to rust and damage over time. Instead, use a garden hose, deck wash port, or hand tools to clean the deck safely.
Yes, you can clean the mower deck without removing the blade. Just remember to be careful with the blade and use gloves to protect your hands.
Yes, there are certain products you should avoid when cleaning your mower deck:
● Harsh chemicals: Avoid chemicals like bleach or strong degreasers.
● Steel brushes: These can scratch the deck’s surface, making it more prone to rust.
● Petroleum-based solvents: They are very strong and can break down protective coatings or damage plastic components.
Find a lawn care professional near you
Keeping your lawn looking great starts with a well-maintained mower, and a clean deck ensures smooth operation and a healthy cut. Regular cleaning helps prevent rust, buildup, and uneven mowing.
If you don’t have the time to maintain your mower, a lawn care professional can handle everything for you, including mowing, maintenance, and yard cleanup, so you can enjoy your yard without the effort.
Sources:
- “Mower Maintenance.” By the University of Illinois Extension.
Main Photo Credit: FotoHelin | Adobe Stock Free | License
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