How to store a lawn mower and yard equipment for winter

Where to store your lawn equipment

Having your lawn mower and equipment stored properly over the winter makes for an easier spring cleanup. Ideally, everything should be stored inside a garage, shed or other enclosed building. Before putting the items away for the winter, it's always best to remove grease, dirt, leaves or any other matter from the surface. After the cleaning, metal tools could benefit from a coat of oil or WD-40^®  and then a gentle wipe-down to keep rust at bay.

Lawn mower winter storage

• Clean the mower.
  • Remove the spark plug.
  • Tip your mower, typically with the spark plug pointing toward the sky, so the engine oil does not drain into the air filter. Then remove dirt and grass clippings.
• Fuel should be drained, run dry, or you can fill the tank and add fuel stabilizer.
• Make any necessary repairs.
• Clean or replace filters.
• Change the oil.
• Sharpen the blades.
• Cover the lawn mower and store it in a clean and dry location.

Never store your lawn mower near a heat source.

Should you leave gas in your lawnmower over the winter?

There are two paths regarding fuel systems — drain the fuel tank, or fill the tank and add a fuel stabilizer. Consult your owner's manual for your manufacturer's recommendations.

Can you store a lawn mower vertically?

No, if the lawnmower is stored vertically any remaining gas or oil could leak into the engine.

Can you tip a lawnmower on its side for storage?

Before a lawnmower is tipped on its side, the spark plug wire should be detached from the spark plug. When tipping, the spark plug typically is pointed toward the sky to keep oil away from the plug and air filter. Before tipping the lawnmower it's important to remove all gas so it doesn't leak. Each type of lawnmower is different so always read your owner's manual to determine which way a lawnmower may be tipped  — even for cleaning.

Follow these tips and you'll be ready to get started on that yard cleanup in the spring.