How to Store a Lawn Mower for the Winter (Complete Guide)

Whether you own a gas-powered push mower, a cordless electric mower, a riding mower, or a modern robotic mower, each type has unique storage needs. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about storing a lawn mower for the winter, including universal preparation steps, type-specific instructions, common mistakes to avoid, and a spring-startup checklist to make next season effortless.

Why Proper Winter Storage Is Important

Storing a lawn mower correctly during winter isn’t just about putting it away—it’s about protecting your investment. Cold temperatures, moisture, and long periods of inactivity can cause substantial wear on both mechanical and electronic components. Proper winterization helps maintain performance, avoid costly repairs, and ensure the mower is ready to run when the next season starts.

1. Extends Mower Lifespan

Prevents corrosion: Grass clippings, moisture, and dirt left on the mower can trap water against metal parts, leading to rust on the deck, blades, and internal components. Proper cleaning and dry storage stop corrosion before it starts.

Protects engine or electronics: Gas engines are vulnerable to internal corrosion, while electric and robotic mowers can suffer from moisture damage. When stored properly, both mechanical and electronic systems remain stable and protected.

2. Saves Money on Repairs

Avoids carburetor clogs: Stale fuel can thicken and create varnish deposits inside gas engines. This leads to expensive carburetor repairs or complete replacement.

Preserves battery life: For cordless and robotic mowers, removing and storing batteries correctly prevents capacity loss and extends their usable lifespan.

3. Ensures Easy Spring Startup

Proper storage eliminates common spring frustrations like hard starting, misfires, or completely dead batteries. By preparing the mower before winter, you ensure it starts cleanly and reliably once mowing season returns.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Store Your Lawn Mower for Winter

Before storing your mower for the winter, following a set of universal steps ensures it stays in top condition and starts smoothly in spring. These steps apply to gas, electric, battery-powered, robotic, and riding mowers.

Step 1: Clean the Mower Thoroughly

• Remove all grass clippings, dirt, and debris from the deck, blades, and wheels.
• Use a brush or putty knife to scrape out stuck clippings under the deck.
• Wipe the exterior with a damp cloth; avoid spraying water directly into the engine, motor, or electronics.
• Cleaning prevents rust, mold, and unpleasant odors during storage.

Step 2: Check and Maintain the Blades

• Inspect blades for damage, dull edges, or chips.
• Sharpen dull blades or schedule them for sharpening before spring.
• Replace damaged blades to ensure safe and efficient mowing next season.

Step 3: Inspect and Lubricate Moving Parts

Apply light lubricant to:

• Wheel axles
• Control cables and levers
• Pivot points and linkages

Lubrication reduces friction, prevents rust, and keeps parts moving smoothly.

Step 4: Tighten Screws and Bolts

• Check all fasteners, including bolts, screws, and nuts.
• Tighten anything loose to prevent parts from falling off during storage.
• Ensures safer operation and reduces wear on components.

Step 5: Choose the Right Storage Location

• Select a dry, sheltered area, such as a garage or shed.
• Avoid direct contact with cold concrete; use a shelf, pallet, or mat.
• Ensure good ventilation to prevent moisture buildup.
• Keep away from heat sources, open flames, or areas prone to pests.

Tip: A properly cleaned, lubricated, and stored mower not only lasts longer but also avoids costly repairs and starts easily when mowing season begins. Following these five steps creates a solid foundation before moving on to mower-type specific storage instructions.

How to Store a Lawn Mower for Winter by Mower Type

Different mowers have unique storage needs. Following the correct steps for your mower type prevents damage, preserves batteries, protects the engine, and ensures a smooth startup in spring.

1. Gas Lawn Mowers Winterize

Step 1: Handle Fuel

• Drain the fuel tank or add a fuel stabilizer.
• Run the engine briefly if using a stabilizer to circulate it through the carburetor.
• Never store gas near heat sources indoors.

Step 2: Change or Check Oil

• Replace old oil or at least run the engine to circulate fresh oil.
• This prevents internal corrosion during storage.

Step 3: Clean Air Filter and Spark Plug

• Remove dirt and debris from the air filter; replace if needed.
• Inspect the spark plug; clean or replace to avoid starting issues.

Step 4: Blade Care

• Clean, sharpen, or replace blades.

Step 5: Storage Location

• Store in a dry, ventilated area, off the ground if possible.
• Cover the mower to prevent dust and moisture.

✅ Gas Mower Checklist:

• Fuel drained or stabilized
• Oil changed or circulated
• Air filter cleaned/replaced
• Spark plug cleaned/replaced
• Blades sharpened
• Stored dry and covered

2. Electric / Corded Mowers Winterize

Step 1: Clean the Mower

• Wipe down the deck, wheels, and housing.
• Avoid spraying water into the motor.

Step 2: Inspect the Cord

• Check for cracks or frays. Replace if damaged.

Step 3: Storage Location

• Store indoors in a dry, temperature-controlled environment.
• Protect electrical components from moisture.

✅ Electric Mower Checklist:

• Deck and housing cleaned
• Cord inspected
• Stored indoors, dry, ventilated

3. Battery-Powered (Cordless) Mowers Winterize

Step 1: Remove the Battery

• Take the battery out before storage.
• Store in a cool, dry place; avoid freezing temperatures.

Step 2: Charge Battery Properly

• Charge to about 40–70% for long-term storage.
• Check battery contacts and wipe clean.

Step 3: Clean the Mower

• Remove grass and debris from the deck and wheels.

Step 4: Storage Location

• Keep the mower indoors, away from moisture.

✅ Battery Mower Checklist:

• Battery removed
• Battery charged 40–70%
• Deck cleaned
• Stored indoors, dry

4. Robotic Lawn Mowers Winterize

Step 1: Bring Mower and Base Station Indoors

• Prevents moisture damage and freezing.

Step 2: Charge Battery Properly

• Charge to 100% normally (Refer to the manufacturer's instructions. )

Step 3: Clean the Mower

• Clean sensors, wheels, and the underside of the mower.

Step 4: Protect Wires and Electronics

• Ensure cords and the charging station are safe from rodents or moisture.

✅ Robotic Mower Checklist:

• Battery charged
• Base station indoors
• Sensors and underside cleaned
• Stored safely from pests and moisture

5. Riding Lawn Mowers Winterize

Step 1: Stabilize Fuel

• Drain or stabilize gasoline.

Step 2: Disconnect Battery

• Prevents battery drain and freezing damage.

Step 3: Change Oil

• Fresh oil prevents engine corrosion.

Step 4: Clean Deck and Blades

• Remove debris, grass, and dirt.

Step 5: Inflate Tires

• Check PSI and slightly overinflate to prevent flat spots.

Step 6: Storage Location

• Indoor, dry, ventilated area.
• Cover with a heavy-duty, waterproof cover.

✅ Riding Mower Checklist:

• Fuel drained or stabilized
• Battery disconnected
• Oil changed
• Deck cleaned
• Blades sharpened
• Tires inflated
• Stored dry and covered

Choosing the Right Storage Location for Your Lawn Mower

Where you store your mower during the winter is just as important as how you prepare it. A proper storage location protects your mower from moisture, rust, battery damage, and pests. Here are key considerations:

1. Garage Storage

• Ideal location for most mowers: dry, sheltered, and ventilated.
• Keeps the mower safe from rain, snow, and freezing temperatures.
• Easy access for maintenance or battery storage.

2. Shed Storage

• If using a garden shed, ensure it is dry and well-ventilated.
• Place the mower on a pallet or shelf to avoid direct contact with the floor, which can trap moisture.
• Use a cover for extra protection against dust and humidity.
• Take precautions against pests, like rodents, which may chew cables or nests in mower compartments.

3. Outdoor Storage (If Necessary)

• Only recommended if indoor storage is unavailable.
• Always use a waterproof, UV-resistant cover. 
• Place the mower on a raised platform or mat to prevent water from pooling underneath.
• Be aware that even with a cover, moisture and temperature changes can increase rust and battery degradation risks.

4. General Tips for Any Storage Location

• Ensure the area is well-ventilated to prevent humidity buildup.
• Keep the mower away from open flames or heat sources, especially for gas mowers.
• Avoid storing in areas prone to flooding or extreme temperature swings.
• For battery-powered and robotic mowers, store batteries indoors at moderate temperatures to preserve lifespan.

Key Takeaway: The right storage location is dry, ventilated, and safe from temperature extremes or pests. Combining proper location with the preparation steps ensures your mower will last longer and start reliably in spring.

Should You Use a Lawn Mower Cover for Winter?

Using a lawn mower cover during winter can provide additional protection, but it’s important to understand both its benefits and limitations. A cover works best when combined with proper cleaning and preparation.

1. Benefits of a Lawn Mower Cover

• Prevents rust: Covers shield the deck and metal parts from dust, moisture, and condensation.
• Keeps dust and dirt off: Reduces cleaning needed before spring.
• Protects from pests: Keeps small rodents or insects from nesting in your mower (when paired with proper indoor storage).
• Maintains overall mower condition: Helps preserve paint, decals, and plastics from fading or cracking.

2. Limitations of a Lawn Mower Cover

• Not a substitute for indoor storage: Covers cannot prevent moisture from pooling under the mower if it is stored outside.
• May trap humidity: If a cover is not breathable, condensation can form underneath, potentially causing rust.
• Doesn’t address fuel, battery, or engine care: Covers protect only externally; proper maintenance is still required.

3. Tips for Choosing the Right Cover

• Use a heavy-duty, waterproof, and UV-resistant cover.
• Ensure it is breathable to reduce condensation.
• Select a size that fully covers the mower without touching moving parts.
• For battery-powered and robotic mowers, confirm the cover does not trap excessive heat or moisture.
• Remove and air out the mower periodically if stored outside to prevent humidity buildup.

Key Takeaway: A lawn mower cover is a helpful addition, especially for short-term outdoor storage, but it cannot replace proper cleaning, maintenance, and indoor storage. Use it as a final layer of protection after all preparation steps are complete.

Common Lawn Mower Winter Storage Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

Even with good intentions, many homeowners make mistakes that can damage their mowers over the winter. Avoid these common errors to protect your mower and ensure a smooth start in spring.

1. Leaving Fuel in Gas Mowers

• Mistake: Storing gas in the tank without stabilizer.
• Consequence: Fuel breaks down, causing varnish buildup and carburetor clogs.
• Solution: Drain fuel or add a fuel stabilizer before storage.

2. Storing Batteries in Cold or Damp Areas

• Mistake: Leaving batteries in freezing garages or damp sheds.
• Consequence: Battery capacity decreases, or battery may fail completely.
• Solution: Remove batteries and store indoors at moderate temperatures, ideally 40–70% charged.

3. Ignoring Deck and Blade Cleaning

• Mistake: Leaving grass clippings and dirt on the deck or blades.
• Consequence: Leads to rust, corrosion, and dull blades.
• Solution: Clean thoroughly and sharpen or replace blades before storage.

4. Storing Mowers Outdoors Without Proper Protection

• Mistake: Leaving the mower exposed to rain, snow, or frost.
• Consequence: Moisture causes rust and damages electronics.
• Solution: Always store indoors or use a waterproof, breathable cover if outdoor storage is unavoidable.

5. Forgetting to Disconnect Spark Plugs or Batteries

• Mistake: Leaving spark plugs connected on gas mowers or batteries installed on electric/robotic mowers.
• Consequence: Risk of accidental starts, corrosion, or battery drain.
• Solution: Disconnect spark plugs and remove batteries before storage.

6. Not Checking Tires or Wheels

• Mistake: Leaving tires uninflated or wheels uncleaned.
• Consequence: Flat spots, rusted axles, or difficulty starting movement in spring.
• Solution: Inflate tires to recommended pressure and lubricate axles before storing.

Key Takeaway: Avoiding these common mistakes ensures your mower remains in excellent condition, reduces costly repairs, and guarantees an easy, reliable startup when mowing season returns. Winter preparation is the best investment in your mower’s longevity.

Conclusion

Proper winter storage is one of the most important steps in maintaining your lawn mower’s performance, safety, and lifespan. By following the preparation steps, cleaning and lubricating moving parts, and choosing the right storage environment, you prevent common issues such as rust, battery damage, carburetor clogs, and hard starts in spring.

Different mower types—gas, electric, battery-powered, robotic, or riding—have specific storage requirements. Using type-specific checklists ensures that each mower receives the care it needs, while additional protections like a quality cover can safeguard against dust and moisture. Avoiding common mistakes, such as leaving fuel untreated or storing batteries in cold or damp areas, further reduces repair costs and frustration. 

Frequently Asked Questions