The Ultimate Lawn Mower Maintenance Guide: Keep Your Mower Running Smoothly

Last Updated on March 14, 2025

Regular lawn mower maintenance is essential for keeping your machine running smoothly, improving its longevity, and ensuring your lawn stays well-manicured. Without proper upkeep, equipment problems can occur—engine failure, dull blades, and inefficient fuel use issues can arise—lowering the mowing performance and potentially adding to the cost of repairs. If you want to learn more about lawn mower maintenance and why daily upkeep and seasonal tune-ups are important, these steps will help you to keep your equipment running and learn more about how to maintain a lawn mower, whether you own a gas, electric, or riding mower. 

 

Lawn Mower Maintenance Checklist

Maintaining your lawn mower requires a combination of regular and seasonal tasks. Below is a general lawn mower maintenance schedule checklist to follow: 

 

Daily Maintenance:

• Remove grass clippings and debris after each use.
• Check for loose or damaged parts.
• Ensure the mower blade is clear of obstructions. 

 

Seasonal Maintenance (Spring and Summer):

• Change the oil and air filter (for gas mowers).
• Inspect and sharpen the blades.
• Check and replace the spark plug if necessary.
• Clean or replace the fuel filter.
• Adjust tire pressure on riding mowers.

 

Yearly Maintenance (Fall and Winter):

• Drain old fuel before storage.
• Store the mower in a dry, covered area.
• Perform a full lawn mower tune-up before the next season.

By following this lawn mower maintenance schedule, you can extend the lifespan of your equipment and prevent any unexpected breakdowns. 

 

Clean Your Lawn Mower

 

How to Clean a Lawn Mower and Why Cleaning Matters

Grass clippings, dirt, and debris can clog the mower deck and dull the blades, leading to inefficient performance. However, regular cleaning helps to prevent rust and buildup and are the first steps in how to maintain a lawn mower.. 

 

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Turn Off and Disconnect Power: Remove the spark plug for gas mowers or disconnect the battery for electric models. 
2. Remove Grass Buildup: Use a brush or putty knife to scrape off clippings from the mower deck. 
3. Dry and Lubricate: Ensure all parts are dry before storing to prevent rust.

For a deeper clean, consider using a Handy Rotating Lawn Mower Lift Stand to safely lift your mower and easily access the undercarriage.

 

Checking and Changing the Oil

How Often Should You Change the Oil?

• Check the oil level before each use.
• Check the oil every 25 to 50 hours of operation (or once each season).

 

Steps to Change the Oil:

1. Drain Old Oil: Remove the drain plug and let oil flow into a container.
2. Replace the Oil Filter: If applicable, swap out the old filter.
3. Refill with Fresh Oil: Use the manufacturer-recommended oil type.
4. Dispose of Old Oil Properly: Take used oil to a recycling center.

 

Sharpening and Replacing Blades

 

Signs Your Blades Need Sharpening:

• Torn or uneven grass after mowing.
• The mower struggles to cut through thick grass.
• Increased fuel consumption due to dull blades.

 

How to Sharpen Blades:

1. Remove the blade carefully using a wrench.
2. Secure it in a vice and use a metal file or grinder to sharpen it evenly.
3. Reinstall the blade and ensure it’s balanced.

 

For safety, always wear gloves and use a lawn mower lift stand for better access to the blades.

 

Inspecting and Maintaining the Air Filter

A clogged air filter can reduce engine performance and increase fuel consumption.

 

How to Maintain Your Air Filter:

• Foam Filters: Wash with soapy water, dry completely, and re-oil.

• Paper Filters: Replace if dirty or clogged.

• Check and Clean Monthly: Especially in dusty environments. 

 

Spark Plug Maintenance

When to Replace Spark Plugs:

• Every 100 hours of operation or once per season.
• If the engine is hard to start or runs rough.

 

Steps to Replace a Spark Plug:

1. Disconnect the spark plug wire.
2. Remove the old spark plug using a socket wrench. 
3. Install a new plug and tighten securely.
4. Reconnect the wire and test the engine.

 

Checking the Fuel System

Using stale fuel can lead to carburetor clogs and engine problems.

 

Fuel System Maintenance Tips: 

• Use Fresh Fuel: Replace fuel every 30 days.

• Drain and Tank Before Storage: Run the engine dry to use a fuel stabilizer.

• Check and Clean and Fuel Filter: Replace it if clogged.

 

Adjusting Tire Pressure and Inspecting Wheels

Proper tire pressure ensures even mowing and better maneuverability.

 

How to Check Tire Pressure:

1. Use a tire gauge to measure PSI.
2. Inflate or deflate tires as needed.
3. Inspect for cracks or damage and replace if necessary.

 

Using a Lawn Mower for Safe Maintenance

A lawn mower lift stand is essential for easy access to your mower, making maintenance safer and more efficient.

 

Benefits of Using a Lawn Mower Lift:

• Provides better access for cleaning and blade sharpening.
• Reduces strain and risk of injury when working underneath.
• Improves overall safety during maintenance tasks.

For a reliable and sturdy option, check out the Handy Rotating Lawn Mower Lift Stand. 

 

Proper Storage to Extend Lifespan

Best Way to Store a Lawn Mower:

• Drain Fuel: Prevents carburetor clogs and fuel degradation.

• Clean Thoroughly: Removes grass clippings and debris.

• Store in a Dry Location: Keep it covered to prevent rust.
• Remove the Battery (For Electric Mowers): Store separately in a cool, dry place.

Following these storage tips will keep your mower in peak condition for the next mowing season. 

 

Conclusion

Regular lawn mower tune-ups are key to extending the lifespan of your equipment and ensuring peak performance. By following our lawn mower maintenance checklist and sticking to a proper lawn mower maintenance schedule, you can evade costly repairs and keep your lawn looking its best. 

For easier maintenance, consider investing in a Handy Rotating Lawn Mower Lift stand. This tool will make cleaning, blade sharpening, and repairs safer and more efficient.