There are a number of traditions that happen every summer. Cookouts, swimming in the pool, and enjoying time in the sun are just a few of those.
Mowing the lawn and keeping your yard trim and neat is another one of those traditions.
There are some who simply perform the task because there are ordinances about grass length that need to be met. But there are some who not only like taking care of their lawns but look forward to the different things that they can do with them.
One commonality here is a lawnmower. It is a tool with which to get the grass to not only the desired length but the desired look as well.
And just as with any other tool that one would use, it is important to maintain that tool and keep it clean so that it can work effectively with each use.
The lawnmower is a bit different than most other tools, though. This is because the majority of lawnmowers today have a motor of some kind, whether they be push mowers or the riding variety that comes in different sizes.
In any event, you need to know how to keep your mower clean and free of debris so that it can perform the job admirably. But is it as simple as spraying the lawnmower with a hose? Here’s a little deeper look on the matter.
A Hose Is Okay… Mostly
Depending on who you ask, there are some who don’t recommend using a hose, especially on electric motors. But the fact of the matter is that a hose is perfectly fine to use on any kind of lawnmower so long as there is care taken.
When you use a hose on your mower, the important thing to keep in mind is that you never want to spray the motor directly. Especially on an electric mower, there are just portions of the mower that are not meant to get wet or at least take on a lot of water.
Think about it this way: your lawn mower is not meant to be used in the rain. So why would you want it to get soaking wet from the hose?
As for the rest of the mower, it is perfectly fine to use a hose. After all, there can be a buildup of grass and grass stains that need to come off and a hose is a great way to provide maximum coverage.
About Pressure Washers
There are two camps on pressure washers and it is ultimately up to you to decide how you feel. The camp against pressure washers will argue that the pressure of the water can be bad for the cables, bearings, and seals that are on every lawnmower.
Not only that, but there is a belief that the water pressure will remove vital assembly grease. This grease keeps some of your components from wearing out prematurely.
Then again, there are those who will swear up and down that they use their pressure washers all the time and everything is fine. This is particularly the case when it comes to riding mowers. The general consensus is that, should you hose down a riding mower, don’t aim directly at the motor itself.
It is important to prevent grass from building up on your mower. Grass that is decaying actually produces an acid. This will eat away at your motor and reduce its operating life exponentially.
Make sure that you are at least picking away most of the grass when you finish if washing each time is not something that you care to do.
Cleaning Your Mower
It is of the utmost importance that you make sure that the mower is off. Those spinning blades are no joke and a serious injury can be sustained if you’re not careful.
Next, bring out the hose and turn it on. Most mowers should be able to hold up under the standard pressure of your hose.
If you use a pressure washer, just keep the washer moving because the constant pressure in one spot can wear away that spot before long.
Also, never aim the hose at the motor directly. There are a lot of moving pieces and parts that could sustain damage. That could mean having to replace those parts or pay for a new mower altogether; no one wants that.
It is easiest if you flip the lawnmower over before cleaning the bottom. This way, you can see all of the dirty areas that there are and be certain that you are achieving maximum cleanliness.
Rinse the bottom thoroughly, using soap if need be. When you have finished, give it about an hour or so to air dry.
Keep in mind that if you have a buildup of grass, this can be exponentially more difficult. When you’re done spraying the underside of the mower, be sure to inspect it and remove any buildup that might be there.
Another tip for buildup: use something flat such as a putty knife to scrape away any excess that may have remained there. This can be tricky to remove even with a hose and needs to be cleared away for the longevity of your mower.
This is also a great chance to inspect the mower for any damage or wear. Depending on how long you’ve had the mower, you may notice fading or wear but that is normal.
You are really checking out the blades to look for missing chunks or gauging. If there is a lot of either, think about replacing the blade in short order.
Cleaning your mower is a relatively easy endeavor and, yes, you can use your hose. Pressure washers are generally fine too but exercise some caution when using them because of the damage that the water pressure can inflict.
And as always, make sure that you keep your mower clean. A buildup of dried grass is not only a pain to deal with but it can be bad for the life of your mower too.
Ben has a bachelor’s degree in construction engineering. When not constructing or remodeling X-Ray Rooms, Cardiovascular Labs, and Pharmacies, you can find him at home with wife and two daughters. Outside of family, He loves grilling and barbequing on his Big Green Egg and Blackstone Griddle, as well as working on projects around the house.
--
If you want more backyard tips including recipes, how-tos and more, make sure you subscribe to my youtube channel