Can You Store a Lawn Mower in Winter? | Easy Explain

When the mowing season ends and the grass stops growing, it’s tempting to just roll your mower into a corner of the yard or shed and forget about it until spring. But if you want to avoid problems like a dead engine, rust, or even a completely broken machine, winter storage is crucial.

Yes, you can store a lawn mower in winter but how you do it makes all the difference. In this article, we explore through everything you need to know about safely storing your lawn mower during the cold months to keep it in top shape for the next season.

Table of Contents

Why Winter Storage Matters for Lawn Mowers

Lawn mowers may look tough on the outside, but they’re delicate machines when it comes to long periods of disuse and cold temperatures. Metal parts rust. Gasoline goes stale. Batteries lose charge. Rubber and plastic components become brittle. In short, your mower slowly deteriorates without proper storage even if it’s just sitting quietly under a tarp.

Storing your mower the right way extends its life, maintains its efficiency, and prevents frustrating spring surprises like sputtering engines or dead batteries. Just like cars need winter care, so do mowers—especially if they’re powered by fuel or electricity.

What Happens If You Don’t Store It Properly?

Let’s say you skip winter prep and park your mower in the shed or leave it outside. Here’s what can happen:

Engine damage from stale fuel and clogged carburetors
Corrosion and rust on blades, deck, and internal parts
Frozen or cracked batteries
Rodent damage from critters nesting inside
Mold and mildew from lingering moisture

And that’s just the start. Come spring, instead of firing up your mower and getting to work, you’ll be wrestling with repairs—or even shopping for a replacement. So yes, storage isn’t optional. It’s essential.

Can You Store a Lawn Mower in Winter? | Preparing Your Lawn Mower for Winter Storage

Yes, you can store a lawn mower in winter but how you do it makes all the difference.

Here are the detail guide to prepare your lawn mower for winter storage.

Cleaning the Mower Thoroughly

Before you even think about where to store it, the first step is giving your mower a thorough cleaning. Grass clippings, dirt, and moisture can accelerate rust and decay, especially on the undercarriage and blades.

Here’s a quick checklist:

Scrape off dried grass and mud from the deck
Wash the exterior with a hose (but avoid soaking the engine)
Wipe down with a dry cloth
Spray a light coating of WD-40 or other rust inhibitors on exposed metal parts

It’s not just about looks—cleaning your mower prevents corrosion, discourages pests, and keeps internal systems free from gunk.

Draining or Stabilizing the Fuel

Gasoline doesn’t stay fresh forever. In fact, it begins breaking down after just 30 days, forming deposits that can clog your mower’s carburetor and fuel lines. So, when storing a gas-powered mower, you’ve got two options:

Drain the tank completely
Use a fuel stabilizer to keep the gas fresh over winter

Draining is safest if you won’t touch the mower for months. Just run the engine until it dies, then open the gas cap to let any vapor escape. If you prefer to keep fuel in the tank, add a stabilizer and run the engine for 5 minutes to circulate it.

Whatever you do, never leave untreated fuel in the tank—it’s a guaranteed headache for spring.

Removing or Maintaining the Battery

If your mower is electric or has a battery-powered starter, you’ll want to deal with the battery before storing it. Cold weather is the enemy of battery life. It drains power and can even crack the casing if temperatures get too low.

What to do:

Remove the battery completely
Store it indoors in a dry, room-temperature place
Check it monthly and recharge if needed

If you leave the battery in the mower and let it sit cold and unused all winter, don’t be surprised if it’s completely dead by spring.

Ideal Storage Locations

Best Indoor Options | Garage or Shed

The best place to store a lawn mower during winter is somewhere dry, covered, and protected from the cold. Garages, sheds, or even basements (for electric mowers) are perfect.

Here’s what makes a good storage space:

Stable temperatures
Protection from snow, ice, and rain
No risk of water pooling under the machine
Enough ventilation to prevent moisture buildup

If possible, elevate the mower slightly using wood blocks or bricks. This prevents the tires and deck from sitting in moisture and reduces rust.

Can You Store It Outside?

If you have no choice but to store the mower outdoors, you’ll need to take extra precautions. Never leave a mower uncovered and exposed to the elements—that’s a recipe for rust and ruined parts.

Here’s how to store it safely outside:

Place it on a dry, hard surface (like concrete or a pallet)
Cover it tightly with a waterproof mower cover or heavy-duty tarp
Tie the cover down to prevent wind from lifting it
Avoid areas prone to flooding or snow drifts

While outdoor storage isn’t ideal, with the right setup and a good cover, it can work in a pinch.

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Protecting Your Mower from the Elements

Importance of a Cover or Tarp

If you’re storing your mower anywhere that’s not completely sealed from the weather—like a carport, lean-to, or backyard—you absolutely need a high-quality cover. This isn’t the time for cheap plastic or a trash bag. You want a breathable, waterproof mower cover or heavy-duty tarp that:

• Repels rain and snow

• Blocks UV rays (important even in winter)

• Allows moisture to escape to prevent mold and mildew

Why is breathability important? Because if moisture gets trapped under a non-breathable cover, it condenses inside and can cause rust on the metal parts and rot in rubber components. This defeats the purpose of covering it in the first place.

When securing the cover:

• Wrap it snugly around the mower

• Tie or bungee it down so wind doesn’t blow it off

• Avoid placing anything heavy on top that could bend or break parts

A good cover can be the difference between a mower that works in spring and one that’s corroded and unusable.

Keeping Moisture and Rodents Away

Moisture and rodents are your mower’s two biggest winter enemies. Even if the mower is indoors, uninvited critters and hidden dampness can sneak in and cause serious damage.

Rodent-proofing tips:

• Place mothballs or dryer sheets around and under the mower (rodents hate the smell)

• Consider placing steel wool in openings to block entry

• Elevate the mower slightly to prevent mice from nesting inside

Moisture-proofing tips:

• Don’t store your mower on grass or soil

• Put down a moisture barrier like a tarp or piece of plywood

• Use desiccant packs or moisture absorbers in enclosed sheds

Taking these steps helps ensure your mower doesn’t become a winter home for mice—or start spring covered in rust.

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How to Restart a Mower After Winter

Steps to Get It Running Smoothly

Spring arrives, and it’s finally time to mow again. But after months in storage, your mower might not jump to life on the first pull—or the tenth. Here’s how to prep it for restart:

1. Reconnect the spark plug

2. If fuel was drained, refill the tank with fresh gasoline

3. Reinstall or recharge the battery, if applicable

4. Check and top off engine oil

5. Inspect the air filter and clean or replace it

6. Tighten any loose bolts or parts

7. Prime the engine (if applicable), then pull the starter

A few pulls should get it running if everything is in order. If it doesn’t start, don’t panic. There may be a simple fix needed, like cleaning the carburetor or replacing the spark plug.

Troubleshooting Common Startup Issues

If your mower struggles or won’t start after winter, try these quick fixes:

• Check the fuel: Old or stale fuel? Drain and replace.

• Inspect the spark plug: Worn or dirty? Replace it.

• Air filter dirty? A clogged filter can choke the engine.

• Battery dead? Charge it fully or test for replacement.

• Carburetor gummed up? Clean it using a carb cleaner.

Taking 10–15 minutes to run through these checks can save you from expensive repairs or unnecessary replacement.

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Lawn Mower Storage Checklist

A Handy Summary for Easy Reference

Before winter hits, run through this checklist to make sure your mower is ready:

✅ Clean off all dirt, grass, and debris

✅ Drain or stabilize fuel (gas mowers)

✅ Change the oil (if needed)

✅ Remove and store the battery (electric mowers)

✅ Disconnect the spark plug

✅ Cover the mower with a waterproof tarp or breathable cover

✅ Store in a dry, protected area

✅ Rodent-proof and moisture-proof the storage area

✅ Elevate mower if stored on concrete or dirt

✅ Keep your owner’s manual handy for spring startup

With this checklist, your mower will be safe, dry, and ready to fire up the minute spring rolls around.

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Conclusion

Storing a lawn mower in winter isn’t just something you can do—it’s something you absolutely should do if you want to protect your investment. Whether you own a gas-powered mower, a cordless electric model, or a hybrid, proper winter storage extends the life of your equipment, saves you money on repairs, and ensures a smooth startup come spring.

The key lies in preparation. Clean your mower thoroughly, handle the fuel or battery properly, store it in a dry, secure location, and keep moisture and pests at bay. Taking a bit of time in the fall to follow these simple steps will pay off in a big way when the grass starts growing again.

So yes, you can store your lawn mower in winter—but do it the right way. Think of it like putting your mower into hibernation. Tuck it in, keep it safe, and it’ll wake up ready to roll when the sun comes back out.

FAQs

1. Can I leave my lawn mower outside during winter if I cover it?

Yes, but only if it’s done correctly. Use a waterproof, breathable cover and place the mower on a dry, elevated surface like a pallet. Avoid storing it directly on grass or soil, and make sure the area isn’t prone to pooling water or snowdrifts.

2. Should I drain all the gas from my mower before storing it?

Ideally, yes—especially if the mower will sit for more than 30 days. Old gas can gum up the carburetor and fuel lines. If you prefer not to drain it, use a fuel stabilizer and run the mower for a few minutes to circulate it through the system.

3. Can I store my electric lawn mower in a cold garage?

Yes, you can store the mower itself in a cold garage, but remove the battery and keep it inside your home where temperatures are stable. Cold temperatures can damage the battery or reduce its lifespan significantly.

4. What happens if I forget to clean my mower before storage?

Dirt, grass clippings, and moisture left on the mower can cause rust and corrosion, especially on the undercarriage and blades. It can also attract pests. Always clean your mower thoroughly before storing it for the winter.

5. Do I need to change the oil before storing my mower?

It’s a good idea to change the oil at the end of the season, especially if it’s dirty or hasn’t been changed in a while. Old oil can become acidic and damage internal engine components during storage.