| Question | Can You Wash an Electric Lawnmower? |
| Answer | Yes, But With Caution |
| More Info | 1. Avoid Water Contact with Electrical Parts: Keep water away from the motor, battery, and wiring. 2. Use Damp Cloth: Wipe the exterior with a damp cloth instead of hosing down. 3. Dry Thoroughly: Ensure the mower is completely dry before storing or using it again. |
How to wash an electric lawnmower
Step-by-Step Guide to Washing an Electric Mower
Washing your electric mower is a simple but essential maintenance task that helps keep it in good working condition. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Tools and Materials You’ll Need:
- Garden hose with a spray nozzle attachment
- Mild detergent or dish soap
- Bucket
- Soft-bristle brush or sponge
- Towel or cloth
- Optional: degreaser (for greasy areas)
Step 1: Preparation
- Ensure the electric mower is turned off and unplugged from the power source.
- Park the mower on a level surface, ideally a driveway or an area where runoff won’t harm your lawn.
Step 2: Remove Debris
- Before washing, remove any visible grass clippings, leaves, or debris from the mower’s deck and blade area using a brush or your hands.
Step 3: Dilute Detergent
- In a bucket, mix a mild detergent or dish soap with water to create a soapy solution. For greasy spots, consider using a degreaser following its instructions.
Step 4: Soak and Scrub
- Dip a soft-bristle brush or sponge into the soapy solution and gently scrub the mower’s deck, paying extra attention to areas with dried-on grass or dirt.
- If the blade is caked with grass, use the soapy water to clean it as well. Ensure you wear protective gloves if handling the blade.
Step 5: Rinse
- Using a garden hose with a spray nozzle attachment, rinse off the soap and debris from the mower’s deck and blade area. Make sure to remove all soap residue.
Step 6: Dry Thoroughly
- Use a clean towel or cloth to dry the mower’s exterior thoroughly, ensuring no moisture remains on the deck or other components.
Step 7: Inspect and Maintain
- After cleaning and drying, inspect the electric mower for any loose or damaged parts. Tighten any loose bolts or nuts and replace any damaged components as needed.
- Periodically, lubricate moving parts, such as the wheels, with appropriate lubricants to maintain smooth operation.
Step 8: Reassemble and Store
- Reassemble any components that were removed during cleaning, such as the blade cover or discharge chute.
- Store your electric mower in a dry, protected area, away from direct sunlight and moisture.
Washability is definitely a plus for a gas mower when comparing electric and gas mowers.
How to clean your electric lawn mower without water
Step 1: Safety First
- Ensure the electric mower is turned off and unplugged from the power source to avoid any accidents.
Step 2: Remove Loose Debris
- Use a bristle brush or an old toothbrush to gently sweep and remove loose grass clippings, dirt, and debris from the mower’s deck, blade area, and any other accessible parts. Be thorough in your cleaning.
Step 3: Vacuum Cleaning
- Attach a brush accessory to your vacuum cleaner.
- Carefully vacuum the mower’s deck, blade, and other parts to remove fine debris and dust. Pay extra attention to crevices and hard-to-reach areas.
Step 4: Degrease If Necessary
- For greasy areas, you can apply a degreaser following its instructions. Be cautious not to allow any degreaser to come into contact with the electrical components.
Step 5: Compressed Air (Optional)
- If you have compressed air, you can use it to blow away stubborn debris or dust from hard-to-reach areas. This step is optional but can be helpful.
Step 6: Dry Cloth
- Use a dry cloth or towel to wipe down the mower’s exterior and any cleaned parts to remove remaining dust or residue. Ensure that all surfaces are dry.
Step 7: Blade Inspection
- Carefully inspect the mower’s blade for any damage or signs of wear. If needed, sharpen or replace the blade following manufacturer recommendations.
Step 8: Reassemble and Store
- Reassemble any components that were removed during cleaning.
- Store your electric mower in a dry, protected area away from direct sunlight and moisture.
Look out for a washout port
Most modern lawn mowers come with a washout port fitted, which can be used to clean the mower. Many lawn mower owners aren’t aware of this nifty feature.
All you need to do is remove your lawnmower’s grass bag and take it to a paved area. You can then lower the deck height and connect a hose to the washout port. Turn the hose on and start your mower, run the blade until the water runs clear.
This technique may leave a green mess on your patio, so you’ll need to hose it down before it dries. Then leave the lawnmower outside in the sun to dry.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are a few different ways to wash an electric lawn mower. It’s never a good idea to use a pressure washer as these forces water into the bearings and underseals, which then creates rust.
It will also wash away vital grease on the axles and cause your mower to wear out prematurely.