How to Clean the Underside of a Lawn Mower Deck
Cleaning the underside of a lawn mower deck involves hiring a professional lawn mower cleaner or cleaning it by hand. While most lawn mower deck cleaning services cost around $10 to $40, it's easy to do it yourself. Mowrator has outlined the best way to clean a mower deck, whether you have a push mower or a sophisticated remote control lawn mower like the Mowrator S1 4WD.
Key Takeaways
- Cleaning the underside of a lawn mower deck improves performance, prevents rust, and reduces clumping, fungal diseases, and engine wear.
- Push mowers, riding mowers, and electric mowers require specific cleaning methods, with electric mowers needing dry cleaning to avoid water damage.
- Regular cleaning is recommended after each use or at least twice per season, with professional users cleaning every 25–50 hours.
What are the Benefits of Cleaning My Lawn Mower Deck?
You can expect to enjoy several benefits from consistently and thoroughly cleaning your lawn mower deck, including:
- Minimizes clumping and uneven grass cutting.
- Improves mulching, bagging, and discharging capabilities.
- Offers proper airflow.
- Prevents rust formation along the mower deck and blades.
- Reduces wear and tear on the engine.
- Reduces fungal diseases spreading between lawns.
- Increases safe operability of its components.
How Often Should You Clean the Underside of Your Lawn Mower?
You should clean the underside of your lawn mower after each use to prevent grass clippings, dirt, and moisture from accumulating and hardening on the deck. At a minimum, experts recommend cleaning the deck at least twice per mowing season, with additional cleanings needed if you mow in wet conditions or have a larger yard. For professional or frequent users, cleaning should be performed every 25–50 hours to maintain optimal performance and prevent rust formation.
How to Clean the Underside of Your Lawn Mower Deck
The best way to clean your mower deck will depend on the lawn mower you plan to clean. Push mowers, riding mowers, and electric lawn mowers all have differences that make accessing their underside easier or more difficult.
| Type of Lawn Mower | Cleaning Process Differences |
|---|---|
| Push Mower | After disconnecting the spark plug, tilt on the side with the air filter up and use a garden hose or washout port to clean the underside, followed by scraping with a plastic tool. |
| Riding Mower | Park on a level surface, use a hydraulic jack or ramps to elevate, clean with a garden hose through the washout port while running blades, or remove the deck for thorough cleaning. |
| Electric Lawn Mower | Remove battery, use only dry cleaning methods like compressed air, brushes, or damp cloth, and never use water near electrical components or motor housing. |
How to Clean the Underside of a Push Mower
You can clean the underside of a push mower, either by using a washout port or manually. We'll be covering both methods for you to follow.
Washout Port
- Connect your garden hose to the washout port
- Turn on the water and start your engine
- Run until clippings stop appearing
- Let your mower run a few minutes after to completely dry
Manual Cleaning
- Use a garden hose to spray the underside of the push mower
- Remove any stubborn debris with plastic scraper
- Avoid using a pressure washer, as it can damage your mower's components
How to Clean the Underside of a Riding Mower
Cleaning under a riding lawn mower deck is about the same as a push mower, although it requires raising the riding mower off the ground to access the underside. To do this, you can use a hydraulic jack or ramps to elevate the mower. Once you've elevated the riding mower, follow these instructions:
- Spray with a garden hose to loosen any accumulated debris
- Use a plastic scraper or putty knife to remove buildup
- Avoid using a metal scrape, which can damage the paint coating
- Clean around the mower blades and discharge areas
- Inspect for any gatherings of rust and/or damage
How to Clean the Underside of an Electric Lawn Mower
To clean the underside of an electric lawn mower, it's sometimes better not to use water. You can use the dry cleaning approach to limit the chances of water damage to the delicate electric circuitry and battery on the underside of the mower.
- Use a leaf blower or compressed air to remove any loose debris
- Utilize a plastic scraper to remove the stuck-on grass
- Apply your brush to clean the stubborn areas
- Wipe with a dry cloth to finish
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FAQs on How to Clean the Underside of a Lawn Mower Deck
Which way do you tip a lawn mower to clean underneath?
The safest way to tip a lawn mower is to tilt it backward with the handle pointing toward the ground, or tip it on its side with the carburetor and air filter facing up. This position prevents oil from entering the carburetor, air filter, or exhaust system while providing reasonable access to clean under the deck.
Can I spray the bottom of my lawn mower?
You can spray the underside of your lawn mower with a garden hose, but first, ensure you've removed the battery (for electric mowers) or disconnected the spark plug (for gas mowers) and let the mower dry completely before its next use. Use a dedicated washout port if your mower has one for optimal cleaning, or tilt the mower with the air filter side up when spraying to prevent water damage to sensitive components.
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