When the weather warms up, and your lawn begins to grow, the lawn mower becomes one of the most essential tools in your garden care routine. However, after you’ve finished mowing the lawn, the question of where to store the mower often arises. Many people opt to store their lawn mower in the garage, but is this the best and safest option?
In this article, we’ll explore whether it’s safe to store a lawn mower in the garage, the best practices for storing it, and alternatives for proper storage to ensure your mower remains in good condition for years to come.
Is It Safe To Store A Lawn Mower In The Garage?
Storing your lawn mower in the garage is a common practice, but it comes with certain risks and considerations. Let’s take a closer look at whether it’s safe and what factors to keep in mind.
Temperature And Humidity
One of the biggest concerns when storing your lawn mower in the garage is the temperature and humidity. Most garages, especially those attached to homes, can fluctuate significantly in temperature, especially during seasonal changes. These fluctuations can negatively affect your mower, leading to rust, corrosion, and other damage to the metal parts of the machine.
Humidity is another factor to be wary of. If your garage tends to be damp or gets exposed to rain or snow, the excess moisture can cause parts of the mower to rust or degrade over time. This is particularly true for the blades and engine parts that are frequently exposed to water when you mow.
Gasoline And Fuel Storage
Another concern when storing a lawn mower in the garage is the fuel. Gasoline can be highly flammable, and garages often have little ventilation. If you leave fuel in the mower and store it in an enclosed space like a garage, you increase the risk of a fire. Even small fumes from leftover gasoline can ignite in the presence of a spark or heat source.
To mitigate this risk, it’s essential to drain the fuel before storing the mower for an extended period. If draining the gas isn’t feasible, using a fuel stabilizer can help prevent the gas from deteriorating, reducing the flammability risk. You can also store the mower with the gas tank sealed and the engine off to minimize risks.
Space Constraints And Maneuverability
If your garage is already filled with other tools, vehicles, or storage items, maneuvering the lawn mower in and out of the space can be challenging. In smaller garages, the mower may be exposed to impacts from other objects, which can lead to dents, scratches, and other damage.
Additionally, if you don’t have proper shelving or storage racks for your mower, it might be left lying around in an awkward position, potentially damaging sensitive parts. You can reduce these risks by making sure the mower is properly stored on a shelf or stand, keeping it away from any other equipment or vehicles.
Best Practices For Storing Your Lawn Mower In The Garage
While storing a lawn mower in the garage can be safe, there are several best practices you should follow to ensure the mower stays in top condition. Here’s a guide to the best way to store your mower in the garage:
Clean the Mower Before Storage
Before storing your mower, it’s essential to clean it thoroughly. Grass clippings, dirt, and debris can build up on the mower and lead to rust and deterioration. Cleaning the mower also helps prevent mould or fungus growth on the wheels, engine, and blade. You can use a hose or a pressure washer to clean the mower’s exterior, but avoid getting the engine wet.
If your mower has a bagging system, make sure to empty it before storage. Leaving grass clippings in the bag can create a breeding ground for bacteria, mould, and pests.
Drain Or Stabilize The Fuel
As mentioned earlier, gasoline is highly flammable, and leaving it in your mower while it’s stored in a garage can be dangerous. The best practice is to drain the fuel tank completely before storing your mower for the season. Alternatively, you can add a fuel stabilizer to prevent the gas from deteriorating, but it’s still advisable to empty the tank when possible.
If you’re storing the mower for an extended period, make sure the engine is completely off, and the gas cap is securely sealed to avoid fuel leaks or fumes.
Check The Oil And Air Filter
Before putting the mower away, check the oil level and the air filter. Old or dirty oil can gum up the engine, leading to performance issues when you next start the mower. Change the oil if necessary, and replace the air filter if it looks clogged or dirty. This maintenance can go a long way in ensuring your mower is ready to go when you need it next.
Store The Mower Properly
To keep the mower in good condition, you should store it in an upright position if possible. This prevents fuel leakage and helps protect the carburettor. If your garage is cramped, you may consider a mower rack or shelf to keep it elevated and off the floor.
If space is an issue, consider investing in a foldable or compact mower that takes up less space and can be more easily maneuvered in a small garage.
Alternative Storage Solutions For Your Lawn Mower
While the garage is a common choice for storing lawnmowers, there are alternative storage solutions that might be ideal, depending on your circumstances. These options can help mitigate some of the risks associated with garage storage.
Shed Or Outdoor Storage
If your garage is too crowded or prone to temperature extremes, a shed can be an excellent option for storing your mower. Outdoor sheds are specifically designed to provide ample space and protection for garden tools and equipment. Many sheds come with proper ventilation, which helps keep the mower dry and in good condition.
When storing your mower in a shed, ensure the structure is waterproof and well-ventilated. A shed that retains moisture can lead to rust and damage over time, so ventilation is crucial. Additionally, you might want to install a shelf or stand inside the shed to keep the mower off the ground.
Mower Covers
Another solution for protecting your mower while it’s stored in a garage or shed is to use a mower cover. Mower covers are made from durable, weather-resistant material and can protect your mower from dust, dirt, and moisture. These covers are particularly helpful if your storage space isn’t completely sealed or if you only need to store the mower temporarily in a space that isn’t ideal for long-term storage.
Carport Or Covered Patio
If you don’t have enough space in your garage, you might consider a carport or covered patio as an alternative storage space. These structures offer protection from the elements while still allowing the mower to be exposed to some air circulation. Make sure that the area is safe from direct sunlight, as prolonged exposure to the sun can cause wear and tear on rubber components, like tires and handles.
Conclusion
Storing a lawn mower in the garage is generally safe, but it requires taking the right precautions to prevent damage from temperature fluctuations, humidity, and the presence of gasoline. By following best practices such as cleaning the mower, draining the fuel, and ensuring proper ventilation, you can safely store your mower in the garage.
If you’re concerned about the risks, alternative storage options, like a shed or outdoor cover, can help ensure your mower stays in excellent condition for many seasons. Ultimately, the most important thing is to keep your mower clean, dry and well-maintained to ensure it continues to perform effectively when you need it. Proper storage can extend the life of your mower and keep your lawn looking its best throughout the year.
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