{"id":15452,"date":"2019-09-04T23:15:09","date_gmt":"2019-09-05T02:15:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/?p=15452"},"modified":"2026-10-21T05:17:12","modified_gmt":"2026-10-21T08:17:12","slug":"how-to-winterize-lawn-mower","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-equipment\/how-to-winterize-lawn-mower\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Winterize Your Lawn Mower: 10 Simple Steps"},"content":{"rendered":"<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes has-medium-font-size\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Key Takeaways<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>\u2022 <strong>To winterize your lawn mower<\/strong>, manage the fuel, change the oil, clean the deck, service the spark plug and air filter, and store it somewhere dry.<br>\u2022 <strong>Fuel is the biggest risk<\/strong>: Either drain the tank completely or fill it with stabilized fuel. Untreated gas can start gumming up the fuel system in about a month.<br>\u2022 <strong>Electric and battery mowers<\/strong> still need winterizing, but you skip the fuel, oil, spark plug, and air filter steps and focus on the battery and storage.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Winter is coming, and your mower deserves some care before it hibernates. Proper lawn mower winterization involves a handful of steps, including removing or stabilizing fuel, sharpening blades, and servicing the spark plug, oil, and air filter.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This guide walks you through all 10 steps in order, explains why each one matters, and covers how the process changes for electric mowers. Do it once each fall, and your mower should start easily and last longer.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you would rather skip the wrench work, you can hand the mowing and the upkeep that comes with it to <a href=\"https:\/\/signup-web.lawnstarter.com\/cart\/contact-info?intent=mowing\">LawnStarter&#8217;s local mowing pros<\/a>.<\/p>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-table-of-contents-block ub_table-of-contents\" id=\"ub_table-of-contents-bd8ff9de-dffe-4ef0-9e96-bc79f61f7e39\" data-linktodivider=\"false\" data-showtext=\"show\" data-hidetext=\"hide\" data-scrolltype=\"auto\" data-enablesmoothscroll=\"false\" data-initiallyhideonmobile=\"false\" data-initiallyshow=\"true\"><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header\" style=\"text-align: left; \"> \t\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-title\" style=\"\">In this article:<\/div> \t\t\t\t \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-extra-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-container ub_table-of-contents-1-column\"> \t\t\t\t<ul style=\"\"><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-equipment\/how-to-winterize-lawn-mower\/#0-do-you-need-to-winterize-your-lawn-mower\" style=\"\">Do You Need to Winterize Your Lawn Mower?<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-equipment\/how-to-winterize-lawn-mower\/#1-how-to-winterize-your-lawn-mower-step-by-step\" style=\"\">How to Winterize Your Lawn Mower Step by Step<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-equipment\/how-to-winterize-lawn-mower\/#12-faqs\" style=\"\">FAQs<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>   <figure class=\"wp-block-table aligncenter is-style-stripes has-medium-font-size\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Project difficulty: <\/strong>Intermediate<br><strong>Estimated time to complete:<\/strong> 1 hour for electric mowers; 2 to 4 hours for gas-powered mowers<br><strong>Project cost:<\/strong> Electric mowers have minimal winterization costs related to the engine; gas-powered mowers typically cost around <strong>$30 to $40<\/strong> to DIY. For all mowers, the cost to sharpen or replace the blades ranges from <strong>$5 to $40<\/strong>. Expect to pay <strong>$100 to $200<\/strong> for professional winterization, depending on the type of mower.&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <h2 id=\"0-do-you-need-to-winterize-your-lawn-mower\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do You Need to Winterize Your Lawn Mower?<\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes, winterizing your lawn mower is a non-negotiable, especially if you own a gas mower.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A little end-of-season care pays off with an easy spring start and a mower that lasts longer. Electric and battery mowers need attention too, but the checklist is shorter. You can skip the fuel, oil, spark plug, and air filter steps, cutting your winterization tasks by about half.<\/p>    <h2 id=\"1-how-to-winterize-your-lawn-mower-step-by-step\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Winterize Your Lawn Mower Step by Step<\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Set aside an afternoon and work through these 10 steps in order. The first few double as safety measures, so complete them before the rest.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"2-1-take-out-the-battery\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Take Out the Battery<\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you have an electric mower, or your gas-powered mower has an electric start, begin by removing the battery. First disconnect the negative (black) terminal, followed by the positive (red).<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Battery preparation varies slightly depending on the type:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p>Remove any corrosion from lead-acid terminals using a wire brush and a baking soda and water solution.&nbsp;<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Check the electrolyte levels on non-sealed batteries (common on riding mowers), and top off with distilled water if necessary.<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Then store the battery in a cool, dry place, ideally somewhere it will not freeze. A lead-acid battery slowly loses charge in storage, so a battery tender or trickle charger is a handy way to keep it topped off over the winter. For lithium-ion batteries, store them at a charge level between 50% and 80%.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"3-2-replace-the-spark-plug\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Replace the Spark Plug<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/replace-spark-plug.jpg\" alt=\"Hand holding dirty spark plug removed from lawn mower engine, showing essential maintenance step for reliable ignition and performance. \"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Dirty spark plug removed from lawn mower engine. Photo Credit: Derek Lacey \/ LawnStarter<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>To<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-change-lawn-mower-spark-plugs\/\">change the spark plug<\/a>:<\/p>    <ol class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p>Disconnect the spark plug wire, and remove the old spark plug using a special spark plug socket (which is longer) or a spark plug wrench tool.&nbsp;<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Check the gap on the new plug, and use a gapping tool so it matches your manual&#8217;s specifications.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Hand-tighten the new plug, and then give it another quarter-turn with the wrench. Don&#8217;t overtighten it or you&#8217;ll strip the threads.<\/p><\/li> <\/ol>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Do not reconnect the spark plug wire until spring.<\/strong><\/p>    <h3 id=\"4-3-remove-or-stabilize-the-fuel\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Remove or Stabilize the Fuel<\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Over time, fuel degrades, and the gummy residue can clog fuel lines and filters, causing big problems. Most pump gas today contains <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.okstate.edu\/fact-sheets\/ethanol-gasoline-blends-and-small-engines\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ethanol blends<\/a>, which can be tougher on the rubber and gaskets in older mower engines.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the most important winterizing steps is to drain the mower&#8217;s fuel completely or add stabilizer to the gas tank.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-drain-gas-from-lawn-mower\/\">drain the fuel<\/a> a few different ways: using a siphon pump, tipping the mower, or disconnecting the fuel line. If using a stabilizer, add the recommended amount to a full tank and then run the mower for 10 minutes. Do not put this step off, because untreated gas can <a href=\"https:\/\/www.weingartz.com\/expert-advice\/2017\/02\/does-lawn-mower-gasoline-expire\/?srsltid=AU7gw4UVE1Nb2yiJg7l4w6v4D3lst2yxIiRnLomxvNisDbfhTKc6Ze4h\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">begin to degrade<\/a> in as little as 30 days.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is advice the pros live by. As Chelsea Morris, owner of High-Class Grass in Virginia Beach, Virginia, says, &#8220;Make sure you keep good fuel in the mower.&#8221;<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Drain the Fuel<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Add Stabilizer<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Best for long storage or when you cannot run treated fuel through the engine. Removes the gas that gums up carburetors.<\/td><td>Best when you want the mower ready to run. Keeps a full tank from degrading and blocks moisture and rust.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <h3 id=\"5-4-clean-your-mower-thoroughly\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Clean Your Mower Thoroughly<\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cleaning your mower makes it easier to winterize, plus storing it clean helps prevent rust and corrosion.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I like to start with the toughest job first, which is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-equipment\/best-way-to-clean-lawn-mower-deck\/\">cleaning the underside of the deck<\/a>. Prop one side of the mower up (I put chunks of wood under it), and remove the blades. Use a plastic scraper or putty knife to remove as much of the buildup as you can.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>My Tip: <\/em><\/strong><em>If the bottom of the deck is really bad, soak the grass with the hose, and then try to scrape it off.<\/em><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Then hose everything down, keeping water away from the engine, air filter, and electrical components. Use a soft scrub brush to remove caked-on dirt. Let everything dry, and then coat it with a thin layer of WD-40.&nbsp;<\/p>    <h3 id=\"6-5-sharpen-the-blades\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Sharpen the Blades<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/sharpen-lawn-mower-blade.webp\" alt=\"Lawnmower blade being sharpened with drill attachment.\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Sharpening lawn mower blade with drill attachment. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/in\/images\/lawnmower-blade-being-sharpened-with-drill-attachment\/807338306\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Benjamin Clapp<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Since you removed the blades to clean under the deck, inspect them for nicks, cracks, or excessive wear. If they are good for another year of use, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-equipment\/how-to-sharpen-lawn-mower-blades\/\">sharpen them<\/a> and reinstall. If they are not in good condition, buy a new pair to put on the mower.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>See Related: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-equipment\/how-often-should-you-sharpen-mower-blades\/\">How Often Should You Sharpen Lawn Mower Blades?<\/a><\/p>    <h3 id=\"7-6-change-the-engine-oil\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Change the Engine Oil<\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Changing your mower\u2019s oil is an essential maintenance task, especially before winter storage. Morris recommends checking and changing it twice as often as the manufacturer recommends, a habit she learned from her father. <\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cEven with your vehicle, if you change your oil just as it\u2019s recommended, that\u2019ll put half the mechanic shops out of business,\u201d she says.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>My Tip: <\/em><\/strong><em>Run the mower for a few minutes to warm the oil and make it easier to drain.<\/em><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Place an oil pan underneath or next to the mower, and then remove the drain plug or tip the mower (with the spark plug and gas cap side up) to empty the oil.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Replace the oil filter if your mower has one, and fill the mower with the correct type of oil. Your manual should tell you what to use. Most mowers use a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.briggsandstratton.com\/en-us\/support\/faqs\/mower-oil-type-and-capacity\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">thinner oil<\/a>, typically SAE 30 or 10W-30.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>Note: <\/em><\/strong><em>Avoid using car oil in your mower, and use a small engine oil designed for lawn mower engines instead. Car oil is formulated for the high temperatures and vibration of automotive motors. It will work in a pinch, but you risk engine damage and voiding your warranty.<\/em><\/p>    <h3 id=\"8-7-service-the-air-filter\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. Service the Air Filter<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/lawn-mower-repair.jpeg\" alt=\"Male landscaper replacing air filter on gas powered lawn mower. Checking air cleaner filter for proper maintenance.\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Replacing air filter on gas-powered lawn mower. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/in\/images\/male-landscaper-replacing-air-filter-on-gas-powered-lawn-mower-checking-air-cleaner-filter-for-proper-maintenance\/292544319\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Scott Habermann<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-equipment\/how-to-clean-change-lawn-mower-air-filter\/\">Remove the air filter<\/a> (only on gas-powered mowers) and inspect it carefully. A dirty, clogged filter restricts airflow, making your mower work harder.<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p>Paper filters should be replaced if they are dirty or damaged. Never try to clean them with water.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Foam filters can be washed in warm, soapy water, squeezed dry, and then lightly oiled with engine oil.&nbsp;<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <h3 id=\"9-8-check-belts-and-cables\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">8. Check Belts and Cables<\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Give everything a once-over, making sure the belts on riding mowers and any cables (throttle, choke, pull-start) are not frayed or worn. Replace anything that shows excessive wear.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"10-9-lubricate-moving-parts\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">9. Lubricate Moving Parts<\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lubrication keeps the mower&#8217;s moving parts operating smoothly, preventing seized parts that can be costly to repair.<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p>Apply a thin coating of a light machine oil or spray lubricant like WD-40 to cables, pivot points, and other moving components. Pay special attention to wheel bearings and height adjustment mechanisms. Do not forget the choke and throttle linkages on gas mowers.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Pump grease fittings (if your mower has them) with fresh grease until it expels the old grease.<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After everything is lubricated, wipe off excess lubricant to prevent dirt accumulation.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"11-10-prepare-for-storage\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">10. Prepare for Storage<\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The best storage location is a clean, level spot that is away from moisture and protected from temperature extremes. It should be well-ventilated and away from heat sources.<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p>If your mower handle folds down and you need to conserve space, fold it down.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Place cardboard under inflatable tires to prevent flat spots.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Cover your mower with a breathable tarp or a specially designed mower cover.&nbsp;<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you have no choice but to store it in a damp area, purchase some moisture absorbers to place around it.<\/p>    <h2 id=\"12-faqs\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">FAQs<\/h2>    <div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-17887853413988010\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">When Should You Winterize Your Lawn Mower?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Start winterizing just after you are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/when-stop-mowing-lawn-before-winter\/\">done mowing for the season<\/a>, which is typically late fall, just before the first hard frost for your area. Do not wait until it is freezing cold and uncomfortable to work outside, even in your garage or shed.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-17887853413988971\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How Do You Start a Lawn Mower After Winter Storage?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Reconnect the spark plug wire and battery, check the oil level, and make sure the fuel is fresh, adding new gas if the tank sat untreated. If you prepped the mower following the steps above, it should fire right up in spring.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-17887853413989085\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How Long Can You Store a Mower With Fuel Stabilizer?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">A high-quality <a href=\"https:\/\/www.goldeagle.com\/product\/sta-bil-fuel-stabilizer\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">fuel stabilizer<\/a> claims it can keep gas fresh for up to 24 months, but by about the one-year mark, even stabilized fuel will start to degrade.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-17887853413989519\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What&#8217;s the Difference Between Fuel Stabilizer and Octane Booster?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Fuel stabilizer prevents stored gas from degrading and becoming gummy. Octane booster improves a fuel&#8217;s resistance to detonation in high-performance engines, minimizing knocking and preventing engine damage from low-octane fuel.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>    <h2 id=\"13-turn-to-the-pros-for-help\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Turn to the Pros for Help<\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As sure as winter comes each year, you will need to prep your lawn mower for storage. Do not just leave it parked outside after the final cut of the year. Take an afternoon or two to winterize it so it will work better come spring and last longer.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If mechanical work is not your forte, contact a local <a href=\"https:\/\/signup-web.lawnstarter.com\/cart\/contact-info?intent=mowing\">LawnStarter mowing pro<\/a> to take care of the mowing (and the resulting lawn mower maintenance) instead.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Main Image: Winterize your lawn mower and change the spark plugs. Image Credit: Derek Lacey \/ LawnStarter<\/p><div class=\"ays-arp-under-posts-container ays-arp-elegant-layout related-posts\" id=\"ays-arp-under-posts-container-15452-6ae0594e7cc70\"  data-id=\"6ae0594e7cc70\" data-ratio=\"1\"><h2 class=\"ays-arp-under-posts-container-title\">Related Posts:<\/h2><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"ays-arp-id-6ae0594e7cc70\" value=\"15452\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-posts\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-header\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-img-row\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-equipment\/lawn-mower-maintenance\/\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-link\"  ><img src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/mower-maintenance-768x512.jpeg?wsr\" alt=\"Man repairs a red lawn mower indoors, holding a wheel and examining parts on a workbench under windows today alone.\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-img\"><img 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class=\"ays-arp-under-post-read-more-row\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-equipment\/how-often-should-you-sharpen-mower-blades\/\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-link\"  ><span class=\"ays-arp-under-post-read-more\">Read more<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-header\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-img-row\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-equipment\/how-to-use-sod-cutter\/\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-link\"  ><img src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/cutted-sods-768x545.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Rolls of freshly cut sod on a lawn.\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-img\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/cutted-sods-768x545.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Rolls of freshly cut sod on a lawn.\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-img ays-arp-under-post-img-mobile\"><\/a><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-content\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-title-row\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-equipment\/how-to-use-sod-cutter\/\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-link\"  >How to Use a Sod Cutter: Complete...<\/a><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-read-more-row\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-equipment\/how-to-use-sod-cutter\/\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-link\"  ><span class=\"ays-arp-under-post-read-more\">Read more<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-header\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-img-row\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-equipment\/charge-lawn-mower-batteries\/\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-link\"  ><img src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/rsz_shutterstock-1340705408-mower-battery-1-768x512.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Green 56V battery pack sits beside cordless yard tool near lawn mower wheel on grass, ready for outdoor work.\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-img\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/rsz_shutterstock-1340705408-mower-battery-1-768x512.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Green 56V battery pack sits beside cordless yard tool near lawn mower wheel on grass, ready for outdoor work.\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-img ays-arp-under-post-img-mobile\"><\/a><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-content\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-title-row\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-equipment\/charge-lawn-mower-batteries\/\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-link\"  >How to Charge and Maintain Lawn Mower...<\/a><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-read-more-row\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-equipment\/charge-lawn-mower-batteries\/\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-link\"  ><span class=\"ays-arp-under-post-read-more\">Read more<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-header\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-img-row\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-equipment\/reel-mower-vs-rotary-mower\/\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-link\"  ><img src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Reel-Mower-vs.-Rotary-Mower-768x512.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"side by side image of reel mower and rotary mower\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-img\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Reel-Mower-vs.-Rotary-Mower-768x512.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"side by side image of reel mower and rotary mower\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-img ays-arp-under-post-img-mobile\"><\/a><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-content\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-title-row\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-equipment\/reel-mower-vs-rotary-mower\/\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-link\"  >Reel Mower vs. Rotary Mower: Which Is...<\/a><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-read-more-row\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-equipment\/reel-mower-vs-rotary-mower\/\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-link\"  ><span class=\"ays-arp-under-post-read-more\">Read more<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">\n            #ays-arp-under-posts-container-15452-6ae0594e7cc70 {\n                width: 100%;\n                word-break: break-word;\n            }\n\n            #ays-arp-under-posts-container-15452-6ae0594e7cc70 .ays-arp-under-post {\n                width: calc(20% - 10px);\n                overflow: hidden;\n                padding: 10px;\n                border: none;\n            }\n\n            #ays-arp-under-posts-container-15452-6ae0594e7cc70 .ays-arp-under-post-img-row .ays-arp-under-post-img {\n\t\t\t    object-fit: contain;\n\t\t\t    object-position:center center;\n           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winter.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":52,"featured_media":141081,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1978],"tags":[1980],"class_list":["post-15452","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-lawn-care-equipment","tag-lawn-care-equipment"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/winterize-mower.jpg?wsr","author_info":{"display_name":"Amanda Shiffler","author_link":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/author\/amanda-shiffler\/"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How to Winterize Your Lawn Mower: 10 Simple Steps<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn how to winterize your lawn mower in 10 simple steps, from draining or stabilizing fuel to changing the oil, sharpening blades, and storing for winter.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-equipment\/how-to-winterize-lawn-mower\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to Winterize Your Lawn Mower: 10 Simple Steps\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Learn how to winterize your lawn mower in 10 simple steps, from draining or stabilizing fuel to changing the oil, sharpening blades, and storing for winter.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-equipment\/how-to-winterize-lawn-mower\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Lawnstarter\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2019-09-05T02:15:09+00:00\" \/>\n<meta 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With a master's degree in agriculture and more than a decade of experience gardening and tending to her lawn, she combines her plant knowledge and knack for writing to share what she knows and loves.\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/author\\\/amanda-shiffler\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/lawn-care-equipment\\\/how-to-winterize-lawn-mower\\\/#faq-question-17887853413988010\",\"position\":1,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/lawn-care-equipment\\\/how-to-winterize-lawn-mower\\\/#faq-question-17887853413988010\",\"name\":\"When Should You Winterize Your Lawn Mower?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Start winterizing just after you are <a href=\\\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/lawn-care-2\\\/when-stop-mowing-lawn-before-winter\\\/\\\">done mowing for the season<\\\/a>, which is typically late fall, just before the first hard frost for your area. 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