Do’s and Don’ts of Lawn Mower Storage

Having a lawn mower is a huge help when maintaining your yard, but let’s face it—figuring out how and where to store it can be a pain. Maybe your shed is already packed to the brim with gardening tools. Or perhaps you don’t know how to winterize your mower for the off-season. 

The good news is that we’re here to help. 

Below, our guide covers everything you need to know about lawn mower storage solutions. Whether you have a hardy riding lawn mower or a simple push mower, we provide top-notch advice on everything from storing your mower to keeping it in good condition while in storage. 

Read the Owner’s Manual

The first step in our how to store a lawn mower guide is reviewing the owner’s manual. While reading about your lawn mower might seem like a bore, it could mean the difference between you having a functional lawn mower versus a malfunctioning one.

Your manual will tell you key information about your lawn mower, such as specific cleaning and storing instructions and recommendations based on the particular make and model. For instance, many gas-powered lawn mowers shouldn’t be stored vertically because they can leak fuel and oil. Meanwhile, vertical storage solutions are no problem for electronic or push mowers that don’t use gas. 

Knowing these details can help determine which lawn mower storage idea is best for your situation. 

Store in a Cool, Dry Place

Now that you have a better idea of the kind of lawn mower storage you need, you can start brainstorming where you want to keep it when it’s not in use. First and foremost, you’ll want a cool, dry place. This is because changing and extreme weather conditions and temperatures can rust, corrode, or melt elements of your mower. 

In our next few tips, we’ll discuss some viable lawn mower storage ideas.

Don’t Overlook the Space You Already Have

Begin by assessing your space. Do you have a garage? What about a shed? These both are prime places to store your lawn mower. 

So, how do you store a lawn mower in the garage? When it comes to lawn mower garage storage, first look at the corners and see if there is an empty space where you can easily tuck your lawn mower. If you’re low on space, look into wall or ceiling hangers or garage lifts, but again, consult the owner’s manual to ensure your mower can be stored in this fashion. 

The shed is another great option. Just like your garage, you’ll want to clear a space for it. You also need a spot that is easily accessible, so you don’t have to move anything in and out every time you want to reach it. 

Depending on the make and model of your mower, you might turn to wall hangers or shelving options. But regardless of where you ultimately store it in your shed, be sure to cover it with a tarp or other cloth.

Check Out Lawnmower Storage Containers

If you don’t have your own garage or shed—or the space to accommodate a bulky lawn mower indoors—another option is to look into outdoor lawn mower storage containers. These plastic boxes are designed specifically to hold lawn mowers. 

If you decide to go this route, you’ll still want to wrap your mower in a tarp or cover. Also, be mindful of weather conditions, especially extreme heat, as it could potentially warp or melt the plastic while increasing the temperatures inside the box. 

Don’t Store Outside Without a Cover

Some people prefer to store their lawn mowers outside on their property. We don’t recommend doing this if you plan on storing it in a high-traffic location, but if you have a separate area where you can stash it away, then it might work for you. 

Make sure you pick up a heavy-duty tarp or cover, which can keep out snow, rain, dirt, dust, and yes, even pests. A tarp can also provide some much-needed shade. Just remember that weather conditions can have a negative effect on your lawn mower. We suggest only storing it outdoors as a short-term solution. 

Consider Renting a Storage Unit

If the aforementioned lawn mower storage solutions aren’t an option, you can always turn to a storage unit. 

When you rent a unit, you get to choose how much space you  need. If you’re only looking to store your compact lawn mower and a few other gardening tools, then a 5×10 unit might just do the trick. But if you have a large riding lawn mower and several larger items you want to store along with it, then you can certainly size up. 

You can also look into climate-controlled rental units. These units maintain a set temperature and humidity range, so outside temperatures won’t affect your belongings. As we recommended in step #2, you want to keep your lawn mower in a cool and dry place, so this is a great way to maintain that environment. 

Clean Your Lawn Mower Before Storing

Once you’ve decided on where you’ll store your lawn mower, now it’s time to prep it for storage. Just like anything you’re going to store away for a bit, you’ll want to give it a good scrub. Clean off any grass, dirt, dust, and grime to help prevent rust and the growth of mold. 

Don’t Leave Oil Fuel in the Tank When Storing Long-Term

Next, you’ll want to address the fuel tank, if your mower has one. If you store your mower with old fuel, it could go bad, condense, or cause corrosion. Instead, fill up the tank, add a stabilizer, and run it for a few minutes. 

Alternatively, you can use the mower until the tank runs dry and store it with an empty tank. If you decide to drain the tank, make sure to run the carburetor dry, too, to prevent corrosion. 

Don’t Forget to Change the Oil

You already know to periodically change the oil in your vehicle, and your lawn mower is no different. Keeping old oil in the tank can cause damage, so give your lawn mower some fresh oil before storing it. 

Remove the Batteries

If your lawn mower has batteries, consider removing them before storing your mower. If you keep them in your mower, they can lose charge. Instead, take them out and store them in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to use your mower again. And just remember, even though you removed the batteries to prevent draining them, you may still need to recharge them before use. 

Don’t Overlook the Spark Plug

The spark plug combusts the fuel to make the blades work. Without it, your mower won’t work properly. Prior to storing your mower, check the spark plug for any damage or corrosion, and make sure it’s clean. You can also listen for any rattling noises when you run your mower, which is a sign the spark plug may need replacing. Clean, repair, or replace the spark plug now so that your mower will be ready when you are. 

Assess Other Parts

Our last tip involves checking and doing inventory of the other parts of the mower. Do you see any damaged parts? Is everything intact? Does anything need lubricant? And how are the blades? Are there any dents, chips, or bends? If you notice anything that needs repairing or replacing, do it now to help ensure your mower is in tip-top shape next time you go to use it. 

Contact Stor-It Today

Whether you’re looking for garden tool storage ideas or have questions regarding our storage unit size guide, turn to us here at Stor-It. We’re the largest and oldest storage facility in Idaho, so we have the knowledge and expertise to help you with all your storage needs. Contact us today to learn more about our lawn mower storage solutions and reserve your unit with us today.