Home | DIY Methods | DIY Cleaning Methods for Lawn mower

DIY Cleaning Methods for Lawn mower

Reviewed by Zac Kieffer

Updated: September 15, 2025

Discover easy DIY cleaning methods for your lawn mower. Keep your mower in top shape with simple tips for maintenance and cleaning.

DIY Cleaning Methods for Lawn mower

Compressed Air and Brush

Use a can of compressed air to blow away loose dirt and debris from the lawn mower’s surfaces and hard-to-reach areas. Follow up by gently scrubbing with a soft brush to dislodge any remaining grass or buildup. This method quickly cleans your mower without water, helping prevent rust and maintain performance.

Title

Compressed Air and Brush Cleaning for Lawn Mowers

Start with a cool, unplugged mower. Before you even think about cleaning, make sure the mower is off, the spark plug is disconnected, and the engine is completely cool. This isn’t just a “cover your bases” step—it’s a real safety must.

Use compressed air to blow away loose debris. Aim the nozzle at the engine vents, undercarriage, and around the blade area. Focus on spots where grass clippings, dust, and dirt like to hide. Short bursts work best—think of it as a leaf blower for your mower’s nooks and crannies.

Grab a stiff-bristled brush for stubborn buildup. A brush (an old toothbrush or a dedicated cleaning brush) helps loosen caked-on grass and mud that compressed air can’t budge. Pay special attention to the mower deck (the area above the blade) and the wheels, where debris tends to collect.

Work methodically. Start at the top and work your way down. This way, anything you dislodge with the brush can be blown away with another round of compressed air. Don’t forget to check the air filter cover and cooling fins—these spots are magnets for debris.

Keep an eye on the blade area. While you’re down there, use the brush to clear away any grass clippings stuck to the blade and the surrounding deck. If you see any buildup that won’t budge, a plastic scraper can help (just avoid anything metal that could damage the mower).

Finish with a quick inspection. Once you’ve cleared away the debris, take a minute to look for any signs of wear, loose bolts, or damage. A clean mower makes it easier to spot issues before they become bigger problems.

Dispose of debris responsibly. Sweep up the grass and dirt you’ve removed and compost or dispose of it according to your local guidelines. Keeping your workspace tidy is part of the job.

Hidden Residue Remains

Using compressed air and a brush may leave hidden residue in hard-to-reach areas of the lawn mower, leading to incomplete cleaning and potential buildup that can affect performance or cause future maintenance issues.

Vinegar and Baking Soda Paste

Mix equal parts baking soda and white vinegar to form a thick paste. Apply the paste to dirty areas of the lawn mower using a brush or cloth. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes, then scrub and rinse with water. This natural cleaner helps break down grime and remove stubborn stains.

Title

How to Use a Vinegar and Baking Soda Paste to Clean Your Lawn Mower

Gather your supplies: You’ll need distilled white vinegar, baking soda, a small bowl, a spoon or spatula, a stiff brush (an old toothbrush works), a rag, and gloves. Make sure the lawn mower is completely cool and disconnected from any power source before you start.

Mix your paste: In your bowl, combine about 1/2 cup of baking soda with just enough vinegar to form a thick, spreadable paste. The mixture will fizz—this is normal. Wait for the fizzing to settle before using it.

Apply the paste: Use your spatula or spoon to spread the paste onto areas with built-up grass, dirt, or grime. Focus on the mower deck (the underside where grass clippings collect), the wheels, and any caked-on spots. Avoid electrical components and the engine itself—this method is for the metal and plastic parts only.

Let it sit: Allow the paste to rest on the surface for 10–15 minutes. This gives the mixture time to help loosen stuck-on debris. If you see the paste drying out, you can mist it lightly with water.

Scrub gently: Using your stiff brush, scrub the treated areas. The mild abrasiveness of baking soda helps lift grime without scratching most mower surfaces. For stubborn spots, reapply paste and repeat.

Wipe and rinse: Wipe away the paste and loosened debris with a damp rag. If possible, rinse the area with a little water (a spray bottle works well). Make sure to dry all parts thoroughly to help prevent rust.

Dispose of residue properly: Collect any leftover paste and debris and dispose of it in the trash. Avoid rinsing large amounts of baking soda and vinegar into your lawn, as it can affect soil pH.

Final check: Once everything is dry, inspect your mower for any missed spots or loose parts. Reconnect the power source only when you’re sure everything is clean and dry.

Corrosion Risk Increases

Using vinegar and baking soda paste can increase corrosion risk on metal mower parts, as the acidic vinegar may damage protective coatings and promote rust, leading to faster deterioration and potential equipment failure.

Garden Hose and Scraper

Rinse the lawn mower with a garden hose to remove loose grass and dirt. Use a scraper to gently remove any stuck-on debris from the blades and undercarriage. Rinse again to wash away loosened residue, leaving your mower clean and ready for use.

Title

Garden Hose and Scraper: Cleaning Your Lawn Mower

Unplug or disconnect the spark plug before you do anything. This isn’t just a “cover your bases” step—it’s a real safety must. You don’t want the mower firing up while your hands are near the blade.

Tip the mower on its side with the air filter and carburetor facing up. This helps keep fluids where they belong and avoids a mess. If you’re not sure which side that is, check your mower’s manual or look for the air filter (usually a small box on the side of the engine).

Use a plastic or metal scraper (a putty knife works well) to gently loosen and remove built-up grass clippings, dirt, and debris from the underside of the mower deck. Don’t go at it like you’re scraping ice off your windshield—steady, firm pressure is enough. Avoid damaging the paint or metal underneath.

Rinse with a garden hose to wash away loosened debris. A regular spray setting is usually enough; you don’t need a pressure washer. Focus on the deck and blade area, but avoid blasting water directly into the engine, air filter, or electrical parts.

Let the mower dry completely before storing it. If you’re in a hurry, a towel can help speed things up, especially around the blade and deck. Moisture left behind can encourage rust, so don’t skip this step.

Reconnect the spark plug only after everything is dry and you’re done cleaning. This is your green light to get back to mowing—or to call it a day.

Pro tip: If you notice stubborn, caked-on grass, a little patience and a second round with the scraper usually does the trick. For extra sticky spots, a plastic brush can help loosen things up without scratching the metal.

Incomplete Debris Removal

Some grass clippings and debris may remain stuck in hard-to-reach areas, as a garden hose and scraper might not fully dislodge compacted buildup, leading to incomplete cleaning and potential mower performance issues.

Spray WD-40 directly onto the lawn mower’s metal surfaces. Wipe thoroughly with a microfiber cloth to remove dirt, grass, and rust. This method cleans, protects against corrosion, and leaves a polished finish.

Title

How to Use WD-40 and a Microfiber Cloth to Clean Your Lawn Mower

Start with a cool, dry mower. Make sure your lawn mower is turned off, the spark plug is disconnected, and the blades have stopped moving. This isn’t just a “cover your bases” step—it’s about keeping your fingers attached and your nerves un-jangled.

Brush off loose debris first. Before you even think about WD-40, use a stiff brush or your gloved hand to knock off grass clippings, dirt, and any other gunk stuck to the deck, wheels, and blades. This helps the WD-40 do its job without just sliding over a layer of old grass.

Apply WD-40 to stubborn spots. Lightly spray WD-40 on areas where grass, sap, or sticky residue is clinging to the metal. Focus on the underside of the deck, the blade, and any moving parts that look a little worse for wear. Don’t go wild—a little goes a long way, and you don’t want to soak the whole machine.

Let it sit for a few minutes. Give the WD-40 a chance to loosen up the grime. This is a good time to check for any stuck-on clumps you missed earlier.

Wipe with a microfiber cloth. Use a clean microfiber cloth to wipe away the loosened debris and any excess WD-40. Microfiber is great because it grabs onto dirt and doesn’t leave lint behind. If you hit a really stubborn patch, you can add a bit more WD-40 and repeat the process.

Buff for a final touch. Once the mower is clean, use a dry section of your microfiber cloth to buff the metal surfaces. This helps remove any streaks and gives the mower a tidy look—no need for a showroom shine, just enough to keep things in good working order.

Dispose of used cloths responsibly. If your microfiber cloth is saturated with WD-40, don’t toss it in the regular laundry. Set it aside to air out, and check your local guidelines for proper disposal if needed.

Note: WD-40 is a water-displacing spray and light lubricant, not a heavy-duty degreaser or a disinfectant. It’s handy for loosening grime and helping prevent rust, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution for every cleaning job on your mower.

Missed Internal Grime

The DIY method with WD-40 and a microfiber cloth may fail if internal grime is missed, as these tools mainly clean surface dirt. Hidden or stubborn buildup inside the mower can reduce performance and cause long-term mechanical issues.

E-Cloth

Other Brands

Precision-engineered, uniform microfibers

Often crushed/less consistent fibers

No streaks with just water

May need chemicals for same results

Lasts ~300 washes

Many break down faster

Traps and locks in particles

Can smear dirt around

Reduces chemicals & waste, reusable

Less eco, more waste/chemicals

Shop Now

A Clean You Can See

Our high-performance microfiber products simplify cleaning, making it quick, easy, and effective, so you can enjoy visible results without the fuss. No streaks, just results.

Shop Now

30-day money back guarantee

Experience Real Cleaning

A Clean You Can See

Blue Liquid Glass Cleaner

E-Cloth Window Cleaning Kit

General Purpose Cloth

$7.99

190 total reviews

DESCRIPTION

Always up for some good clean fun, the E-Cloth General Purpose Cloth tackles nearly every household cleaning task on your list. Masses of precision-engineered microfibers attract and trap grease, grime, fingerprints, and over 99% of bacteria using the cleaning power of water. Use it on countertops, tile, appliances, even glass. Just dampen and wipe. With so many grab-and-go uses, this cloth will be a constant companion. And without cleaning fluids to lug and spray, you’ll speed through chores – and avoid elements that could linger in air and on surfaces and travel down drains. Rinse and dry between tasks. Toss in the laundry – not a landfill – to refresh. Reusable and backed by our 1-year or 100-wash promise, this cloth helps you cut down on waste and cost, and still clean fresh.

Choose a Quantity: 1 PC

1 PC
2 PC
4 PC

Color: Alaskan Blue

Alaskan Blue
Daffodil Yellow

Product variants

Need help?

View full details