Things You’re Doing to Your Mower That Don’t Help at All

Some mower habits seem harmless, even helpful—but they’re doing more harm than good. Whether it’s wear on the machine or damage to your lawn, these common mistakes can lead to dull blades, engine issues, and frustratingly uneven cuts.

If your mower’s not performing the way it should or your yard always looks a little off after mowing, one of these habits could be the reason.

Spraying the Whole Thing With a Hose

Rinsing off your mower might feel like the right way to keep it clean, but water can easily get into spots where it doesn’t belong—especially around the engine and electrical parts.

Instead, scrape off grass clumps with a putty knife and wipe the rest down with a dry or damp cloth. Keep water away from the engine and bearings, and your mower will stay in better shape longer.

Topping Off With Old Gas

Old fuel sitting in the tank or a gas can from last season isn’t doing your mower any favors. It breaks down over time, and that can clog the carburetor or make it hard to start.

Fresh gas keeps everything running smoother and cleaner. If your mower’s been sitting for a while, drain the old fuel and start fresh to avoid engine trouble down the line.

Letting the Oil Go Too Long

Skipping oil changes doesn’t save time—it shortens your mower’s life. Dirty oil thickens and can overheat or damage the engine.

Check the oil level every few uses and change it out at least once a season. It takes less than ten minutes and makes a noticeable difference in how your mower runs and sounds.

Overfilling the Oil Tank

More oil isn’t better. In fact, overfilling can lead to smoke, leaks, or serious engine damage. It’s one of those mistakes that can be easy to miss until something goes wrong.

Use the dipstick and fill only to the line. If you’ve already added too much, drain the extra. A properly filled tank keeps things running cooler and smoother.

Mowing Too Fast

Zipping across the yard might feel efficient, but it leaves behind uneven cuts and can clog the mower deck with grass clumps.

Slow down, especially in thick or damp grass. A steady pace helps the blades cut clean and makes the end result look sharper with less mess left behind.

Ignoring the Blades

Blades that haven’t been sharpened in a year are doing more tearing than cutting. That stress shows up in brown tips, patchy growth, and an overall scruffy-looking lawn.

Sharpening the blades once or twice each season keeps your cuts clean and even. It’s one of the easiest ways to get your mower and your yard looking better fast.

Letting Grass Clumps Sit Under the Deck

When clippings build up under the mower, they mess with airflow and make the cut uneven. They can even trap moisture and lead to rust.

Flip the mower (safely, with the spark plug disconnected) and scrape out the mess every few uses. Keeping the underside clean makes a big difference in how your mower cuts and lasts.

Skipping Air Filter Maintenance

Your mower’s air filter keeps dirt and grass out of the engine. When it’s clogged, the mower has to work harder, and it won’t run as clean or strong.

Check the filter every few weeks and replace it when it’s dirty or at least once per season. It’s an easy fix that keeps your mower breathing right.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.