How to Care for Lawn Mowers

Disconnect the spark plug. Disconnect the battery and remove the key from the ignition of a riding mower. Remove the mower blades and sharpen them with a grinder at the start of mowing season. Replace the blades after three to four years. If you do not have a grinder, take the blades to your local mower dealer, who may offer sharpening services.

Clean the lawn mower undercarriage after removing the blades. Scrape stuck grass and dirt from the deck bottom with a putty knife. Sweep loosened bits of debris from the undercarriage with a broom. Spray the deck bottom, top and hood with a garden hose. Wipe the hood and top mower deck with a clean rag, removing dirt and old grass.

Replace the oil at the start of mowing season, or---if you mow year round---after every 50 hours of use. Unplug the oil and drain it into a drain pan. Replace the drain plug and add the manufacturer-recommended oil, which should be listed in the user's manual.

Change the mower's spark plugs after 100 hours of use. Check the user's manual for the location and type of spark plug to use.

Store the lawn mower in a garage, shed or covered area. If you do not have a storage area, cover the mower with a tarp or a lawn mower cover. Rain water rusts lawn mower parts and moisture seeping into gas lines may affect performance.

Pull up the hood of a riding mower and wipe the motor clean with an old rag. Check belts and replace them if they look old and worn. Remove the air filter and examine it for holes or tears. Blow out debris with an air compressor hose if the filter remains in good condition. Blow the air from the middle of the filter to the outside. Keep the nozzle at least 6 inches from the filter to avoid ripping holes in the fiber. Replace the filter if it has rips.