How to Store Lawn Mower in Garage (Complete Steps).

Many people need to learn how to store their lawn mower in the garage properly. A neighbor once asked me how to store a lawn mower outside without a shed, well even if there’s a way, I’ll advise you not to do so for many reasons. Imagine the cold, winter season arrives and you want to store your lawn mower, you can think of what will happen to it.

Even during fair weather, I won’t advise keeping your lawn mower outside. Your garage or garden shed is the best place to safely store your lawn mower at any season.

So since you are here also for lawn mower storage ideas, in this blog post I’ll discuss how to store your lawn mower in the garage and will also give steps on how to hang a lawn mower on the wall of your garage. 

How to Store a Lawnmower in the Garage?

I’ll go straight to it, below are the steps to take to store your lawn mower in the garage during winter or any other season at all;

STEP 1: First Clean the Mower

clean the lawn mower before storing in the garage
  • Turn off the mower and disconnect the spark plug.
  • Use a brush or scraper to remove caked-on grass clippings and debris from the underside of the mower deck. 
  • If you removed the blades for cleaning, reattach them.

STEP 2: Empty the Gas Tank

drain the remnant gas from the tank

The simplest way to empty the gas tank is to run the mower until it uses up all the remaining fuel.

If there is still fuel left in the tank after running the mower dry, you will need to manually siphon it into a container or drain it. 

STEP 3: Remove or Stabilize the Battery

  • With a wrench, loosen the bolts to remove the negative cable first, next, loosen and remove the positive terminal cable.
  • Carefully lift out the battery and Inspect the battery terminals for corrosion. If there’s any buildup, clean it with a mixture of baking soda and water, using a wire brush.
  • Store the battery on a wooden or plastic surface in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing it directly on concrete, as it will drain the battery over time.

STEP 4: Create Space

  • Measure the length, width, and height of your lawnmower. If your mower has attachments or accessories (e.g., bagger, mulcher), measure them as well. Note these measurements for planning the storage space.
  • If you plan to hang the mower vertically on the wall, measure the height and width of the wall space it will occupy when stored in this position.
  • Assess the current layout and available space in your garage. Identify areas where the mower can be stored without obstructing access to other items.
  • Sort and reorganize items in your garage. Use shelving units to store items vertically to free up floor space. Pegboards, and Storage Bins to keep smaller items organized and easily accessible.
  • Select a location in your garage that is out of the way but still accessible.
  • Depending on the storage method (shelves, hooks, wall hangers), install the necessary hardware to support the mower’s weight and size.

STEP 5: Elevate the mower

  • Use a stud finder to locate the wall studs in your garage. Studs provide the necessary support for heavy items.
  • Mark the spots where you will install the hooks or shelving brackets, ensuring they align with the studs.
  • Secure the shelving brackets to the wall studs using appropriate screws. Make sure the brackets are level and very firm.
  • Place the heavy-duty shelves onto the brackets and ensure they are securely fastened.
  • If you want to hang the lawn mower on the wall of your garage, Install the heavy-duty hooks into the wall studs at appropriate heights. Make sure the hooks are securely fastened and can support the weight of the mower.
  • Lift the Mower with Assistance to the shelves or if you use hooks to hang it vertically, Carefully lift the mower and position it so that the handle or another sturdy part of the mower rests on the hooks.
  • Make sure the brackets for the shelves are firm or if using hooks, check if the mower is securely hanging and is stable.
  • If necessary, use bungee cords or straps to provide better security, especially if the mower will be hanging for long.

STEP 6: Cover the mower

cover the lawn mower
  • Drape a breathable cover over the mower, starting from the top and pulling it down over the sides. Make sure the cover reaches the ground or close to it, fully covering the mower.
  • Some covers come with drawstrings, elastic hems, or buckles to secure them in place. Ensure the cover is tightly secured to prevent it from blowing off or shifting.

Safety Precautions when Storing a Lawnmower in the Garage?

  • If storing for a long period, run the mower until the fuel tank is empty or add a fuel stabilizer to prevent the fuel from degrading.
  • Store any leftover fuel in a proper, approved container, away from the mower and any ignition sources.
  • Store the lawnmower away from any sources of sparks or flames, such as water heaters, furnaces, and power tools.
  • Ensure the garage is well-ventilated to prevent the buildup of any fuel vapors.
  • Ensure the mower blades are clean and possibly coated with oil to prevent rust.
  • Cover the blades or use a blade guard to prevent accidental cuts when accessing other items in the garage.
  • Lock up the garage or garden shed to avoid children and pet.

Tips for Storing lawnmower in the Garage for Long

Extreme heat can cause plastic parts to warp, while extreme cold can make metal parts brittle. Aim to store the mower in a place where the temperature stays between 40°F (4°C) and 85°F (29°C).

Also, Excess humidity can cause rust and corrosion. Use a dehumidifier if the garage tends to be damp. Use moisture-absorbing products like silica gel packs or desiccant dehumidifiers.

Avoid storing the mower in an airtight enclosure. Make sure there is good air circulation around the mower to prevent condensation build-up.

Periodically check the mower for any signs of rust, leaks, or other issues, especially if stored for an extended period.

As I advise, store the mower off the ground, on a shelf, or a platform, if you decide to store it vertically for some reason, you can do so to prevent it from being affected by ground moisture.

Can I Hang my Lawn Mower?

Do not hang your lawnmowers in an upright position even if you can. They are designed to be stored on a flat surface to prevent fuel leaks, oil spills, and damage to the blades or other parts.

It’s best to store it where it can sit securely on the ground or If you’re short on space, on a sturdy shelf or a mower stand.

Is it better to Store Lawn Mower With or Without Gas?

It is better to store your lawnmower without gasoline especially if it will be sitting idle for an extended period, such as over the winter or during long periods of non-use. Here’s why:

  1. Gasoline degrades over time, especially if it contains ethanol, which is common in many fuels today. Storing fuel for long periods leads to gum and varnish deposits forming in the fuel system, which clogs carburetors and fuel lines.
  2. Storing a mower with fuel increases the risk of leaks, spills, and potential fire hazards, especially if it’s stored indoors.

Can I put my lawn mower on its side?

If you’re storing the mower for a period, it’s best to keep it on a level surface in its normal flat position to prevent fuel leakage or oil seepage into unwanted areas.

Putting a lawn mower on its side is okay for short periods, such as when you need to clean or service the mower. However, it’s important to follow a few precautions:

  1. Turn off the engine: Always make sure the engine is turned off and the spark plug wire is disconnected to prevent accidental starting.
  2. Fuel and oil: Position the mower with the carburetor side up to prevent fuel and oil from leaking out. If you need to tilt it with the carburetor side down, drain the fuel and oil beforehand to prevent leaks.
  3. Avoid the air filter side: Try not to tip the mower towards the side where the air filter is located to prevent oil from entering and potentially damaging the filter.
  4. Be cautious with the blade: Keep the blade side up to avoid accidental contact or damage to the blade.
Edet Ubok-Obong
Edet Ubok-Obong

Edet Ubok-Obong is an experienced Writer with a deep passion for Gardening, Fishing and home improvement. He shares his knowledge of these fields through this website.