Can I Leave My Lawn Mower Outside In The Rain?

Storing your gardening equipment can feel like a real hassle at times. Do you ever want to keep your lawn mower outside versus the garage/shed but don't know if it can handle rain? What about super hot and cold temperatures? Well, we've done plenty of research and have the answers here for you.

Let's discuss them below.

Although you can technically leave a lawn mower outside in the rain, you shouldn't do this too frequently. In general, a lawn mower will be weather and water-proof, but that doesn't mean the elements are good for your equipment.

Furthermore, if a lawn mower's spark plug or air filter comes in contact with a lot of moisture, that could mean an expensive repair.

As we begin, we will cover all things lawn mowers and discuss whether yours is safe to sit out in the rain. Whether you don't have space in your garage or keep forgetting to move your equipment, we're here to offer some help. With that said, let's dive right into this post!

Mowing the lawn in a green meadow, Can I Leave My Lawn Mower Outside In The Rain?

Does It Hurt A Lawn Mower To Get Rained On?

If the rain is light, you shouldn't need to worry about your lawn mower. Typically, this equipment can tolerate light to moderate water exposure before becoming damaged.

However, get your lawn mower covered ASAP if it is monsoon season or a surprise torrential downpour. Letting your mower soak with water can lead to mechanical problems, which are expensive to fix.

Ride-on lawnmower

Even purchasing a weather-proof tarp for your lawn mower can be helpful in the rain, so that's something to consider. The main parts of your machine that can't get wet are the spark plug and air filter, so those are two areas to focus on.

In general, it's better to be safe than sorry, even if you don't get rain often.

What Should I Do If My Lawn Mower Gets Wet?

The first thing you want to do after it rains on your lawn mower is to start it and let it run for a few minutes. Allowing your lawn mower to run for a brief period will help dry any moisture near its engine, which can cause damage if left untouched.

Doing this essentially drives out any water that is near your machine's engine, preventing any rust from forming. Although rust doesn't happen overnight, it can become a big issue if you don't take the proper steps after your lawnmower gets wet.

Again, getting a tarp or parking your lawn mower somewhere covered is the best way to prevent this.

ConPus Lawn Mower Cover

This lawn mower cover is heavy-duty, waterproof material, suitable for most walk-behind weeding machines, works on riding mowers and tractors, has a tightening cord, and measures 93.6 x 18.7 x46.8 inches.

Check out this cover on Amazon here.

Is It Okay To Keep A Lawn Mower Outside?

Orange lawn mower on wheels on green fresh grass

Yes, it is okay to keep a lawn mower outside, as long as conditions are mild. As we said, this equipment doesn't do well with excess water. Additionally, your lawn mower won't like full sun either.

Ideally, you want to designate a shed or tarp for a lawn mower whenever you aren't on it. Forgetting to do this can lead to damage, like rusting or even a broken machine.

If your yard has a shaded section that doesn't get too much sun/rain, that is another idea to try. You can also purchase a carport to park your mower under, so don't be afraid to get crafty.

With that said, our recommendation is to find room in your garage, which will be the safest bet during inclement weather.

Can You Store A Lawn Mower In A Shed?

Yes! A shed is a perfect solution if you don't have a garage or need another area for your gardening equipment.

Considering that most sheds are big enough to hold a lawn mower, you can use one for yours.

Keeping your lawn mower and other equipment in a secure shed can also help prevent theft. If you have your things lying in your yard for all to see, that can invite bad people.

Furthermore, weather of any kind will take a toll on your lawn mower. Even if you don't live somewhere with much rain, you most likely have sun, wind, and cooler temperatures.

VEIKOU Outdoor Storage Shed

This outdoor shed is metal, measures 8x6 feet, can hold small mowers/equipment, has lockable doors, and promises to be easy to build.

Follow this link to view it on Amazon.

Can I Store A Lawn Mower Under A Deck?

Decking above storage area with wheelbarrow and tools

If the shed or garage doesn't work for your space, under your deck could be an option. Generally, as long as the ground underneath a deck is dry, keeping a lawn mower down, there is safe.

You also want to make sure that the ground beneath your deck has a slope (leading away from your house). That will keep water from pooling around your mower, which can become a problem.

Furthermore, you also want to make sure there is enough space below your deck to fit a lawn mower safely. If the area is too tight, you risk a fire starting, as your machine won't vent properly.

So although you can try this, we think a shed or garage is the safer bet.

How Do You Store A Lawn Mower Long Term?

There are some steps to take for those needing to store their mower away for a while. Most importantly, you need to make sure your lawn mower has an empty gas tank.

However, you can also add a storage fuel stabilizer to the gas, making it safe to store. Next, remove the blades, spark plugs, and battery.

You can choose to sharpen the blades or wait until it's time to use your mower. It's also a good idea to clean the underside of your lawn mower.

Doing this can help it run more efficiently the next time you use it, which is always a good thing. And lastly, make sure to change the air filter on your mower.

If everything is complete, you can store your equipment somewhere shaded, dry, and safe.

STA-BIL Storage Fuel Stabilizer

This fuel stabilizer works for all gasoline (including ethanol), keeps fuel fresh for up to 24 months, prevents gum and varnish build-up, and comes in a four-ounce container.

View this product on Amazon here.

Can I Leave My Lawn Mower Outside Through Winter?

Depending on where you live, it may be okay to store a lawn mower outside through the winter. As we covered, mowers tend to do best in moderate climates, meaning harsh temperatures can damage them.

For this reason, it's a good idea to keep a mower inside if the weather calls for freezing conditions. Like getting wet, a lawn mower also won't tolerate snow very well.

However, if this is your only option, make sure to keep your mower somewhere off the ground. Giving your machine some elevation can help circulate dry air under/around it.

The best choice for outdoor winter storage is using a shed. As we mentioned earlier, putting a mower inside a shed is great for safety and overall condition.

Even though your lawn mower may be heavy-duty, that doesn't mean you should neglect it.

What Do I Do With My Lawn Mower In The Winter?

Now that you know how to store a mower through winter, it's essential to winterize it. Winterizing a lawn mower essentially means that you need to prepare it for colder temperatures.

To do this:

  1. Remove the battery from your mower.
  2. Use a brush or hose to clean off your equipment.
  3. Park your lawn mower in a protected location, ideally, a garage or a garden shed.

It is also worth mentioning that your mower's battery needs to go somewhere out of the elements. If you have shelving inside your garage, that is a good place for your lawn mower battery.

Failing to protect the battery will cause it to break during wintertime, which means you need to purchase a new one when spring hits.

What Are Ways To Keep A Lawn Mower In Good Condition?

Woman mowing her lawn

One of the most important things about owning a lawn mower is regular maintenance. Like anything with an engine, you need to take steps to keep your machine running smoothly and safely.

A few ideas we have to ensure your mower stays in good shape include:

  • Regularly change/refresh your mower's oil.
  • Replacing the spark plugs when needed.
  • Replacing and cleaning the air filter as needed.
  • Sharpening your mower's blades annually.
  • Balancing the blades on your lawn mower.
  • Spraying the underside of your mower with a hose.
  • Using a fuel stabilizer for extended storage periods.

And most importantly, you want to make sure to keep your mower out of the elements as much as possible. As we covered, rusting and even broken parts can happen if your lawn mower gets super wet, so keep this in mind.

To Tie Things Together

Whether you have a lawn mower or want to get one, keeping it protected is essential. From what we found, you can leave a lawn mower outside in the rain, as long as it is light.

We recommend bringing your mower into a shed or garage if the rainfall is heavier. Not keeping up with this can lead to rusting, which may break your machine entirely.

Regardless, keep your lawn mower in an elevated, dry place, and don't forget to add a fuel stabilizer if you aren't using it for more than a month or so.

Made it to the end? Check out these super helpful related garden posts below!

Should You Edge Your Lawn Or Mow First? [What You Need To Know]

Lawn Mower Blowing White Smoke - What To Do?

How Much Does A Riding Lawn Mower Cost?

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