Is pressure washing a lawn mower a good idea? As anyone with a yard might know, lawn mowers can be difficult to maintain. This is why many homeowners seek more efficient ways to clean their lawn mowers. A common question that homeowners have is whether or not it is safe to wash a lawn mower using a pressure or power washer.
Is Pressure Washing a Lawn Mower Recommended?
Lawn mowers are powerful tools that help homeowners maintain their lawns or yards. They make it easy to cut grass without the need for much elbow grease. Of course, like any tool or equipment, lawn mowers also need care and maintenance. Proper cleaning is necessary to prolong the useful life of a lawn mower.
One way to clean a lawn mower is through the old-fashioned way: with a bucket of water or a garden hose. While adequate, it is not the most efficient and thorough way to clean a lawn mower. This is where a pressure washer comes in.
Can you pressure wash a lawn mower?
In a word, yes. You can pressure wash a lawn mower, but it is important to exercise caution. Pressure washers offer a powerful and deep clean. They can make any cleaning task easier and quicker.
However, the force of the water from a pressure washer can cause damage. Furthermore, it can blast water into corners and gaps that should not be washed. As such, pressure washing a lawn mower is possible, but it should be done with great care and control.
How to Clean a Lawn Mower With a Pressure Washer
As mentioned above, it is possible to pressure wash a lawn mower. Cleaning a lawn mower with a pressure washer demands proper preparation and a light hand.
Here are the steps you should take when pressure washing a lawn mower.
1. Prepare the Lawn Mower
First, it is absolutely essential to prepare the lawn mower itself. Disconnect the engine’s spark plug lead and remove the mower’s blades to ensure safety. From there, it is best to manually remove all grass blades, leaves, dirt, roots, and other debris.
In addition to preparing the lawn mower, you should also prepare the surrounding area. Make sure you give yourself enough room for cleaning. Set aside all furniture and loose items to avoid blasting them away with the pressure washer. If you have plants nearby, cover them with a tarp or move them aside. This way, you won’t damage them with the water or detergent.
2. Wash Below the Deck
It is best to begin cleaning the underside of the deck first. To do this, prop up your lawn mower or use a lift. Use a multi-purpose detergent for more thorough results. Spray from the top and work your way down.
After applying the detergent, let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. This will give the detergent time to work its magic. After that, rinse the detergent off using a general high-pressure spray pattern. Make sure to give yourself enough space between the nozzle and the lawn mower, about 6 inches away. In doing so, you can avoid damaging the lawn mower.
3. Wash on Top
After washing the bottom, it is time to wash the top. Prop it back to its original position. The top is usually greasy, so using a heavy-duty degreaser to clean the engine is a good idea.
Similarly, apply the detergent and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. To rinse off the detergent, make sure to distance yourself a good deal from the lawn mower. The top of the mower is where the engine usually sits, so taking extra care is vital. You can play it by ear and move closer as you go.
4. Let Dry
After washing the lawn mower’s underside and top, it is time to let it dry. Leave it in a sunny area to air dry completely. Once dry, place the blades back into their original positions and attach the spark plug lead again.
Can You Power Wash a Lawn Mower?
Pressure washing a lawn mower is possible when done with care. But what about power washing? It is OK to power wash a lawn mower?
The main difference between pressure washing and power washing is temperature. Pressure washing uses unheated water, while power washing uses heated water. Heated water generally works better against grease, oil, and stubborn stains.
In general, you can clean a lawn mower with a power washer. However, as with a pressure washer, it is best to exercise caution and do it properly to avoid damage.
Tips for Pressure Washing a Lawn Mower
Here are the most important tips you should remember when pressure washing a lawn mower:
Do not pressure wash your lawn mower immediately after use. Let the engine cool down before washing it.
Wear protective gear such as boots and goggles. Pressure washing injuries are more common than you think.
Understand your pressure washer before using it. Familiarize yourself with the various components of the pressure washer and get used to the trigger.
If this is your first time using a pressure washer, be prepared for a strong recoil. The force of the water can set you back.
Use a lighter touch when pressure washing areas near the engine, transmission, and belt.
How Often Should You Pressure Wash a Lawn Mower?
The answer to this question depends on how frequently you use your lawn mower. Generally, it is best to pressure wash your lawn mower twice yearly — at midseason and before winter. If you have a big lawn and use your mower very often, it may be better to wash it monthly until the mowing season ends.
There is no need to pressure wash your lawn mower after every use. However, using a broom to brush away debris in between mowing sessions is a good idea. This will prevent leaves, grass blades, roots, and dirt from building up and causing problems, making the mower harder to clean.
What Is the Best Way to Clean a Lawn Mower? Answered!
Pressure washing a lawn mower can be a fast and effective way to achieve a thorough cleaning. However, you should always exercise control and do it properly to avoid causing damage. When in doubt, it is best to hire a professional pressure washing company to do it for you.
Washh offers residential and commercial pressure washing services. Call us today at 704.321.8000 or contact us online to learn more about us!
