How to Wash a Mower Deck
One important aspect of lawn mower maintenance frequently overlooked is that the mower deck should be cleaned regularly throughout the mowing season. If the deck gathered wet grass, mud and other debris, it is more likely to form rust or corrosion. When the deck accumulates dirt and layers of grass, the blade will also have a tendency to dull. Thus, cleaning your mower deck is a must if you want to prolong the life of your lawn mower and ensure that your lawn is looking as good as possible. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Gas siphon and gas can (if needed)
- 2 pieces of scrap lumber (riding mower only)
- Wrench set (riding mower only)
- Putty knife or plastic scraper
- Mild detergent
- Bucket
- Heavy-duty scrub brush
- Garden hose with spray nozzle
Instructions
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1
Remove any remaining gasoline from the gas tank of the mower. Use a gas siphon to pump the gas out of the tank and into a spare gas can. If you're cleaning the deck on a riding mower, you do not need to remove the gas. You will, however, have to remove the deck from the tractor. Lower the deck onto two pieces of scrap lumber, one at the front of the deck and one at the back. Use the necessary wrenches to unbolt the deck mounts. Remove the drive belt and pull the mower deck from beneath the tractor frame.
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2
Tilt the mower or mower deck onto its side. Use a putty knife or plastic scraper to remove any dry grass or mud that has built up on the underside of the deck. Scrape the entire bottom side of the deck while working carefully around the blade.
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3
Turn on the garden hose and use a high-pressure spray nozzle to wash the bottom of the deck to rinse away the largest chunks of debris and loosen any stubborn areas you missed with the scraper.
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4
Fill a bucket with hot water and mix in a mild detergent, such as dish soap or a detergent used for washing a car. Use the hot, soapy water and a heavy-duty scrub brush to vigorously scrub the bottom of the deck. Turn the mower blade as you scrub to get the entire surface of the deck. Also scrub the blade itself to remove built-up debris.
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Rinse the bottom of the deck one last time with the garden hose and turn the mower or mower deck so that it is resting flat on the ground, with the blades facing down. Scrub the top of the deck with hot water, soap and a scrub brush. Rinse the top of the deck carefully with the garden hose. If cleaning a push-type mower, avoid spraying water into the air filter. Allow the deck to air-dry. If you've cleaned the deck for a riding mower, allow it to dry before mounting it back onto the tractor.
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Tips & Warnings
Spray a thin layer of vegetable oil onto the bottom of the mower deck after it has dried. This will help prevent grass and mud from sticking to the deck when it's in use.
