DIY Cleaning Methods for Lawn mower

How to Use a Vinegar and Baking Soda Paste to Clean Your Lawn Mower

• Gather your supplies: You’ll need distilled white vinegar, baking soda, a small bowl, a spoon or spatula, a stiff brush (an old toothbrush works), a rag, and gloves. Make sure the lawn mower is completely cool and disconnected from any power source before you start.

 

• Mix your paste: In your bowl, combine about 1/2 cup of baking soda with just enough vinegar to form a thick, spreadable paste. The mixture will fizz—this is normal. Wait for the fizzing to settle before using it.

 

• Apply the paste: Use your spatula or spoon to spread the paste onto areas with built-up grass, dirt, or grime. Focus on the mower deck (the underside where grass clippings collect), the wheels, and any caked-on spots. Avoid electrical components and the engine itself—this method is for the metal and plastic parts only.

 

• Let it sit: Allow the paste to rest on the surface for 10–15 minutes. This gives the mixture time to help loosen stuck-on debris. If you see the paste drying out, you can mist it lightly with water.

 

• Scrub gently: Using your stiff brush, scrub the treated areas. The mild abrasiveness of baking soda helps lift grime without scratching most mower surfaces. For stubborn spots, reapply paste and repeat.

 

• Wipe and rinse: Wipe away the paste and loosened debris with a damp rag. If possible, rinse the area with a little water (a spray bottle works well). Make sure to dry all parts thoroughly to help prevent rust.

 

• Dispose of residue properly: Collect any leftover paste and debris and dispose of it in the trash. Avoid rinsing large amounts of baking soda and vinegar into your lawn, as it can affect soil pH.

 

• Final check: Once everything is dry, inspect your mower for any missed spots or loose parts. Reconnect the power source only when you’re sure everything is clean and dry.

How to Use WD-40 and a Microfiber Cloth to Clean Your Lawn Mower

• Start with a cool, dry mower. Make sure your lawn mower is turned off, the spark plug is disconnected, and the blades have stopped moving. This isn’t just a “cover your bases” step—it’s about keeping your fingers attached and your nerves un-jangled.

 

• Brush off loose debris first. Before you even think about WD-40, use a stiff brush or your gloved hand to knock off grass clippings, dirt, and any other gunk stuck to the deck, wheels, and blades. This helps the WD-40 do its job without just sliding over a layer of old grass.

 

• Apply WD-40 to stubborn spots. Lightly spray WD-40 on areas where grass, sap, or sticky residue is clinging to the metal. Focus on the underside of the deck, the blade, and any moving parts that look a little worse for wear. Don’t go wild—a little goes a long way, and you don’t want to soak the whole machine.

 

• Let it sit for a few minutes. Give the WD-40 a chance to loosen up the grime. This is a good time to check for any stuck-on clumps you missed earlier.

 

• Wipe with a microfiber cloth. Use a clean microfiber cloth to wipe away the loosened debris and any excess WD-40. Microfiber is great because it grabs onto dirt and doesn’t leave lint behind. If you hit a really stubborn patch, you can add a bit more WD-40 and repeat the process.

 

• Buff for a final touch. Once the mower is clean, use a dry section of your microfiber cloth to buff the metal surfaces. This helps remove any streaks and gives the mower a tidy look—no need for a showroom shine, just enough to keep things in good working order.

 

• Dispose of used cloths responsibly. If your microfiber cloth is saturated with WD-40, don’t toss it in the regular laundry. Set it aside to air out, and check your local guidelines for proper disposal if needed.

• Note: WD-40 is a water-displacing spray and light lubricant, not a heavy-duty degreaser or a disinfectant. It’s handy for loosening grime and helping prevent rust, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution for every cleaning job on your mower.