Even though your lawn may not grow as quickly during the fall, you'll still need to mow the grass occasionally. You probably take the time to wipe dirt and stray grass from your riding mower after you're done, but many people neglect the blades since they're not in plain view. Dirty mower blades not only give your lawn a choppy, uneven look, but they can also increase your maintenance costs and may spread disease to your plants. Here's what every homeowner should know about keeping their lawn mower blades clean.

What's the Importance of Cleaning Your Riding Mower Blades?

Blades blunted by clumps of grass won’t cut evenly, even if the metal edges are sharp. This could give your lawn a shaggy, unkempt look, no matter how many passes you make with the mower.

Grass and dirt can also trap moisture, triggering corrosion that may eat away at the blades. Forgetting to clean them after every use can lead to unexpected failures and higher maintenance costs over time.

Most importantly, dirty lawn mower blades can harbor bacteria and other microorganisms that infect grass. As a result, mowing with unclean blades can spread contagions that could kill off large sections of your lawn. Cleaning them after every use will effectively limit the reach of fungi and bacteria.

How to Clean Your Mower Blades

Start by disconnecting the spark plug wire to keep the current from flowing to the battery. Next, you’ll need a ratchet set to remove each blade for a thorough cleaning. Depending on the model of your riding mower, the entire blade assembly may come off in one piece.

Then, use a garden hose to spray the underside of the mower and the blades to remove grass, dirt, and other debris. A stiff metal brush will scrub away stubborn dried grass the hose can’t blast away. Finally, let each blade soak in soapy water for 10 to 15 minutes, then give each one a thorough rinse.

Before reinstalling the blades, coat them with vegetable oil or spray them with WD-40®. This will keep grass from sticking to the blades and eliminate the risk of corrosion, extending their life span and minimizing your maintenance costs.

Along with an inventory of some of the best riding mowers on the market, Gene & Matt Tractor Sales offers exceptional advice and dependable repairs to property owners throughout Winder, GA. Since opening in 1978, they’ve grown to become the largest tractor dealer in the Southeast, thanks to their friendly service and wide selection. They also provide financing through the Kubota Credit Corporation®, making it easy to find the equipment you need while staying within budget. Visit their website to browse their selection of riding mowers and other equipment, or call (770) 867-3179 with any questions about their products.