Lawn Mower Blade Cleaning Guide

To make the best use of your lawn mower, you’ll need to make sure that its blades are sharp and clean. After all, the more frequently you use your machine, the more the blade will become dirty and dull. When this happens, you'll find it tough to cut the grass evenly with precision. Fortunately, it’s not difficult to clean and sharpen your mower’s blades once you know all the steps, which we go over below. If you have any questions or need any help with lawn mower repair or maintenance, visit T&E Small Engine in Floyd, VA. We proudly serve all those in Roanoke and Christiansburg.

Safely Remove the Blade

Remember to always turn off the engine before you attempt to take out the blade. It helps to remove the spark plug as well since your engine won't be able to accidentally start up without it. Once your work area is safe, you'll want to mark the bottom of the blade so that while re-installation, you'll know which side to use. With everything in position, you can now unscrew the bolt. You'll want to use a breaker bar or long handle wrench. Simply loosen the bolt and take out the blade.

Cleaning

Your mower’s blade can become dirty with grass clippings and mulch. Due to water and mud, this type of residue can harden and become stubborn when trying to remove it and will damage your mower over time.

First, try to clear away the clumps of dirt and grass by hand and dispose of them in a plastic bag. Next, wet a nylon scrubbing sponge with a mix of water and detergent and scrub the mower blades until you’ve got rid of all the dirt and debris. If you clean the blade regularly, you’ll prevent buildup and subsequent wear and tear to your mower’s undercarriage. This will also save you from having to replace belts and other broken parts.

Sharpen the Blade

Not only are dull blades less efficient, but they can also damage your lawn. You'll need a file, burr, or grinder to get the dull material off and leave behind a sharp blade. You want to make the blade sharp enough to be effective, but don't over sharpen it. The blade only needs to be sharp enough so that it can quickly cut the grass.

You'll want to use a file that is at least ten inches. Begin your strokes at the top side of the cutting edge. Then push down firmly. Most blades will need between twenty to thirty strokes.

Once you’ve cleaned your mower’s blade, you’re ready to whip your yard back into shape. While mowing your lawn, if you face any issue that you can’t fix on your own, feel free to get in touch with the service department at T&E Small Engine in Floyd, Virginia. Our friendly staff is happy to assist you with anything you need. We proudly serve our customers in Roanoke and Christiansburg.