How to Clean Under Your Mower Deck

Turn off the mower and disconnect the spark plug wire.

Tip the push mower on its side with the AIR FILTER SIDE UP. This prevents oil from flooding the air filter and carburetor.

Use a putty knife or dedicated deck scraper to remove the caked-on grass. Start at the edges and work toward the center.

For stubborn buildup, a wire brush helps. Really stuck-on material can be loosened with a shot of WD-40 first.

Once the large chunks are removed, spray with a garden hose to flush out remaining debris. Let the deck dry completely.

Inspect the deck for rust spots, cracks, or damage while it's clean and visible.

Spray the clean, dry deck with silicone lubricant or WD-40. This coating helps prevent grass from sticking next time.

Set the mower upright. Reconnect the spark plug wire.

For riding mower decks: either use a deck wash port (connect a garden hose) or remove the deck for manual cleaning.