An electric mower is light, quiet and easier to look after than a petrol one: no fuel, no oil changes, no carburettor. It is perfect for smaller lawns close to the house. It still has weak points, though: the power cable, a motor that dislikes moisture, and a blade and deck that rust from wet grass.
A few minutes after each mow plus a little servicing once or twice a year will keep it running for many seasons.
What you will need
Important: Unplug the mower before any maintenance. Never clean the body with a pressurised hose or pressure washer: water can get into the motor, which is dangerous for both the machine and you.
Step 1
Look after the power cable
The cable is the most vulnerable part. Keep it over the handlebar while mowing so it never passes under the blade. Scuffs, cuts, exposed wires or damaged plugs mean it must be replaced at once.
Choose an outdoor extension in bright yellow or orange so it stands out on the grass. Conductor size depends on length: at least 1.5 mm² up to 20 m and at least 2.5 mm² up to 50 m. Spray the sliding cable clip on the housing with WD-40 Multi-Use and vacuum dry grass out of the plug socket.
Step 2
Care for the motor
Regularly check that grass is not packing up around the motor cover and vents, as it blocks cooling. Store the mower under cover, as the motor can still take on water.
Once or twice a year, remove the screwed-on cover and spray the windings with WD-40 Specialist Contact Cleaner. It clears dust and moisture, is non-conductive, evaporates quickly and is safe on metal, plastic and rubber.
Step 3
Sharpen the blade
Every three or four mows, remove the blade and clean both sides. Lock it with a piece of wood and undo the nut with the spanner.
Clamp the blade in a vice and sharpen it with a file or grinder at the original angle. Never let the metal turn blue from heat, and check the balance before refitting, as an unbalanced blade wears the shaft.
Step 4
Protect the blade from rust
Wipe the blade with a cloth after every mow. Treat it with WD-40 Multi-Use from time to time, apply a fresh coat before winter and store the mower somewhere dry.
Step 5
Clean the deck
Brush grass from under the deck straight after mowing, before it dries. Stubborn residue can be dampened, but do not turn the mower motor-side down or pour water over the housing.
Brush out the air vents as well. To prevent rust, treat a metal deck with WD-40 Multi-Use, or if the paint has worn through, apply two coats of anti-rust paint.
Step 6
Grease the wheels
Wheels and the height adjuster clog with dirt fastest. Clean them after mowing, and once a season remove the retaining ring with pliers and grease the axle with WD-40 Specialist White Lithium Grease.
Its two-way nozzle gives a wide or precise spray, and the thick formula resists water. Treat the height levers with WD-40 Smart Straw through the thin straw.
Tip: Over winter, hang the mower up or stand it on a wooden pallet under a cloth, away from the damp walls of a cold shed.
What next
Clean the deck and blade after every mow, check the cable before every use and service the motor and wheels once or twice a season. Looked after this way, an electric mower stays reliable year after year.
These uses come from the experience of WD-40 users in many countries. Always follow the instructions and warnings on the product label.
More guides in «How to use».