Is It Safe To Store Your Lawn Mower In The Garage?

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The garage probably seems like the most practical place to store your lawn mower. It's sheltered, thus protecting your steed from the worst of the weather. It's also away from the main house, meaning it won't drag dirt, clippings, oil, and fuel through your main living space. The thing is, while it can be safe, there are also scenarios in which storing your lawn mower in your garage can be a big mistake.

In order for it to be safe, you have to manage the environment properly. And when we say safe, we mean for both your family and your mower. Starting with your family, if you have a gas mower, then fumes need to be considered. Whether your family frequently uses the garage, or it's connected to the main house, the last thing you want to inhale are gas fumes. Not only that, but gas fumes are also flammable. Of course, if your garage is separate and well-ventilated, this may not be an issue. Similarly, if you have an electric mower, then you won't need to worry about fumes at all.

Where it gets a little more complicated is the safety of the mower itself. Not having suitable storage is one of the most common mistakes everyone makes when buying a lawn mower. And while there's no "best" place to keep it, a garage with high humidity or condensation issues is among the very worst. In damp conditions, parts like the blade, deck, and internal components can rust. Also, if you store chemicals or solvents in your garage, vapors from those can further expedite the corrosion process. If any of these ring true of your garage, then you may be better off looking for somewhere else to store your lawn mower.

The safest place to store your lawn mower depends on a few factors. Aside from the garage, the shed is the next most obvious place to keep it, especially since it's probably right next to your lawn. However, just like in the garage, if you use your shed to store chemicals and solvents, it may not be suitable, since these can lead to corrosion. Alternatively, to store your lawn mower without a shed, you could buy a heavy tarp. Better still, invest in a tight-fitting, waterproof cover, like this heavy-duty Push Lawn Mower Cover from Zettum. You'll need to ensure that it fits your specific mower properly, and that it seals the weather out. Provided that you do that, this should keep the worst of the weather off its back, while also saving it from the environmental conditions of both your shed and garage.

There is also the option of buying a dedicated outdoor storage box. These are often made from durable resin, and they're typically smaller than your main garden shed. Of course, their usefulness depends on the size of your mower and whether it can comfortably fit inside. But if it will, these boxes are also handy for storing and protecting other gardening equipment. They'll keep everything dry, and if you're concerned about chemical fumes in your main shed, they'll protect all of your metal tools from rusting or corrosion, not just your lawn mower.