Introduction
Your lawn mower, trimmer, rake, and other yard tools work hard all season long — but what happens when winter arrives? Tossing them into a cold shed or garage without proper care can shorten their lifespan, cause rust, and leave you with costly repairs come spring. Learning how to store lawn tools for winter protects your investment, keeps tools in top shape, and ensures they’re ready to roll when lawn care season starts up again.
Why Storing Lawn Tools Properly Matters
Lawn tools are exposed to dirt, grass sap, moisture, and oil residues that can corrode metal parts, dull blades, and damage engines if left untreated. Cold temperatures and moisture can also crack plastic, degrade fuel, and lead to seized engines or rusted moving parts.
Taking a little time to winterize your tools the right way saves money, prevents headaches, and helps your gear last for years to come.
Step-by-Step Guide to Store Lawn Tools for Winter
Here’s exactly how to prep and protect everything from shovels to power equipment before winter sets in.
1. Clean All Tools Thoroughly
Start by removing dirt, grass, and debris:
- For hand tools like shovels, rakes, and pruners, scrape off caked-on soil with a wire brush or putty knife.
- Use a garden hose to rinse off remaining debris and dry completely with an old towel.
- For power tools, use compressed air or a soft brush to clean engine parts and vents.
This step prevents rust and mold while your tools sit idle.
2. Inspect and Repair
Check each tool for damage:
- Look for bent or cracked handles, loose bolts, or dull blades.
- Tighten screws, bolts, and nuts.
- Repair or replace any broken handles on rakes, hoes, or shovels.
- Sharpen blades on pruners, shears, and loppers.
Doing this now means you won’t discover surprise problems in the busy spring season.
3. Oil Metal Parts to Prevent Rust
Once tools are clean and dry:
- Rub a light coat of motor oil, vegetable oil, or specialized tool oil onto metal surfaces to prevent rust.
- For pruners and shears, oil the pivot points too.
Store hand tools in a bucket of sand mixed with oil — a classic trick to keep blades clean and rust-free.
4. Drain and Treat Garden Hoses
Garden hoses left outside can freeze, crack, or split:
- Disconnect hoses, drain all the water, and coil them loosely.
- Store them indoors in a basement, garage, or shed — off the floor to prevent moisture damage.
- If possible, disconnect outdoor faucets and insulate them to prevent pipe bursts.
5. Winterize Gas-Powered Equipment
Your mower, string trimmer, or leaf blower needs extra care:
- Drain the Fuel Tank or Add Stabilizer
- Run the engine until the gas tank is empty or add fuel stabilizer and run the engine for a few minutes to circulate it.
- Old fuel left in the tank can gum up carburetors and fuel lines.
- Change the Oil
- Drain old oil and refill with fresh oil to prevent engine corrosion.
- Replace or Clean Air Filters
- Dirty air filters reduce performance and can cause problems come spring.
- Check Spark Plugs
- Replace worn spark plugs and check gaps if needed.
- Clean the Undercarriage
- Scrape off stuck grass clippings and wash the mower deck. Dry completely to prevent rust.
- Store Equipment on a Level Surface
- Keep mowers and trimmers in a dry, sheltered space away from moisture.
Cover large equipment with a breathable tarp — not plastic — to keep dust off but allow air circulation.
6. Store Batteries Correctly
If you have battery-powered tools:
- Remove the battery packs and store them indoors in a cool, dry location.
- Avoid freezing temperatures — extreme cold can shorten battery life.
- Keep batteries partially charged (about 40–60%) if storing for several months.
7. Hang or Organize Hand Tools
Don’t just toss tools in a pile:
- Hang rakes, shovels, and hoes on wall hooks to keep blades off the ground and prevent rust.
- Store small hand tools in a plastic tote, bucket of oiled sand, or a pegboard system.
Good organization saves space and prevents damage to edges and handles.
8. Protect Wooden Handles
Moisture and cold weather can cause wood handles to split:
- Sand any rough spots or splinters.
- Rub handles with linseed oil or mineral oil to condition the wood and prevent cracking.
9. Keep Pests Out
Store bags of fertilizer, grass seed, or organic soil amendments in sealed bins to keep rodents and insects out. Mice love warm corners and leftover grass clippings, so a tidy shed or garage means fewer surprises in spring.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Leaving Fuel in the Tank
Solution: Always run the tank dry or add fuel stabilizer to prevent gumming and carburetor issues.
Mistake 2: Skipping Cleaning
Solution: Dirt and sap attract moisture and rust. Take time to clean every tool before storage.
Mistake 3: Storing Batteries in the Cold
Solution: Bring batteries indoors to prevent permanent damage.
Mistake 4: Tossing Tools in a Pile
Solution: Hang tools up or store them neatly to avoid dulling blades and breaking handles.
Mistake 5: Using a Plastic Tarp
Solution: Cover power equipment with a breathable cover to prevent condensation and rust.
Extra Lawn Care Tips & Hacks
✅ Use Baking Soda for Rust: For light rust spots, scrub metal parts with baking soda paste and steel wool before oiling.
✅ Check Extension Cords: Inspect outdoor cords for damage and store them neatly coiled indoors.
✅ Keep a Maintenance Log: Jot down any repairs or maintenance you’ve done so you remember come spring.
👉 Check out our guide on “How to Protect Your Lawn From Frost Damage” to keep your yard in top shape while your tools rest!
Conclusion
Knowing how to store lawn tools for winter is the best way to extend their life, prevent rust and engine problems, and make spring lawn care a breeze. A little bit of cleaning, oiling, and organizing now saves you time, money, and frustration later.
Bookmark this guide and add winter tool care to your annual routine — your tools (and your wallet) will thank you!