Can Electric Lawn Mowers Get Wet?

When it comes to electric lawn mowers, there is some debate about whether or not they can get wet. Some people say that it is fine to get them wet, as long as you dry them off afterwards, while others say that you should avoid getting them wet at all costs. So, what is the truth? Can electric lawn mowers get wet?

The answer is… Yes! But, you need to take into consideration your power source. If your electric mower is cordless, there is less danger of electric shock.

If you plug your electric lawn mower into the wall, you need to take extra precautions to ensure you are using it safely. Make sure you plug the mower into a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlet. If there is any type of malfunction, the outlet should trip. If your house wiring doesn’t have a GFCI outlet, purchase a stand-alone device like this one.

Is it Okay for an Electric Lawn Mower to Get Rained On?

It won’t hurt the lawn mower to get rained on. But this question has a few potential scenarios.

The first is, you were mowing; you got tired and decided to rest, leaving your electric mower in the middle of the yard. While you were resting (or napping), it started raining. Here, your lawn mower will be fine. The mower hadn’t been run while the rain was falling. You can unplug the lawn mower (if it’s corded) and simply bring the lawn mower into the garage or cover it with tarp until the rain stops.

The second is, you were out mowing and it started to rain. You didn’t have much left to mow, and you wanted to finish. In this case, if you will probably be fine. If the grass gets too wet, you will have problems with the mower clogging up with grass clippings.

Another likely scenario is, you are running out of room and want to store your electric lawn mower outside. Prolonged exposure to the elements would not be ideal for your machine.

Is it OK to Hose Down an Electric Lawn Mower?

You can hose down an electric lawn mower with no problems. Just make sure you remove the battery on cordless models and you unplug the cord on the corded models.

Only use house water pressure to hose down an electric mower. Do not use a power washer to clean one. The high pressure can blow water into sensitive circuit boards and cause damage to them.

A better way would be to wipe the mower down with a wet towel. This would eliminate any possibility of getting water where it shouldn’t be.

Can You Keep an Electric Lawn Mower Outside?

Exposing an electric lawn mower to the elements for a prolonged period of time is not ideal. Temperature extremes, sunshine and rain, sleet and snow can cause the mower to deteriorate.

If you have no other choice, there are a couple of things you can consider. Park the mower under a raised deck. This will protect it from the rain and snow.

You can find a plastic or metal tub to cover the mower motor. This will keep the water off of the motor and prevent damage from the sun. A tarp or plastic cover can also work.

Will My Lawn Mower Still Work if it Gets Wet?

Yes, your lawn mower will still work if it gets wet, unless you submerge it in a swimming pool. Then, it still might work if you give it enough time to dry.

Electric lawn mowers have been around for decades. The designers have constantly improved their design. The designers have to consider the possibility of wet grass, rainy conditions and other ways a lawn mower could get wet.

You can be assured that a little water will not ruin your lawn mower.

What to do if My Electric Lawn Mower Gets Wet

There are a few things you can do to minimize damage to your lawn mower from water.

For safety’s sake, the first thing to do is remove the power source. Either unplug the mower or remove the battery. This way, if water has gotten into the electric components, there won’t be any short circuit.

Next, you can take a towel or rag and wipe down the mower. This will get the excess water off of the machine.

If you have a leaf blower on hand, you can the water off and dry the mower that way.

To be thorough, you can leave the mower in a dry place or cover it to allow it to dry completely.

Conclusion

This article has attempted to answer the question, can electric lawn mowers get wet? The answer is yes.

A little bit of water will not damage your mower. But care needs to be taken to avoid excessive or prolonged exposure to rain. And never use a pressure washer on an electric lawn mower.