Is mowing wet grass bad for mower?

Author: Brant Raynor  |  Last update: Thursday, November 13, 2025

Clumps of wet grass not only hurt your lawn. They also clog your mower blades, slowing them down and making the engine work harder to turn them. Electric lawn mowers, which have less torque than gas mowers, often can't cut through wet grass at all for this reason.

Is it bad to mow the lawn when it's wet?

It's best to wait for wet grass to dry before mowing. Wet grass clippings can clog your mower, causing it to choke and spit out clumps of wet grass that could smother and kill your lawn if left unraked. It's best to wait for wet grass to dry before mowing.

Does mowing wet grass dull mower blades?

Wet clippings stick to the underside of the mower deck, increasing the need for frequent cleanings, which can be dangerous if done improperly. The constant exposure to moisture can also dull mower blades faster and lead to rust, reducing cutting efficiency and requiring more frequent sharpening or replacement.

Is it OK for lawn mowers to get wet?

Yes, as long as you don't have water in fuel. On electric mowers as long as the motor and switches are dry. Battery powered mowers for the most part are made so they shed rain and will work just fine.

Can you cut wet grass with a sit-on lawn mower?

NO, mowing on wet grass can obstruct your mower and tear down the look of your lawn. It's best to wait for wet grass to dry before mowing.

How To Mow A Lawn That Is Wet or Damp

Can I mow my lawn with dew on it?

Can you cut grass while it's wet? Short answer: No. Whether it's early morning and the lawn is still dewy, a rainstorm just ended, or you just ran your sprinklers, you should skip the mow for now. This article will explain all the reasons why you shouldn't mow wet grass.

Is it better to mow before or after rain?

Cut your grass before a storm starts to make cleanup easier. If the storm has already started, wait until after the rain stops to mow the lawn. Ensure the grass and ground are dry before you get started. You should be able to walk across your lawn without wetting your shoes.

Should you hose down your lawn mower?

DO NOT use a hose on this part of the process. The top of the mower houses many parts that aren't watertight, including the air filter, oil filter, and spark plug housing. Any of these getting wet can cause damage to the parts.

Should I run my lawn mower dry?

While draining the fuel tank may sound like a good idea, it could harm your engine. Running a lawn mower dry will make it harder for it to fire right up when it comes time to take it out of storage. This is true of all your outdoor equipment and tools, from mowers and blowers to trimmers and chainsaws.

How long can you cut wet grass with an electric lawn mower?

Cutting wet grass

If you own an electric lawnmower that uses a wire to draw its power then it's important to know that you should never mow your lawn when the grass is wet. When water is exposed to electricity, you run a serious risk of electrocution.

Why only cut 1/3 of grass?

No more than one-third of the grass blades should be cut at a time. Cutting off one-third of the blade at a time removes just enough to keep your lawn healthy and not too much to stunt the growth.

What are signs of a dull mower blade?

Look for these signs that you may need to sharpen the mower blades:
  • Dents or nicks in the mower blades.
  • Uneven grass height after cutting.
  • Grass blades look torn instead of sliced.
  • Brown, frayed grass edges.

What is the best time to mow the lawn?

Mid-Morning (8 AM - 10 AM)

Grass needs the benefit of the day to dry and heal before dusk settles. Since mowing your grass in the early morning can damage it and mowing it during the early afternoon can burn it because of all the high temperatures, the ideal time is mid-morning.

What time does dew dry off grass?

Mid-morning (between 8 and 10 a.m.) tends to be the best time of day for mowing your lawn. It allows enough time for dew to dry, resulting in strong, perky blades of grades, while avoiding the hottest periods of the day.

Is it bad to mow after watering?

It's generally better to water your lawn before mowing, rather than after. Watering beforehand hydrates the grass and makes it easier to cut cleanly. Watering after mowing can stress the grass, as the freshly cut blades are more vulnerable to drying out.

Is it bad to mow wet grass on Reddit?

Wet grass that's recently cut is more prone to fungus and disease. It can also clump up. Lawn care companies mow when wet because they can't afford to pay their guys to sit around and do nothing.

Is it smart to mow wet grass?

Mowing wet lawns increases the risk of rut damage, since the soil is softer and more slippery for mowers, and the grass roots can more easily be torn out by the mower tires. That said, lighter weight Wright mowers with their large wheels enable you to mow over wetter ground with less risk of rut damage.

What happens if you use lawn mower on wet grass?

Mowing wet grass can cause problems for both your lawn and your mower. These include: Uneven cutting and tearing of the grass blades: Wet grass is soft and bends easily, making it difficult for lawn mowers to cut cleanly. This can result in uneven cuts that can damage the grass and leave it susceptible to disease.

Is it OK to mow very dry grass?

Mowing when your grass is too dry can damage it. Use these smart tips to properly care for your lawn through drought. Megan Hughes has a passion for plants that drives her to stay on top of the latest garden advancements and time-tested ways of growing great plants.

Will it hurt a lawn mower to get wet?

Your battery operated lawn mower shouldn't be exposed to water as it might suffer water ingress and damage over time. While mowing dewy grass occasionally won't matter, mowing the lawn in drizzle is a risk to the tool and the 56V lithium-ion battery, and damaged equipment creates a risk for the user too.

Is there a wrong way to mow a lawn?

Mow Like a Pro: How to Avoid These Top 10 Lawn Mowing Mistakes
  1. Don't Mow Too Often. ...
  2. Don't Mow Too Low. ...
  3. Don't Cut Wet Grass. ...
  4. Don't Rush Mowing. ...
  5. Don't Mow the Same Way Every Time – Alternate the Pattern. ...
  6. Don't Mow with Dull Mower Blades. ...
  7. Don't Bag Your Grass – Mulch as You Mow. ...
  8. Don't Make Your Rows Too Far Apart.

Should I mow with catcher on or off?

There is no definitive yes or no answer to this, as a combination of both is required for most lawns. It is ok to leave your clippings on the lawn every now and again, as clippings are a great source of nitrogen and can act as a natural fertiliser for your lawn.

Why do landscapers cut grass in the rain?

We often get the call from some of our customers wondering why we are mowing grass in the rain. The answer is pretty simple: “BECAUSE WE HAVE TO”, not necessarily because we want to. Mowing grass in the rain takes substantially more time and creates a dangerous environment for our staff to work.

What temperature is too hot to mow the lawn?

Risking heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion or heat stroke suggests you should not. When is it too hot to mow? Temperatures over 85°F mark the threshold. To maintain the health of your lawn and yourself, mow during cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening.

How to mow wet grass without clogging?

  1. Take It Slow: Wet grass can stall the mower, so mow at a slower pace than normal.
  2. Side Discharge Instead of Bagging: Bagging wet grass is a nightmare—it clogs the bag and makes it super heavy. Use the side discharge if possible.
  3. Stop and Clean the Deck Frequently: Grass will build up under the deck quickly.

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