1. Mow Dry Grass

Dry grass clippings are less likely to stick to your mower deck. Wet clippings, on the other hand, stick on and build up as you continue to mow. You will vastly reduce the amount of clippings that stick to your mower deck by simply waiting until grass is totaly dry before mowing it. 

Don't assume your grass is dry by simply looking at it, especially in the morning or late evening. Instead, run your hand through a patch of grass that needs to be cut. Your hand should be completely dry after touching the grass. If not, give it another 30 minutes and check again before mowing.

2. Follow the One-Third Rule

Aim to remove just one-third of the length of the grass blade at every cutting. Mowing excessively long grass back to a regular mowing height creates a large clipping mass under the mower deck as the blades swirl. The clipping mass is often too dense to discharge from the mower deck efficiently, increasing the chances of it ending up clinging to the underside of the deck.

If you maintain a 3-inch-tall lawn, cut it when it is 4 ½ inches tall or less to minimize clipping buildup on the mower deck. During long rainy spells, it might be impossible to cut grass only when it is perfectly dry. It is better to cut wet grass and thoroughly clean your mower afterwards than let the grass grow and then be faced with cutting excessively long grass. 

3. Keep Mower Blades Sharp

Sharp mower blades cut grass cleanly and swiftly, ensuring it is quickly kicked out from under the deck. Dull blades, by contrast, tear the grass blades and make a mess of clipping distribution. Clippings are more likely to stick to a mower with dull blades.

 Keep blades in top shape by sharpening twice a year; midsummer and the end of the mowing season are a good rhythm. Also, take a few minutes to pick up debris on the lawn—branches, rocks, and anything that might damage the blades—before your mow.

4. Clean Off the Deck

A mower deck caked with clippings attracts more clippings. That layer of debris builds up each time you mow. Make deck cleaning part of your mowing routine. When done regularly, it takes just 5 minutes to thoroughly clean a mower deck. 

The easiest way to remove stuck-on clippings is with a high-powered leaf blower or air compressor directed under the mower deck. A strong stream of water is also effective. Whatever method you choose, consistently clean your mower deck every time you use it. 

If you haven't cleaned your mower deck in a while, take extra time to give it a thorough cleaning. After disconnecting the battery or removing spark plugs, use a putty knife or sturdy paint stick to scrape away dried, stuck-on grass. Wear gloves to protect your hands—mower blades are very sharp.

What Not to Do

Skip the use of lubricants or paint on products that promise to prevent grass from clinging to the deck. These products often overpromise and underdeliver, requiring frequent reapplication. It's far more effective to take a few minutes to clean off grass clippings after each mowing.

Also, don't panic if a little grass remains on your mower. Keep in mind that these machines are designed to withstand some stuck-on clippings. The goal is to prevent excessive buildup so that your mower will function better and have greater longevity.