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I still remember the day I left my electric lawn mower out in the rain. One minute, the sky was clear. The next, a storm rolled in fast. I watched from the porch as water poured down on my mower. You might be asking, what happens if my electric lawn mower gets rained on? I’ve been there, and I’ve learned what to do—and what not to do. In this guide, I’ll share tips to help you protect your mower, stay safe, and avoid costly mistakes.

Will Rain Ruin an Electric Lawn Mower?

Yes, rain can ruin an electric lawn mower. Water and electricity don’t mix well. If water gets into the motor, battery, or wires, it can cause real damage. Some mowers stop working. Others might spark or shut off without warning.

This happened to me once. I left my mower out during a storm. When I tried to start it the next day, it was dead. I checked the battery port and found water inside. I dried it out and waited two days. Luckily, it worked again. But not everyone gets that lucky. A neighbor of mine had to replace his mower after one heavy rain.

So, what are the signs of water damage? Look for blinking lights or buttons that don’t work. You might hear a strange noise or smell something burning. If the battery won’t charge or the mower won’t start, water could be the cause. Don’t keep pushing it—stop and check.

Corded and cordless mowers handle rain differently. Corded ones are riskier. If water gets into the plug, it could shock you. Cordless mowers are safer when unplugged. But the battery still needs care. If water gets in, it can rust or stop working.

Some mowers may claim to be water-resistant. But most are not waterproof. If your mower has an IP rating, check it in the manual. IP ratings tell you how much water a device can handle. Most mowers can’t handle much more than a light splash.

So yes—rain can harm your mower. But if you act fast, dry it out, and watch for warning signs, you may be able to save it.

What to Do If Your Lawn Mower Gets Rained On

Step-by-Step: Immediate Actions After Rain

Unplug your mower or take out the battery right away. This is the first and most key step. Water and power do not mix. If you keep it on, you could get hurt or break the tool.

Use a dry towel to wipe it down. Get the sides, the top, and under the deck. I like to use an old tee or soft cloth. It grabs the water and won’t scratch the parts.

Let it sit in a dry spot for one to two days. Make sure there is air flow. A fan or the sun helps speed this up. Do not plug it back in yet. If you do, it could spark or stop for good.

Once, I rushed and turned mine on too fast. It made a pop, and that was it. The motor was toast. Now I wait, and my mower works just fine.

My Go-To Rain Check List

Look in the vents and deck for water. That’s where it hides the most. If you see wet spots, wipe them clean.

Check the battery port and plug-in spots. If they are wet, leave them open to dry. I keep a can of spray for this. Use contact spray to clean the plug if it looks dirty.

If it still won’t turn on, stop and think. Is it worth the fix? One of my old mowers quit after one big storm. I did all I could. Still no luck. So I let it go.

But others came back to life with a dry cloth and time. That’s why fast care is so key. The sooner you dry it, the more you save.

Is It Okay to Leave My Lawn Mower Out in the Rain?

Quick answer: No, it’s not a good idea. Rain can cause damage—even if it’s just a little.

I once left mine out overnight. It didn’t rain hard, but it was enough. The next week, I noticed the blade was slow. The button stuck. Then the battery quit. One small rain turned into a big repair.

Rain leads to rust, mold, and weak batteries. Water gets inside small parts. It hides in vents and ports. Over time, it eats away at the mower. It’s like leaving your phone outside. It might work at first, but it won’t last long.

So what should you do? Keep it covered. A good tarp works fine. I used one and some bricks for years. Now I have a shed. It’s small, but it keeps the mower dry.

If you don’t have space, no worries. Try a plastic bin or an old grill cover. Some people build a small box from wood. Just make sure water can’t get in.

Now, I always roll my mower inside. Even if the sky looks clear, I don’t risk it. A dry mower is a happy mower. And I don’t want to spend money on a new one each year.

To sum it up: Rain won’t break your mower right away. But it adds up. Water and wires don’t mix. Keep it dry, and it’ll last much longer.

Is It Safe to Use an Electric Mower on Damp Grass?

Short answer: It’s usually not safe—and it’s rarely worth the risk.

Let me be honest with you—I’ve mowed damp grass before. Early morning, dew still clinging to the lawn, and I was trying to finish before the sun got too hot. It seemed harmless. But halfway through, the mower started clogging, and I nearly slipped on a wet patch near the edge of the yard. That’s when I realized: cutting wet grass with an electric mower can go wrong fast.

Why it’s risky: Wet grass increases your chance of slipping, especially on hills or uneven ground. That’s a safety issue for you. For your mower, wet clumps can clog the blade area and make the motor work harder. This strains the system and drains the battery faster. Worst-case? Moisture sneaks into the motor or electrical parts, and suddenly, you’re facing a short circuit—or worse.

Mowing damp grass with an electric lawn mower is risky due to slipping hazards, motor strain, and possible electrical damage.

What If You Have to Mow Wet Grass?

Life happens. Maybe it rained last night and the weekend is your only chance to mow. If you’re in that boat, here’s how to do it as safely as possible.

If you must mow damp grass, use a GFCI outlet, wear non-slip shoes, go slowly, and check for clogs frequently to protect both yourself and your mower.

My Take

I still remember mowing after a light drizzle one Saturday morning. It looked fine at first—no puddles, just a sheen of moisture. But about ten minutes in, my mower started sputtering. Turns out, water had dripped into the battery slot. I dried it out, but I was lucky it didn’t cause long-term damage.

Now? I wait. Even if it means rescheduling the mow. It’s just not worth risking my mower or my safety.

Bottom line: Unless your lawn is just slightly damp and your mower is rated for it (some are splash-resistant, not waterproof), it’s best to wait until things dry out. A day or two of delay is better than a fried motor—or a trip to the ER.

 

How to Prevent Rain Damage to Your Electric Mower

Rain and electric tools don’t mix. The best way to avoid damage is to stop water from getting in at all.

I’ve had to learn this the hard way. But once I made a few small changes, my mower stayed dry and worked better.

1. Store It Somewhere Dry

Think of your mower like a big battery-powered gadget. You wouldn’t leave your phone in the rain—don’t do it to your mower. Water can sneak into small parts and mess things up.

I used to park mine under the deck. That worked until a storm blew in sideways. Now I keep it in a shed. If you don’t have one, try a porch, carport, or even a bin with a lid. Just keep it dry.

2. Check the Forecast First

This sounds easy, but I forget too sometimes. One day, I started mowing under a clear sky. Ten minutes later? Rain. I rushed to grab the mower, but it still got soaked.

Now I check the weather before I mow. If there’s rain on the way, I wait. A wet lawn can wait. A wet mower might not work again.

3. Dry It After Every Use

Even if it doesn’t rain, water can still sneak in. Dew, wet grass, or fog can leave behind moisture. That can cause rust or other issues later on.

I keep a soft towel near my shed. After I mow, I wipe down the deck, the vents, and the battery slot. It takes a minute, but it makes a big difference.

4. Use a Cover or DIY Fix

No shed? No problem. A good tarp works great. I used one and some bricks for years. You can also use a grill cover or a large bin. Just make sure rain can’t get in.

Later, I bought a fitted cover online. It cost less than dinner out and kept my mower dry all year.

5. Check It After Rainy Days

If your mower gets damp, check it before you use it. Look inside the vents and under the deck. Check the battery slot too. If it’s wet, let it dry out for a day or two.

I also use contact spray on the plug now and then. It helps keep rust away and makes sure everything connects right.

My Tip: Once I treated my mower like it mattered, it lasted longer. Drying it, covering it, and checking for water takes just a few minutes. But it can save you from a big repair—or buying a new one.

Long-Term Effects of Rain Exposure on Electric Mowers

Rain doesn’t always break your mower right away. But over time? It adds up. I’ve seen what a little water can do when it sneaks in again and again.

Rain exposure can slowly ruin your electric mower by damaging the battery, rusting parts, and messing with controls.

1. Reduced Battery Performance

Let’s start with the battery. It’s the heart of your mower. And just like your phone, it hates water. Even light moisture can mess with the cells inside. At first, it might just lose charge faster. But over time, it can stop holding any charge at all.

If your battery runs out quicker than it used to, rain may be the reason.

I had a mower that used to last a full cut. After a few rainy weeks? It died halfway through. I tried charging it longer, but it never bounced back.

2. Corrosion and Rust

Water and metal don’t get along. Leave your mower out in the rain a few times, and you’ll see rust show up fast—especially under the deck and around the bolts. It starts small but spreads. Before long, the blade sticks or the wheels squeak.

Rust can eat away at the metal parts of your mower, making it harder to push and less safe to use.

I once flipped my mower to clean it and found a rust patch the size of my palm. It had formed right near the motor base. Not good.

3. Malfunctioning Controls or Safety Switches

Rain also messes with buttons, triggers, and safety locks. These parts have small wires and sensors. If water gets in, things can stop working—or worse, work wrong. One time, my start button got stuck halfway in. The mower kept starting on its own. Scary stuff.

If buttons stick, lights blink weirdly, or your mower acts up, moisture could be to blame.

I had to open up the handle housing and dry it with a hair dryer. Not fun.

4. Reduced Resale Value or Warranty Issues

Even if your mower still runs, rain damage lowers its value. Rusty decks and weak batteries don’t look good. And if you need to file a warranty claim, most brands won’t cover water damage. It’s in the fine print.

Rain damage can void your warranty and lower what your mower’s worth.

A friend of mine tried to sell his two-year-old mower online. It worked, but it looked beat-up. Nobody offered more than half the price. He ended up keeping it just for parts.

5. A Real Story: The Mower That Slowly Gave Up

I had a trusty mower I used for almost four years. But I wasn’t great at storing it. Sometimes I’d leave it under a tree or forget to cover it. At first, it seemed fine. Then the battery wouldn’t hold a charge. The wheels got stiff. One day, it just… stopped.

Little by little, rain exposure turned my favorite mower into dead weight.

Looking back, a simple tarp or 10 minutes of care could’ve saved it. I learned my lesson—one storm at a time.

FAQs About Rain and Electric Lawn Mowers

Can rain permanently damage my electric lawn mower?

Absolutely—it can. I wish I could say otherwise, but rain and electric mowers don’t mix well. If water seeps into the motor, battery, or control board, it can cause real and lasting damage. Corrosion might start small, but over time it eats away at the wires and parts that keep your mower running.

I once had a mower that looked fine on the outside after a storm. But the next time I tried to mow? Nothing. The battery was toast, and the start button didn’t respond. A little rain had done a lot of harm.

So yes, rain can permanently ruin your mower—especially if it’s left untreated or stored while still wet.

How do I know if my electric mower is waterproof?

Here’s the truth: most electric mowers aren’t waterproof. Water-resistant? Maybe. But there’s a big difference. The best way to know is to check your manual or look for something called an IP rating. That rating tells you how well the mower handles dust and water.

For example, IPX4 means it can handle light splashes—but not rain. If yours doesn’t have a rating listed? Play it safe and assume it’s not water-ready.

I used to think my mower could handle a light drizzle. Nope. After one too many wet mow sessions, I learned to treat it like a laptop—something you keep far away from water.

Is it safe to mow the lawn after rain?

Honestly? Not really. I know the temptation—you’ve got a free Saturday, the grass is long, and you don’t want to wait. But mowing wet grass with an electric mower is risky business. Slippery lawns can lead to falls. Wet clumps can clog the blade and overwork the motor. And moisture in the wiring? That’s just asking for trouble.

Once, I thought I could beat the weather. I started mowing early one morning while the grass was still dewy. Ten minutes in, I nearly slipped going downhill, and the mower sputtered from wet buildup. Lesson learned.

So no, it’s not safe to mow right after rain—especially not with an electric mower.

Can I fix a water-damaged lawn mower myself?

Sometimes, yes—and sometimes, no. It really depends on how fast you catch it and how deep the water got. If you act quickly, unplug it, dry it out thoroughly, and clean the contacts with spray, you might get lucky. I’ve revived a mower after two full days of drying and careful cleanup.

But if the motor’s fried or the control panel shorted out? That’s above DIY territory. In those cases, it’s usually best to call a repair tech—or brace yourself for a new mower.

One time, I tried fixing a soaked mower that wouldn’t start. I replaced the battery, dried the motor housing, even cleaned the terminals. Nothing worked. Turned out, a hidden circuit board inside had corroded beyond repair.

So yes, you can sometimes fix water damage—but only if it’s minor and caught fast.

What Happens If My Electric Lawn Mower Gets Rained On? (What I Learned)

I made this mistake once. I left my electric mower outside. Then it rained.

If that just happened to you, you might be asking:

Did the rain ruin my mower? Is it safe to use? What do I do now?

Don’t worry. I’ve been there. Let’s break it down.

Can Rain Damage an Electric Lawn Mower?

Yes, it can. Rain and water can cause problems. But not always. Sometimes, your mower will still work just fine. It depends on how wet it got and where the water went.

What Can Happen? (Best to Worst)

1. Nothing Happens (Lucky You)

If it was a light rain or you dried it fast, the mower might still work. No damage. Just be glad!

2. Small Issues (It Might Be OK)

Your mower might:

Let it dry for a day or two. Then try again.

3. Big Problems (Water Got Inside)

This is bad. If water gets in the motor or wires, it can:

In this case, you may need a repair or even a new mower.

What To Do If It Gets Wet

I left mine in a storm once. Here’s what I did:

1. Unplug or Remove the Battery

Do this first. It’s not safe to run power through a wet mower.

2. Dry Off the Mower

Use a clean towel. Wipe the outside. Don’t forget under the deck and near the battery.

3. Let It Sit and Dry

Put it somewhere dry—like a garage. Let it sit for at least 24 hours. Use a fan if you have one.

4. Check for Damage

Look at the wires and battery slot. Do you see rust or water? If not, try turning it on.

Can You Mow Wet Grass With an Electric Mower?

No. Don’t do it.

Wet grass can:

Plus, water and power don’t mix. Wait for dry grass. It’s safer for you and your mower.

How To Keep Your Mower Safe From Rain

Here’s how I protect mine now:

Final Thoughts

If your electric mower got wet, don’t panic.

Dry it off. Let it rest. Check it before using.

If you’re lucky, it will work fine. If not, you may need help. Either way, now you know what to do next time.

Read More: Common Electric Lawn Mower Problems and How to Fix Them