The relentless rain hasn’t stopped, and your lawn is growing rapidly. To keep your lawn looking its best, mowing is essential. If you’re using an electric lawn mower, what should you do? Is it safe and smart to mow wet grass with an electric mower?
The short answer? No. Electric mowers often have difficulty with wet grass. Their blades aren’t optimized for cutting through water or damp material. If you must mow wet grass with an electric mower, take extra care to ensure a clean and effective cut.
7 Reasons For Not Mowing Wet Grass With an Electric Lawn Mower
Electric lawn mowers are gaining popularity. They are quiet and environmentally friendly. However, using an electric mower on wet grass isn’t ideal. Here are seven reasons to avoid mowing wet grass with your electric mower:
Mower Type: Corded Or Cordless
Electric mowers come in two primary forms: corded and cordless. But which type performs best on damp grass?
For tackling damp lawns, corded electric mowers excel due to their superior power. They can even handle waterlogged conditions. Conversely, cordless electric mowers offer less power and aren’t recommended for mowing wet grass.
Corded and cordless electric mowers also differ in weight. Corded models are typically heavier. This can make them harder to maneuver, especially on larger lawns. Cordless mowers offer greater ease of movement due to their lighter design.
Ultimately, cost is a key differentiator between corded and cordless electric lawn mowers.
Electric shock
Mowing wet grass with an electric mower presents a significant risk of electric shock. Damp grass clinging to the blades can trigger a short circuit, leading to a dangerous shock. Furthermore, moisture on the power cord also increases the chance of a short circuit and subsequent electric shock.
Minimize electric shock risk while mowing damp grass by ensuring sharp, clean blades. Always clear debris after each use. Verify your electrical cord is undamaged and dry. Avoid overloading the cord or submerging it in water.
Should you receive an electric shock while mowing wet grass, immediately disconnect the mower’s power source. Seek prompt medical attention.
Strain On Motor
It’s common knowledge to avoid mowing wet grass, but the reasons are often unclear. Mowing wet grass causes the mower blades to fling water everywhere. This water can then damage the motor, especially on electric mowers.
Mowing wet grass can damage your mower’s motor. Protect your electric mower to extend its lifespan. Avoid stressing the motor by not mowing when the grass is wet. This simple step helps ensure years of reliable performance.
Clogging and Clumping
Mowing wet grass often leads to frustrating issues like clogging and clumping. Clogging happens when grass clippings accumulate and block the mower blades, potentially halting operation. Clumping occurs when wet grass sticks together, creating uneven cuts and further mower difficulties.
Mowing damp grass requires caution to prevent issues. Regularly clean your mower blades. Avoid cutting excessive amounts of grass in one pass. Set your mower blade to its highest setting. Ensure the grass isn’t excessively saturated before mowing.
Injury From Slipping
Mowing wet grass increases the risk of slips and falls. Wet ground reduces traction, making it harder to maintain balance. This is especially true with electric mowers, which may be less stable than gas-powered ones. Exercise caution when mowing in wet conditions. Wear shoes with good grip and work slowly. If the grass is too wet for safe mowing, wait for it to dry.
Grass Management
Grass thrives on water, but mowing wet grass can be problematic. Rain-soaked ground makes the grass vulnerable to damage. Wet clippings decompose slower and can create smothering mats. If you must mow when it’s wet, proceed slowly and avoid repeated passes. Ideally, wait for the grass to dry completely. If unavoidable, mow early morning or late evening for best results.
Damage Grass Root
Wet ground compacts the soil, hindering oxygen and water flow to grass roots. Mowing wet grass deprives roots of these vital elements. This can weaken or kill the grass, increasing disease vulnerability. It also damages the grass blades.
A grass blade is the portion of the grass plant you see closest to the ground. Mowing wet grass can tear these blades from the stalk. This can result in a patchy and unhealthy lawn.
Problems Wet Grass Creates
In 2025, The Electric Mower Report emphasizes crucial insights regarding mowing wet grass.
1. Mowing wet grass poses challenges for both gas and electric mowers. Damp clippings stick to the blades, hindering cutting performance. This can also lead to frequent stalling.
2. When mowing wet grass, aim for early morning or late evening. The ground’s moisture from dew or rain minimizes grass clumping on the mower blades.
3. Always clean your mower after each use. This is especially important after mowing wet grass. Wet grass clumps can stick to blades and other parts. This can lead to rust or premature wear.
How Will I Know If My Grass Is Too Wet For My Mower?
Morning dew often leaves grass damp. Rain showers can also cause wet grass later in the day. Check for wetness by walking on your lawn. If your footprints leave impressions, it’s too wet to mow. Try the blade test: cut a grass blade. If water droplets appear on the cut end, wait for it to dry. Mowing wet grass can result in a poor cut. You might also see clumps of grass, requiring raking or sweeping.
Are There Any Water Resistant Electric Lawn Mower Options?
Seeking a water-resistant electric lawn mower? Focus first on the motor. Electric mowers use two motor types: induction and direct drive. Induction motors offer better water resistance compared to direct drive models. Therefore, for enhanced water resistance, select a mower with an induction motor.
Consider a water-resistant lawn mower for enhanced durability. These mowers are engineered to shield the motor and internal parts from water damage. Alternatively, choose a model featuring a built-in rain cover. This cover ensures electrical components remain dry, even in heavy rain or accidental submersion.
Why a Water-Resistant Lawn Mower is Essential: If you live in a region with frequent floods or heavy rainfall, consider a water-resistant electric lawn mower. It’s a worthwhile investment, protecting your mower and ensuring smooth operation. Many electric models now feature built-in water resistance. This protects internal components from moisture, preventing corrosion and damage.
Considering a new electric lawn mower? Explore water-resistant options. While they might have a slightly higher initial cost, they offer long-term savings and convenience.
Robomow
Robomow is a weather-resistant robotic lawn mower. Control it easily with your smartphone or tablet. Its robust build handles diverse terrains effortlessly. The mower’s blades are exceptionally sharp, tackling even the thickest grass. Enjoy quiet operation, ensuring minimal disturbance to your neighbors during lawn care.
The Worx WR140 Landroid M is a weather-resistant robotic mower perfect for diverse terrains, even hills. Its 20V lithium-ion battery delivers up to 45 minutes of runtime per charge. You can schedule the Landroid M to mow on specific days and times. Plus, it automatically docks at its charging station when the job is done. The Worx WR120 is a self-propelled lawn mower that can be set to follow a mowing pattern or when the grass grows too high.
Are There Any Benefits That An Electric Mower Has Over A Gas Mower?
Electric lawnmowers offer significant advantages over their gas-powered counterparts. They operate more quietly, a welcome feature for noise-sensitive users. Being emission-free, they contribute to a cleaner environment. Electric models are generally lighter and easier to handle, ideal for smaller lawns or users seeking effortless maneuverability. Furthermore, their extended lifespan often translates to long-term cost savings compared to gas mowers.
Tips On Using An Electric Mower
Electric lawn mowers are surging in popularity. Discover updated tips for maximizing your electric mower’s performance in 2025.
Don’t Try To Mow Wet Grass: It is not safe
Cutting damp grass presents several risks. Firstly, moisture rapidly dulls electric mower blades. This leads to an inconsistent cut and potential motor overheating. Furthermore, wet grass easily clogs the mower, exacerbating the overheating issue.
For optimal results, allow your lawn to dry completely before mowing with an electric mower.
Take Care Of Your Cordless Lawn Mower’s Batteries
Maintaining your cordless electric lawn mower goes beyond just trimming your lawn. A crucial step in prolonging the lifespan of your mower and its batteries is avoiding mowing wet grass. Wet grass sticks to the blades and the mower deck, hindering efficient cutting. This also leads to dirt buildup and increases the risk of rust on the blades and deck.
To extend the lifespan of your cordless electric lawn mower, maintain fully charged batteries. Before storing your mower for a long period, ensure the batteries are completely charged.
Keep Your Lawn Mower’s Blades Sharp
Maintaining sharp electric lawn mower blades is crucial for achieving a pristine lawn. Dull blades tear grass, harming your lawn’s health and appearance. Luckily, sharpening your blades is a quick and simple task. It only takes a few minutes to ensure a clean, healthy cut. Keeping your blades sharp is easy and rewarding.
Begin by identifying the blade(s) on your electric lawn mower. Typically, mowers feature two blades, positioned on opposite sides of the deck. After locating them, detach the blade(s) and move them to a well-lit, clean workspace.
After that, sharpen the blades using a sharpening stone or honing rod. Maintain a consistent angle while moving the stone or rod along the blade’s full length.
Take Care Of Your Lawn Mower’s Wheels
Lawn mower wheels are crucial. They facilitate movement and bear the mower’s weight during grass cutting. With use, wheels can degrade or get damaged. This can hinder movement and lead to uneven cuts.
Maintain your lawn mower wheels for optimal performance. Regularly clean them to remove dirt and obstructions. Ensure proper lubrication for smooth operation. Inspect for damage or wear and replace worn parts promptly.
Maintain your lawn mower wheels for extended life and a smoother mowing experience.
Conclusion
Electric lawn mowers offer a convenient and efficient way to maintain your yard. However, safety is paramount. The electric motor can produce significant heat, posing a burn risk upon skin contact. Mowing wet grass with an electric mower presents additional hazards. Damp conditions reduce the blades’ cutting efficiency. When operating an electric mower on wet grass, exercise extra caution to prevent accidents and injuries.