Grass line trimmer maintenance checklist

Because your grass line trimmer is a relatively simple tool, you might forget that it needs routine maintenance just like your other lawn tools. Taking a few basic steps goes a long way toward keeping your trimmer ready.

If you're having trouble with your line trimmer, check out our line trimmer repair help. We also have line trimmer parts you might need.

Hang a calendar in your garage or storage shed so you can easily keep track of when you use your line trimmer and for how long. Refer to the owner's manual for recommended maintenance intervals. Here are typical guidelines.

At the start of each season

Put fresh fuel into a gas-powered trimmer and check the cords on an electric trimmer.

Replace the trimmer line, too. Old line can become brittle and break easily.

Before each use

If you have a gas-powered grass trimmer, fill the tank with the gas–oil mix recommended in the owner's manual; 40 parts unleaded gasoline to one part 2-cycle engine oil is typical. If you have an electric trimmer, check the cords. 

Make sure you have plenty of replacement trimmer line on hand. If you're using a blade, inspect it carefully and replace it if it's bent or broken.

After each use

Let your trimmer cool for several minutes (if it's electric, unplug it) and then use a soft brush and cloth to remove grass clippings, dirt and other debris. Pay special attention to clearing the air intake vents on gasoline-powered trimmers.

Refill the trimmer head with line if it's running low, so you won't run out in the middle of your next trimming session.

Inspect the trimmer for loose or damaged parts and repair them before you put the machine away.

After every 10 hours of use

Clean your trimmer's air filter to ensure efficient engine performance. Wash the filter in detergent and water, then rinse it and let it dry. Work a few drops of oil into the clean, dry filter if recommended for your trimmer, and then reinsert it.

After every 25 hours of use

Remove and inspect the spark plug on a gas-powered trimmer. Clean or replace it if it's dirty.

Before storing for the winter

Before you put your trimmer away for the season, give it a thorough cleaning and lightly oil the metal surfaces to prevent rust.

If you have a gas-powered trimmer, either empty or stabilize any fuel remaining in your trimmer. To get rid of the fuel, drain the tank into a US Department of Transportation-approved gas can, then start the engine and let the machine run until it stops on its own. To store your trimmer with a full tank, add a fuel stabilizer to the gasoline–oil mix in your gas can, shake it, and use the new mixture to top off your trimmer's tank. Run the engine for about 5 minutes to circulate the treated fuel through the engine. If you already use a 2-cycle engine oil formulated with a stabilizer, you don't need to add stabilizer.