Cutting wet grass can be tricky, especially with a cordless lawn mower. Many homeowners face this dilemma when they wake up to damp lawns but still need to maintain their garden.

You might wonder: Is it safe? Will it damage my mower? This guide on can you cut wet grass with a cordless lawn mower, will explore whether it’s a good idea to cut wet grass with a cordless lawn mower, along with practical advice for keeping your lawn tidy while avoiding potential risks.

Can You Cut Wet Grass With a Cordless Lawn Mower?

Is It Safe to Cut Wet Grass With a Cordless Lawn Mower?

Cutting wet grass can pose certain risks, especially with electrical equipment like a cordless lawn mower. Wet lawn mowing risks primarily stem from moisture getting into the mower’s components.

Cordless electric mowers, though designed to withstand regular garden conditions, are still vulnerable when exposed to excess water.

Moisture can seep into electrical parts, increasing the risk of short circuits, even if modern mowers come with safeguards.

To mow wet grass safely, it’s crucial to assess the amount of moisture. If the grass is lightly damp, you may proceed with caution.

However, if it’s heavily saturated, it’s best to wait for better conditions. Cordless mower wet lawn safety revolves around preventing accidents, like the mower slipping on the wet surface or the blades getting clogged.

What Happens to Your Cordless Mower When Cutting Wet Grass?

Wet conditions can affect your cordless mower’s performance in several ways. First, wet grass tends to stick to the underside of the mower, which can clog the blades and affect cutting efficiency.

This leads to an uneven cut and forces the motor to work harder. Over time, this could cause overheating or strain the battery.

One of the most significant concerns is the impact on battery life in wet conditions. A cordless mower operates on a battery, and when moisture surrounds the mower’s electrical system, it can lead to battery deterioration or failure.

In extreme cases, you may notice the battery draining faster than usual. Additionally, the lawn mower blades can become dull more quickly when frequently cutting wet grass, leading to subpar performance over time.

What Are the Risks of Mowing Wet Grass?

There are several wet lawn mowing risks that you should consider before taking your cordless mower out on a damp day:

• Clogging and Grass Clumping: Wet grass tends to stick together, forming clumps under the mower deck. These clumps can affect the quality of the cut and put additional strain on the mower.
• Uneven Cutting: Wet grass bends under the weight of water, making it difficult for the mower blades to achieve an even cut especially cutting near a wall.
• Slippery Surfaces: Wet lawns are slippery, increasing the likelihood of losing control of the mower, especially on slopes.
• Electrical Issues: Although cordless mowers are designed to handle regular mowing conditions, prolonged exposure to moisture can cause electrical failures, which could be costly to repair.

Additionally, wet grass affects blade care—damp grass can be tougher to cut, and the blades may lose their sharpness more quickly, requiring frequent maintenance.

What Are the Advantages of Cordless Lawn Mowers in Wet Conditions?

Despite the risks, cordless lawn mowers offer certain advantages even in damp conditions. Unlike corded electric mowers, cordless models don’t have a trailing cable, reducing the risk of electrical hazards associated with wet grass.

Here are a few benefits:

• Mobility and Convenience: Cordless mowers are easy to manoeuvre across the lawn without worrying about extension cords or petrol fumes. This can be especially helpful if the lawn is damp, as you can quickly cover the area.
• Environmental Benefits: Battery-powered mowers are more eco-friendly than petrol-powered alternatives, producing no direct emissions and relying on rechargeable batteries.

When comparing corded mowers, petrol mowers, and cordless mowers, cordless models come out on top in terms of safety for everyday garden use, especially in damp but not overly wet conditions.

Feature	Cordless Lawn Mower	Corded Electric Mower	Petrol Mower
Mobility	High	Limited by cord	High
Wet Lawn Safety	Moderate	Low (risk of shock)	High risk of slipping
Environmental Impact	Low (battery)	Low	High (emissions)
Performance in Wet Grass	Moderate	Poor	High but risky

How to Safely Mow Wet Grass With a Cordless Mower?

If you must mow wet grass, following these best practices for mowing in damp weather will ensure you don’t damage your mower or harm your lawn:

1. Keep Blades Sharp: Wet grass dulls blades faster, so ensure your mower’s blades are sharp to achieve cleaner cuts.
2. Cut Higher: Raise the mower’s cutting height to avoid overworking the motor and to prevent grass from clumping as much.
3. Clean the Mower Regularly: After mowing, clean the underside of the mower to remove any clumps of wet grass. This prevents corrosion and keeps the mower in top shape.
4. Mow Slowly: Slowing down allows the blades to cut through the thick, damp grass more effectively.
5. Wait for Light Dampness: If the grass is soaking wet, wait for it to dry slightly before mowing. A lightly damp lawn is more manageable.

In terms of safety tips, always avoid mowing during heavy rain or when the ground is saturated. Additionally, never wash the mower immediately after use—let it dry to prevent water from getting into the electrical components.

What Are the Alternatives to Mowing Wet Grass?

If mowing in wet conditions isn’t ideal, what alternatives do you have?

• Wait for Drier Conditions: The safest option is to wait for a dry spell to mow your lawn. Wet grass can be challenging to cut evenly, and waiting ensures your mower performs better.
• Use a Rake: If the grass is too long and wet, consider using a rake to fluff it up. This will help it dry faster and make mowing easier later.

If you absolutely must mow in wet conditions, follow these tips for cutting wet grass:

• Mow at a higher setting.
• Clean the mower frequently to avoid clogging.
• Take breaks to prevent the battery from overheating.

Should You Mow Wet Grass With a Cordless Lawn Mower?

So, can you cut wet grass with a cordless lawn mower? The answer is yes, but with caution. While it’s possible to mow a damp lawn using a cordless mower, you must consider the risks—both to your mower and the lawn itself.

Wet grass can cause clogging, uneven cuts, and dull blades, while moisture can affect the mower’s battery and motor.

However, if you follow best practices, such as keeping the blades sharp, mowing slowly, and waiting for light dampness, you can maintain your lawn without damaging your mower. Ultimately, it’s best to wait for drier conditions whenever possible.