Leaf blower maintenance 101: How to keep your unit running like new

Steven E / Monday November 18, 2024

Like any machine, your leaf blower needs regular care to stay in top condition. The good news? Leaf blower maintenance is straightforward and doesn’t take much time — if you stay consistent. Let’s break down how you can take care of your unit to avoid premature breakdowns and inconsistent performance.

Heads up: While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance cleaning and maintenance, the information in this article may differ from your specific appliance model. Variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in cleaning steps and regular maintenance tasks. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.

If you need any replacement parts for your leaf blower, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.

Safety precautions

When working on any appliance, remember to keep safety first. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

If you’re working indoors, make sure there’s adequate ventilation to prevent the buildup of exhaust fumes.
Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts, pinching hazards and debris.
Never attempt to service or repair the unit while it’s running or when the engine is still warm. Wait for all moving parts to come to a complete stop and unplug it if it’s an electric blower.
Be very careful when working near blades, augers, or any other moving parts. Keep your hands, fingers, and clothing clear of these areas at all times.
If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time for any hot parts to cool down before working on it.
Empty the gas tank before beginning any work.
When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
Take your time and don’t rush while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries.
Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access the interior parts.
Clear your workspace of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause injury.
Wear safety glasses when working with chemicals, dust or cleaning large debris to prevent injury.

Maintenance requirements for different types of leaf blowers

Before you start cleaning your leaf blower, you need to familiarize yourself with the type you have and any unique requirements. Different models have different needs, so you’ll need to tailor your maintenance routine.

Gas-powered leaf blowers

These are typically the most powerful blowers and are usually used for large yards and heavy-duty tasks. Gas models have more moving parts and rely on fuel and oil, which makes them a bit more complicated to maintain.

Gas blower maintenance at a glance

Fuel mix
Spark plug
Air filter

Electric leaf blowers (corded)

Lightweight and low-maintenance, corded blowers are perfect for small to medium-sized yards with access to power outlets. Electric models are simpler but depend on clean, undamaged cords or batteries.

Electric blower maintenance at a glance

Inspect the power cord for damage
Keeping the vents clean

Cordless (battery-powered) leaf blowers

Portable and convenient, these blowers are great for light to moderate tasks but rely on battery health to deliver great results. Cordless models require regular battery management to avoid reduced runtime or power.

Battery-operated blower maintenance at a glance

Battery contacts should be clean
Replace old batteries

Daily leaf blower maintenance checklist

Follow these tips to keep your leaf blower working properly.

Before each use

Check that all screws, fasteners, and attachments are secure
Inspect the nozzle, housing, and vents for cracks, wear, or debris that might block airflow
On gas models, check fuel levels and make sure the fuel mix is fresh
On corded models, look for frays or cuts in the power cord
On cordless models, make sure that the battery is fully charged and securely connected

After each use

Use a dry or slightly damp cloth to remove dirt, dust, and debris from the blower’s housing and handles.
Remove any debris that may have accumulated in the vents during use.
Check inside the nozzle and around the impeller for any remaining leaves or twigs and remove them as needed.
After cleaning, store the blower in a dry, protected space away from extreme temperatures or moisture to prevent rust, corrosion, and unnecessary wear.

Monthly leaf blower maintenance checklist

Keep your unit maintained throughout the year with these tips.

For gas-powered models

Clean or replace the air filter

Refer to your blower’s manual to find the filter housing, which is usually near the engine intake.
Unscrew or unclip the housing to access the filter.
Tap the filter gently to remove loose debris.
Wash the filter in warm, soapy water, then rinse it thoroughly. Allow the filter to dry completely before reinstalling it. If the filter is disposable or damaged, replace it with a new one as recommended by the manufacturer.
Put the filter back in the housing and make sure it’s sealed tightly.

Inspect and replace the spark plug if needed

Find the spark plug, which is typically covered by a cap or wire boot on the engine.
Use a spark plug wrench to loosen and remove the old spark plug. Pull gently to avoid damaging the wire connection.
Look for carbon deposits, corrosion, or worn electrodes. If the plug is dirty, clean it with a wire brush. If it’s damaged, replace it.
Screw in the new spark plug by hand to prevent cross-threading.
Tighten the new plug securely with the wrench, but don’t over-tighten it.
Push the wire boot back onto the new plug until it clicks.

Check and refresh the fuel mix

Use a fuel-safe container to drain any leftover gas from the tank.
Run the blower until it stops to remove fuel from the carburetor.
Use the manufacturer’s recommended gas-to-oil ratio (e.g., 50:1 or 40:1).
Mix the correct quantities in a gas can, not directly in the blower.
Pour the fresh mix into the blower’s fuel tank and make sure to leave some space for expansion.

For corded electric models

Inspect the power cord

Look for fraying, cuts, or loose connections. If you find any, replace the cord.
Check the plug for bent or corroded prongs. Replace the cord immediately if any issues are found.
Plug the cord into a working outlet and gently move the cord to see if the power cuts out.

NOTE: Never attempt to repair a cord with electrical tape for long-term use.

Clean ventilation areas

Find the intake and exhaust vents on the blower’s housing.
Use a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner to remove any accumulated dust and debris. For stubborn buildup, use compressed air to blow out the vents.
Check for cracks or damage around the vent areas. If you find any damage, replace the vent(s).

For cordless models

How to clean the battery contacts

Detach the battery from the blower according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Look for dirt, dust, or corrosion on the battery contacts and the blower’s connectors. Use a dry cloth to wipe away any debris. For minor corrosion, gently rub the contacts with a pencil eraser.
Once the area is clean, reattach the battery so it clicks back into place.

Test battery life

Use the charger recommended by the manufacturer and let the battery reach 100%.
Use the blower until the battery is depleted and time how long it lasts under normal use. If the runtime is significantly shorter than the manufacturer’s specifications, the battery may need to be replaced.
Check for overheating or excessive charging time, as these are signs of aging batteries.
If you need a new battery, make sure you purchase a compatible one.

End-of-season care for leaf blowers

Before you store your blower away for the remainder of the year, you’ll need to prepare it for next season.

Drain fuel (gas models)

Empty the fuel tank into an approved container and run the blower until it stops to clear the carburetor.
Add a fuel stabilizer if you plan to leave fuel in the tank during storage.

Deep clean (all types)

Remove and clean the air filter (or replace it if it’s disposable)
Clear out any remaining debris from the nozzle, vents, and intake

Store batteries properly (cordless models)

Fully charge the batteries before storing the leaf blower.
Keep batteries in a cool, dry place, away from extreme temperatures.

Inspect the blower for damage

Look for cracks, loose screws, or worn-out parts that need attention before the next season. Replace them as needed.

Store the blower correctly

Keep the blower in a dry, safe, sheltered space, such as a garage or shed.
Hang the blower on a wall hook or place it on a shelf to prevent ground moisture damage.

Leaf blower maintenance 101: How to keep your unit running like new

Safety precautions