There are two types of leaf blowers: electric and gas leaf blowers. Maintenance and cleaning will differ a bit according to the leaf blower’s type because these machines are a bit different regarding their construction and parts and that’s why it’s essential to clean and maintain them accordingly. By taking the best care of your machine no matter if it’s a gas powered or a battery powered leaf blower, you will provide it a more extended lifespan.
Cleaning and maintaining a gas leaf blower: filter and carburetor maintenance
Gas leaf blowers are really helpful mostly in the fall for gathering and removing leaves and other debris that might be in your yard. A gas leaf blower is usually used seasonally, and it’s essential to make sure that the maintenance of the machine is taken care of before using the gas leaf blower. You will need warm water, gloves, cleaning solution for the carburetor and clean rags.
For instance, the gas filter helps to filter the gasoline that is used in the leaf blower, and this must be cleaned in order for the gas leaf blower to run smoothly. To clean the gas filter, you have to turn the choke knob on the back of your machine so that it’s turned half way and then you have to release the screws from the filter cover that are on the side of the machine. You can simply use a rag to wipe off dirt around the filter. After that, you have to pull the filter unit and remove the pre-filter from the unit. This can be washed with warm water with soap. Place the filter on a paper towel and let it dry for a couple of hours. After it’s dry, place the filter back onto the machine.
To have a clean gas leaf blower you should also consider cleaning the carburetor. This is an essential part of the machine and cleaning it will result in an easier start and a more powerful and smoother-running gas leaf blower.
First, you should remove the carburetor from the machine. Then you have to fill a metal pan with carburetor cleaner and put the carburetor in that container. Let it soak there for a few minutes. After that, make sure to pick up the carburetor and allow the cleaner to drain off as much as possible. Wipe it with a clean piece of rag and blow out any cleaner that may be left in the passages of the carburetor. For this, you can use pressurized air. At the end of the process, you have to block the low and the high mixture screw holes using your fingers and spray carburetor cleaner solution through the orifice. After that, blow air through the orifice in order to dry it and reassemble the carburetor back on the leaf blower. The job is now complete, and your gas-powered leaf cleaner should work flawlessly.
Cleaning your electric leaf blower
The electric leaf blower turns out to be most users’ best friend for keeping the outdoor areas free from any kind of debris. If you too have an electric blower that helps you with your yard cleaning job, it’s time to show the leaf blower some proper care because it needs maintenance to keep working at its best and help you with your tasks. To clean up your electric leaf blower, you will need a battery charger, mild liquid soap, work gloves, clean cloths/rags, warm water, an empty spray bottle and a cleaning spray.
First of all, you have to turn off the electric leaf blower, and it’s also recommended that you make sure it’s unplugged from any outlet even if it is just in charging mode in a battery charger. This is essential before starting the cleaning process.
Now, you have to clean out the debris. Make sure that the container or bag that is designed for holding the debris, leaves and other dirt has also been cleaned and discarded the right way. After that, you have to replace the bag or container. Rinse them with warm water if they are made from plastic or fabric.
Now it’s time to mix a small amount of liquid soap and warm water into the spray bottle and shake it until the ingredients are all mixed together. After the mixing is done, spray a bit of solution onto a cloth or a clean rag and wipe down the exterior of the electric leaf blower. This part can also be used if you have a gas leaf blower because the surface can be cleaned the same way. But, if you have an electric leaf blower you should make sure to stay clear of the motor and other sharp features of the machine. After you’re finished, dry the washed areas.
Now, it’s recommended that you recharge the electric blower such as the battery is full for future use. If the battery operated at full power, it’s recommended that you recharge it for at least 24 hours before you use the leaf blower again.
More maintenance and storage advice for both gas and electric leaf blowers
If you discover that your leaf blower is not working correctly or if it seems that there’s something wrong internally, with the motor or the gas filer and so on, the best thing you can do is to have a professional look at it. You can also call the manufacturer and tell them about the problems that you are experiencing. They may have a repair center or service area in your neighborhood, and you can take the leaf blower there to be repaired correctly.
Storage is also essential after cleaning the leaf blower. The best way to store your leaf blower no matter if it’s electric or gas powered is to place it on a sturdy hook where the machine will be able to hang freely without getting in the way of your various home tools. The best way is to store it in a garage, hung from a wall far from kids and pets so that you avoid anyone getting hurt if they come in contact with it.
