Quick answer
Robotic mowers are low-maintenance, not no-maintenance. Check and replace blades on a regular schedule, keep the deck, wheels and sensors clean, update the firmware, and store the mower and battery indoors, dry, and above freezing for winter. Follow your manufacturer's manual for exact intervals and cleaning limits, because they differ by model.
A robotic mower works every day, so small habits keep it working well. Sharp blades make a cleaner cut, clean sensors keep navigation accurate, and proper off-season storage protects the battery. This guide covers the routine we recommend to OmniNova customers. Always defer to your mower's manual where it differs, since cleaning methods, blade types, and storage guidance vary by manufacturer.
Your maintenance calendar at a glance
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| Every week or two | Look over the deck, wheels, and sensors; remove grass buildup; clear sticks, toys, and debris from the lawn. |
| Monthly in the growing season | Inspect blades for nicks, bends, and wear; check wheel treads; confirm the charging contacts are clean. |
| Each season | Replace blades if worn; check for firmware updates; review boundaries and no-go zones after any landscaping. |
| End of season | Deep clean, service blades, charge the battery per the manual, and store indoors. |
| Start of season | Charge fully, check the dock and antenna placement, update firmware, test a mow before the first scheduled run. |
Blade care
Why blades matter
Robotic mowers cut small amounts frequently, so their blades are lightweight and thin. Dull blades tear grass instead of cutting it, leaving brown tips and a ragged look, and they make the motor work harder. Most robotic mowers use replaceable blades rather than sharpening, so the practical fix is to swap them.
How often to replace them
Replacement timing depends on grass type, soil, debris, and hours of use. Sandy soil, frequent sticks, and rocks wear blades faster. Rather than trust a fixed calendar, inspect the blades on a regular basis and replace them when they are chipped, bent, or visibly dull. Many owners replace them at least once each mowing season.
Safe replacement steps
- Turn the mower off and, if your model has one, disable it in the app so it cannot start.
- Wear cut-resistant gloves and flip the mower according to the manual.
- Remove the blade fasteners, swap the blades, and use the correct hardware for your model.
- Replace bolts or screws if the manual says they are single-use, and tighten to the recommended torque.
- Spin the blade disc by hand to confirm it moves freely, then return the mower to service.
We stock genuine accessories for supported models, for example Segway Navimow blade assemblies. If you are not sure which blade fits, call us before you order.
Cleaning the deck, wheels and sensors
- Brush first, rinse only as the manual allows. Some models carry high water-resistance ratings (Dreame lists the A3 AWD Pro as IPX6, for example), but a rating is not permission to pressure-wash. Use a soft brush and a damp cloth unless your manual says otherwise.
- Wipe cameras and LiDAR windows with a soft microfiber cloth. Smudges and dried grass can degrade obstacle detection.
- Clear the wheels and tracks. Packed mud and clippings reduce traction, which matters most on slopes. For slope-specific advice see our hills and steep slopes guide.
- Clean the charging contacts with a dry cloth so the mower docks and charges reliably.
Antennas, docks and software
If your mower uses an RTK antenna, check that it is mounted securely with a clear view of the sky and that cables are not pinched or sun-damaged. Trees grow, so an antenna location that worked last year may be partly blocked this year. See our navigation guide for how each system depends on signal or sensors. Keep the dock on level ground, away from sprinklers, and update the mower's firmware and app when new releases arrive.
Rain, sprinklers and shelter
A cover or garage shelters the mower and dock from sun and heavy rain. We carry protective garage covers for supported Segway Navimow models, such as the Navimow Garage L for X Series. Check compatibility with your model first.
Battery care
Lithium batteries last longest when kept out of extreme heat and cold and not left fully drained for long periods. Mowrator, for instance, lists the S1's LiFePO4 battery at 1,500 charge cycles, with a 600W IP65 charger. Use only the charger supplied for your mower and keep the charger away from standing water.
Winter storage checklist
If you live where grass stops growing and temperatures drop below freezing, store the mower for the season.
- Run a final mow and let the mower finish its last cycle.
- Deep clean the deck, wheels, and sensors and let everything dry completely.
- Replace worn blades now so you start spring with a sharp set.
- Charge the battery to the level your manual recommends for storage. Many lithium battery guides suggest storing at a partial charge rather than full or empty; check your manual for the figure.
- Bring the mower, battery, and charger indoors to a dry space that stays above freezing. Do not leave them in an unheated shed if your manual advises against it.
- Remove or protect the dock and antenna. If you leave the dock outside, keep it covered and disconnected from power per the manual. Bring in antennas and cables that should not sit in snow and ice.
- Top up the battery once or twice over the winter if the manual calls for it.
- Update the firmware before spring and re-verify your maps and schedule.
Spring start-up
Charge the mower, inspect the blades and wheels, confirm the dock and antenna positions, clear winter debris from the lawn, and run a test cycle before relying on the schedule. Re-check no-go zones if you added beds, a deck, or play equipment.
When to call for help
Warning lights, repeated errors, a cracked deck, or unusual noise are signs to stop and get advice rather than keep mowing. OmniNova can help you with parts, accessories, and routing warranty questions to the right manufacturer.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I replace robotic mower blades?
There is no single interval. Inspect blades regularly and replace them when they are nicked, bent, or dull. Many owners replace them at least once per season, and more often in sandy or debris-heavy lawns.
Can I wash my robotic mower with a hose?
Only as your manual allows. A water-resistance rating, such as the IPX6 rating Dreame lists for the A3 AWD Pro, does not mean pressure washing is safe. A soft brush and a damp cloth are the safest default.
Where should I store my robotic mower in winter?
Indoors in a dry space above freezing, cleaned and with the battery charged to the level your manual recommends. Bring the battery and charger inside too.
Do I need to remove the dock for winter?
Follow your manual. Many owners disconnect and cover or bring in the dock and any antenna so that snow, ice, and standing water do not damage them.
What causes a robotic mower to leave rough, brown-tipped grass?
Dull or damaged blades are the most common cause. Replace them and confirm that the cutting height suits the grass.
Talk to an expert: (210) 900-2018 or support@omninovahomesystems.com
OmniNova Home Systems is veteran-owned, and every order ships free. Browse robotic lawn mowers and accessories