what's the right way to clean under my ego power+ mower? i don't want to mess up the motor.

Diagnosis

The buildup of "grass cake"—a dense, wet mixture of organic debris and soil—under the deck of the EGO Power+ LM2135SP creates two primary problems: restricted airflow and mechanical strain. Because this mower uses a high-efficiency fan system to create lift for bagging and mulching, a clogged deck disrupts the vacuum pressure, leading to poor cutting performance and uneven strips in your lawn. More critically, if debris accumulates around the motor housing or the self-propel drive assembly, it traps moisture against the metal and plastic components, which can lead to premature corrosion of the deck's underside and overheating of the motor. To confirm you have a buildup problem, tilt the mower (battery removed) and check the discharge chute and the area surrounding the blade spindle. If you see a hardened layer of dried grass exceeding 1/4 inch in thickness, your mower is no longer operating at peak aerodynamic efficiency. If you notice a "humming" sound or a decrease in propulsion speed, grass may have wound itself around the drive axle, creating friction that puts undue stress on the self-propel motor.

How to Fix It

To clean the LM2135SP without damaging the electronics or the motor, follow this precise sequence:

1. Power Isolation: Turn the mower off and remove the battery pack entirely. Never perform maintenance with the battery installed, as the blade can engage unexpectedly if the safety bail is triggered.
2. The Proper Tilt: Tip the mower over so that the battery compartment is facing UP. Never tip the mower with the battery compartment facing down; doing so allows oil or debris to leak into the electrical housing and can damage the sensitive PCB boards.
3. Mechanical Scraping: Use a plastic putty knife or a stiff nylon brush to scrape the accumulated grass from the underside of the deck. Avoid using metal scrapers or wire brushes on the painted surfaces, as removing the protective coating will lead to rapid rust.
4. Drive Train Clearing: Locate the self-propel drive wheels. Use a pair of needle-nose pliers or a small brush to remove any grass twine or clumps wrapped around the axle. Ensure the drive gear is clear of debris to prevent motor burnout.
5. Chute Clearance: Clear the discharge chute completely. If using the bagging system, remove the bag and clear the internal passage where the grass exits the deck and enters the bag.
6. Final Wipe: Use a damp cloth to wipe away remaining dust. Do not use a high-pressure power washer directly on the motor housing or the battery terminals, as this can force water into the sealed electronic compartments.

If That Didn't Work

• Chemical Degreasing: For "baked-on" grass that won't budge, spray a mixture of warm water and mild dish soap onto the deck. Let it sit for 10 minutes to soften the organic matter before scraping again. Avoid using bleach or harsh solvents which can degrade the plastic components.
• Compressed Air Cleaning: Use a can of compressed air or a low-pressure air compressor to blow out the motor cooling vents and the gaps around the blade spindle. This removes fine dust that a brush cannot reach, preventing the motor from overheating during the next use.
• Blade Inspection: If the deck is clean but the cut is still poor, check the blade for nicks. A dull blade creates more "debris spray" and clings more to the deck. Use a file to touch up the edge or replace the blade if it is severely warped.
• Deep Chute Flush: If the mower is still clogging, remove the blade entirely (using a socket wrench) to access the very back of the deck where the grass often packs into a solid plug that is invisible from the outside.

Heads Up

• Battery Orientation: Always remember: Battery side UP when tilting. This is the single most important rule to prevent electrical failure.
• Avoid Water Saturation: While the mower is weather-resistant, it is not waterproof. Never hose down the motor area or the battery port; only clean the underside of the deck.
• Frequency: Clean the deck every 3-5 uses, or after every use if you are cutting wet grass. Wet grass creates a "glue" that hardens and restricts airflow much faster than dry clippings.
• Storage: Store the mower in a dry area. If you store it in a damp garage with a dirty deck, the organic matter will hold moisture against the metal, causing the deck to pit and rust.