Leaf blower season is in autumn when everywhere is dry the trees are shedding their leaves.
However, this often continues into the rainy season as we also have to continue blowing leaves in our homes and communities.
Leaf blowers can get wet and develop technical problems when you use them in the rain or let rain get them to them.
The severity of the damage can also depend on the type of leaf blower you are using.
This article will explore whether a leaf blower can get wet, how to clean a wet blower, if you can blow wet leaves with a leaf blower amongst other questions.
Can A Leaf Blower Get Wet?
It is possible for your leaf blower to get wet if you leave it out in the rain or use it under wet conditions.
Also the severity of the problems from your leaf blower often depends on the type of leaf blower you are using.
An infrequent downpour normally has no effect on gas or petrol-powered tools.
If the air filter becomes moist, you may notice some performance concerns, but this is easily remedied by drying it out or replacing it.
Any damage caused by water would be the result of long-term exposure.
If you leave it outside for an entire season in an exceptionally humid or rainy location, you may notice traces of rust growing.
If you have an electric-corded or battery-powered leaf blower however it would be a different situation.
Moisture can cause short-circuits in electrical equipment, so if you’re not careful, you could irreparably harm your electric-powered instruments.
You should turn off the power to your blower as soon as you detect it’s damp.
Then try to clean water from the important interior parts you can reach.
Here is an article I wrote on can leaf blowers melt ice?
What To Do If A Leaf Blower Gets Wet?
You should not use your leaf blower under wet conditions as it is not designed like that.
If you have probably left your blower lying around and there is a downpour, you do not want to continue using the tool that way.
There is no problem if the exterior gets wet as the hard casing will protect most parts.
However, if you water that has gotten inside the machine you have to stop use and clean it out.
If you do not do so as soon as possible, your machine might start to short circuit.
Steps To Cleaning A Wet Leaf Blower
If you accidentally left your blower outside and you discover that your tool has gotten wet, try out the following steps to clean up. :
- Cut off the power source.
- Tilt the tool to allow any excess water on the chassis to drain. This to remove excess water so that when you blow dry it, water will not get further into it.
- Pat dry the exterior surfaces of your equipment using a towel.
- If you’re technically inclined, you can unscrew the gadget casing to expose additional drying surface area. If not you might want to just leave it alone.
- Vents can be left to dry using air or a blow dryer. Air drying is definitely the safest method if you have the time. However, it may take a few days. While blow drying is significantly faster, there is a tiny risk of driving water into mechanical areas where it is not intended to go.
- Once you’re certain that you’ve taken the time or made the effort to thoroughly dry your blower, connect the electricity and start the tool.
- Switch off the power source immediately if you smell burning or your machine starts to spark. If this happens you should either repeat the process or call in a technician.
What Happens If You Leave A Leaf Blower In The Rain?
Leaving your leaf blower out in the rain doesn’t mean you have to get a new one.
All you have to do is proper maintenance and your machine will be in tip top shape again.
Your next steps will depend on the kind of blower whether electrical or gas powered. If it is electrical and corded do not plug it into the power source till you are sure it is dry.
For cordless blowers, remove the batteries immediately and dry them out.
If you are using a gas powered variety, check your gas to ensure water has not gotten into it as that can knock the engine.
Once that is sorted, you can then get around to cleaning your machine following the steps above.
Also check out this article I wrote on are leaf blowers faster than rakes?
Can You Pick Up Wet Leaves With A Leaf Blower?
The majority of gas leaf blowers are capable of moving wet leaves. The true determinant is the amount of electricity supplied by your particular gadget.
To properly blow wet leaves, a high CFM and MPH are required.
Wet leaves are heavier than dry leaves, requiring more energy from your leaf blower to blow them effortlessly.
You should put into consideration your leaf blowers’ efficiency before blowing wet leaves.
If you plan to vacuum or mulch the leaves, the wet leaves can clog your fan and even break the blower attachments.
You should always wait for wet leaves to dry up a bit before blowing them. Wet leaves can be annoyingly stubborn and stick to the grass or sidewalks.
Waiting will make the job easier for your leaf blower
Can You Use A Leaf Blower To Dry Grass?
Most often when grass is wet, it is a waiting game for the sun to dry it and the water to evaporate.
To expedite this process, leaf blowers can provide nature a hand.
You can easily do this by blowing the dew off the tops with a vigorous leaf blower in the early morning.
Due to their enormous range and blowing force most leaf blowers are ideal for this.
When blowing and vacuuming grass off the grass, your leaf blower easily does the double job of drying the grass.
This makes it easy for you to carry out any activity afterward on the grass.
Can You Use A Leaf Blower In The Rain?
You shouldn’t use a leaf blower in the rain.
Electric leaf blowers will short circuit in the rain and you could even get electric shocks from the corded ones connected to a power source.
It is not advisable to use a leaf blower in wet conditions. Leaf blowers are not designed to be used in the rain.
Even gas powered blowers will develop rust in the long run if you keep using it in the rain.
It is better to wait after a downpour when the leaves are slightly dry before starting your work.
Are Leaf Blowers Waterproof?
Most leaf blowers are not waterproof and as such they should not be used under wet conditions.
After use, you are expected to store your leaf blower in a dry area where it can not be touched by rain or other wet conditions.
Because your leaf blower is not waterproof, using it under wet conditions can cause the machine to develop technical issues. It can also lead to rust in the long term.
Conclusion
We have highlighted and explained that leaf blowers are not waterproof. You should not use your leaf blower in the rain.
If water gets into the interior, it might develop faults and cause it to rust.
Electric leaf blowers will short circuit and the corded types might give you shocks.
Your blower getting wet is not a cause for alarm as you all have to do is clean it out and wait for it to dry.
You can use your blower to pick up wet leaves although how efficiently depends on the strength of the blower.
You can also use the leaf blower to dry grass, especially after a downpour. The blower does the double job of removing the leaves and drying the grass.
