Proper cleaning and storage help prevent freeze-up, corrosion, cord damage, and unexpected startup problems when winter returns. Use this guide for Snow Joe corded electric walk-behind snow blowers, then check the operator's manual for your exact model.

Models Covered

This guide applies to the corded electric walk-behind models below and to bundles containing one of these units. Current products and bundles can be reviewed in the Shop Joe Snow Blowers collection.

Model check: Use the model number printed on the snow blower, not only the bundle SKU, to locate the correct manual and cover. For another corded Snow Joe walk-behind model, follow the storage section in its exact manual.

Not covered: Cordless snow blowers, corded or cordless snow shovels, and gas-powered machines have different power-disconnection and storage requirements.

Before You Begin

• Keep the power connection, switch, motor housing, and extension cord away from water.
• Choose a locked, dry indoor storage area that is out of children's reach.
• Allow the motor to cool completely before cleaning, transporting, covering, or storing the unit.
• Keep the operator's manual available for model-specific maintenance and folding instructions.

Store the Electric Snow Blower

1. Clear Residual Snow Before Shutdown

   After the final clearing pass, run the snow blower outdoors for a few minutes to help prevent the collector or impeller from freezing. Rotate the chute crank several times when the model uses one. Release the switch and wait for every moving part to stop.

2. Disconnect All Power

   Unplug the extension cord from the outlet, then disconnect it from the snow blower. Do not clean, inspect, transport, or store the machine while it is connected to power.

3. Remove Snow and Ice Safely

   Use the clean-out tool or a soft brush to remove packed snow from the chute, auger housing, and surrounding areas. Wipe away remaining snow and moisture with a cloth. Never spray the machine with water.

4. Clean Without Harsh Chemicals

   Use a soft brush and a cloth dampened with warm water. Do not use detergent, solvents, or other chemicals that may damage plastic components. Keep water away from the switch, plug, motor housing, and cord connections.

5. Inspect the Snow Blower

   Check the auger or rubber plates, scraper bar, belts, skid shoes when equipped, chute, handles, fasteners, housing, controls, and safety labels for looseness, wear, or damage. Tighten accessible screws and connections only as directed by the manual.

6. Protect Metal Parts From Corrosion

   For long-term storage, lightly oil exposed metal parts as directed by the model's manual. Do not add lubricant to the motor or internal mechanism; the covered units are factory-lubricated for lifetime use, and unnecessary lubrication may damage the machine.

7. Prepare for Transport if Needed

   Allow the motor to cool completely and secure the snow blower so it cannot tip, roll, or shift. Transport it only with the extension cord disconnected.

8. Store Indoors and Cover Loosely

   Place the clean, fully dry unit in a locked, dry indoor location away from children, moisture, corrosive chemicals, heat sources, and unauthorized use. Use a loose tarp or the cover specified for the exact model. Do not wrap a wet machine tightly or use a cover that does not fit correctly.

Store the Extension Cord

1. Inspect the Entire Cord

   Check the plug, receptacle, insulation, and full cord length for cuts, cracks, worn areas, loose connections, exposed conductors, scorching, or bent contacts. Replace a worn or damaged cord; do not tape or splice it for continued use.

2. Clean and Dry the Cord

   Wipe away moisture, salt, dirt, oil, and other residue. Make sure both ends are completely dry before storage.

3. Coil It Loosely

   Form broad, even loops without tight bends, knots, or kinks. Do not wrap the cord tightly around the snow blower or place heavy items on it.

4. Store It Separately

   Keep the disconnected cord in the same locked, dry indoor area, protected from moisture, sharp edges, heat, oil, rodents, and foot traffic.

Safety Stop Conditions

Preseason Readiness Check

1. Inspect the Stored Machine

   Check fasteners, handles, chute controls, scraper bar, auger or rubber plates, belts, skid shoes when equipped, power cord, switch, and labels before connecting power.

2. Check the Extension Cord

   Use an intact outdoor-rated extension cord with the wire gauge and maximum length specified in the exact model's manual. Do not use a cord longer than 100 ft (30 m).

3. Confirm Free Movement

   With the machine still unplugged, use the clean-out tool to confirm that the chute and auger housing are free of stored objects, ice, or debris. Never reach into the machine.

4. Test in a Clear Outdoor Area

   Connect to a GFCI-protected outlet and use the model's required starting sequence. Confirm the controls, chute, light when equipped, and auger or impeller operate normally before the first snowfall.

Quick Troubleshooting Checks

Escalation Path

Contact Shop Joe support when:

• The unit or extension cord has worn, loose, damaged, or missing safety-related parts.
• The auger or impeller remains locked after visible snow and ice are safely removed.
• The machine does not start after the power supply, cord, starting sequence, and visible blockage checks.
• The unit vibrates abnormally, produces unusual noise or odor, or repeatedly shuts down.
• You are unsure which manual, replacement part, or protective cover applies to the model.

Have the model number, serial number, date code, purchase details, and a clear description of the issue ready. Call 1-866-225-9723 or use the support options available on Shop Joe.

Frequently Asked Questions