Do you remember the last time you cleaned your garage?
The garage is often the most neglected part of a home, as it’s where we stock unused items and tools. Truthfully, your garage is an extension of your home and deserves as much love as your kitchen or bedroom. Neglecting dirt and grime can damage your floor.
It doesn’t have to be clean enough to eat off of, but enough to maintain the safety of everyone in your household. That’s why we’ve created this guide on how to clean a garage floor. Read on to discover some easy DIY tips for a garage floor makeover.
1. Declutter First
36% of Americans are unable to park their cars inside their garage due to clutter. If this sounds like you, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and start decluttering. Even if your car still fits, your garage could benefit from a little bit of organization.
Doing so can make even the smallest garage look bigger. Start by placing a tarp across your lawn or driveway. This is where you will lay out all the items from your garage.
Look at all your belongings and only keep what you actually use. If you have remnants from a failed project, discard them. You can sell or donate items that are still in good condition but are no longer useful to you.
Decluttering your garage first will give you a clean slate to work on once you start with your garage floors. You can also plan a new garage layout while you clean the floor.
2. Start With a Thorough Sweep
Once you’ve decluttered your garage, don’t bring out the cleaning solutions yet. You first need to remove any dust or debris accumulated on the floors. Many Americans use their garage as a station for their hobbies or automotive repairs.
You might also have loose nails, wood chippings, or pet food that could get in the way of your cleaning. A quick and thorough sweep will ensure that any cleaning solution you use will work as needed.
3. General Cleaning
There’s a common misconception that degreasers are only for cleaning kitchen grease. However, they’re also effective at cleaning dirt and grime from your concrete floors.
Start by protecting low electrical outlets with tape. If you have drywall, use a plastic drop cloth to cover them.
Find a degreaser and soak your floors with an even layer. Let the solution sit for at least five minutes. This will allow the solution to penetrate any thick layers of oil and loosen up dirt.
If you have large floors, work in sections to prevent the solution from drying out. After letting the solution work its magic, use a deck brush to scrub your floors. This will help you unclog any dirt from the pores in your concrete.
Scrubbing will also emulsify the solution for more effective cleaning. Do this once every season to keep your floors looking spick and span.
4. Sawdust and Cat Litter for Grease
Grease and oil stains are part of garage ownership, especially if you have a vehicle. Fluids may also leak from your lawnmower or other outdoor power equipment. It’s always best to clean these stains immediately before they have the chance to set on your floors.
This also prevents you from tracking oil and grease into your home and getting hurt from a nasty slip. Apply a thick layer of cat litter or sawdust to absorb a fresh spill. Leave it alone for 24 hours.
You should see the cat litter or sawdust lifting the grease. If you’re dealing with a bigger spill, you can let it sit for a few more days. Once absorbed, you can sweep or vacuum the litter or sawdust.
If you have older stains, use a degreaser, but keep in mind that you may need a few rounds of scrubbing to lift the stain.
5. Acid for Rust Stains
Like grease, rust stains are commonplace in garages because it’s where most people store metallic objects. Using mild acid can help you lift and remove unsightly stains. Lemon and vinegar are nature’s best acid cleaners for light stain removal.
Squeeze lemon juice over small, light rust stains. Pour white vinegar over the lemon juice and allow it to sit for at least five minutes. Use a stiff brush to scrub the spot and repeat as needed.
A deeper and more stubborn stain may need a higher concentration of acid. Muriatic acid is a good choice, but too much can corrode your floor. To prevent this, mix it with ten parts of water.
It’s also best to wear gloves for your protection. You can also opt for oxalic acid, which you can get at any home improvement store.
6. Old Paint, Sealers, and Mastic
A garage makeover may require some new paint or coating. However, before you can put on a new layer, you need to remove any old residue first. Simply scrubbing your garage floors may not be enough to eliminate old paint, mastic, or sealer.
There are two ways to deal with old paint. The first method is to use a chemical stripper.
Use a putty knife to remove any loose paint. Find an eco-friendly stripper and pour it over the area. Let the solution sit for several hours before scrubbing.
Chemical strippers can have toxic fumes, so ensure your garage is well-ventilated. You can place a fan inside your garage or open the garage door to let in some fresh air.
If you have a bigger budget, consider using a floor grinder. This could be a better option if you have more ground to cover.
7. Removing Efflorescence
Efflorescence refers to a deposit of salts. This can develop from trapped water or moisture in concrete, stone, and brick. Efflorescence isn’t harmful, but it’s indicative of a moisture problem in your garage.
Pour diluted vinegar over the problem area and scrub it with a stiff brush. You can also use an efflorescence cleaner to reduce its appearance. You might need to use multiple coats to get rid of efflorescence completely.
8. Moisture, Mold, and Mildew
Mold isn’t something you want to ignore. If left alone, it can cause allergy symptoms like watery eyes, sneezing, and itching. It can also increase your sensitivity and make you more prone to reactions.
Combine equal parts of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray the affected area, then scrub. If you have more stubborn mold growth, get a gallon of hot water and mix a 1/4 cup of hydrogen peroxide.
Cover the affected area and allow it to sit for at least 30 minutes. Rinse the area before allowing it to dry.
9. Homemade Concrete Cleaning Solution
Don’t have the time to run to the appliance store to get a degreaser? You can create your own cleaning solution with a few household items. Get half a cup of baking soda and mix it in a gallon of warm water.
You can also make a paste with baking soda and liquid soap for light stains. After applying the paste, scrub the affected area with an old toothbrush.
Another homemade solution is laundry detergent and warm water. Some may recommend using dish soap, but this might not be strong enough to remove tough stains. Pour a gallon of warm water and a third cup of laundry detergent over the area and scrub.
10. Use a Pressure Washer
Cleaning tough stains and built-up grime requires some elbow grease. Make your job easier by using a pressure washer to clean your garage. It’s best to use a pressure washer after applying a coat of degreaser.
The pressure washer will distribute the solution and wash it away. Some units have a special reservoir for soap, which you can use for a more thorough cleaning.
11. Finish Off With a Sealer
This tip isn’t a DIY solution, but it’s worth considering. Without sealing your garage floors, they will only continue to collect dirt and moisture. If you already have a seal, check to see if it hasn’t worn down.
Sealant only lasts a few years before you need to reapply. Sealing your garage floors will make it much easier to clean. You’ll spend less time and money dealing with stubborn stains when doing your routine maintenance.
In addition, sealants can also increase the lifespan of your concrete garage floor. Because you’re using fewer products, you won’t have to worry about corroding or damaging your floor.
How to Clean a Garage Floor
Now you know how to clean a garage floor to keep it looking fresh and clean. Your garage is where you store your vehicle and expensive power tools. Invest some time into caring for that space to prevent your garage or belongings from wearing down.
Garage Force believes in style and functionality. Our coatings can give your garage floor a fresh look while adding to its appeal. Check out our solid-color coating systems here!
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