Cleaning Your Garage Efficiently in 6 Easy Steps:
Tired of that cluttered garage turning into a catch-all? It's time to declutter and deep clean to make that valuable space usable again. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get your garage gleaming in no time.
Step 1: Evict the Garage Jam
First things first, you need to clear out the mess to make cleaning easier. Move all the clutter - tools, toys, boxes, junk, and even your cars - into the driveway. Don't forget to take down any window treatments for a thorough clean.
Step 2: Dust and Sweep Away
Grab an extendable broom or duster to tackle cobwebs and dust on the ceiling, walls, and surfaces. If you've got refills handy, great! You'll want to capture as much dust as possible. Afterwards, use a push broom or shop vac to sweep up all the debris on the floor.
Step 3: Clean All Surfaces
Fill a bucket with warm water and a few drops of dishwashing liquid. Use this soapy solution to wash down walls, shelves, and work surfaces. Rinse with plain water, and be sure to clean windows and doors, both on the inside and out, with a solution of one cup water and one cup isopropyl (rubbing alcohol) in a spray bottle.
For untreated concrete floors, mix a solution of warm water and a degreaser (dishwashing liquid works wonderfully), following the product label directions. Start in a back corner, spread the solution on a section of the floor, and let it sit for at least 10 minutes before scrubbing with a nylon-bristled scrub mop. Rinse, and continue until the entire floor is clean.
Step 4: Stain-Fighting Superheroes
For those stubborn stains, kitty litter or sawdust can help absorb oil stains. Let it sit for 24 to 48 hours before sweeping or vacuuming. For rust stains, use an oxalic acid-based cleaner like Rust Away, CLR, or Bar Keepers Friend. Never use chlorine bleach on rust stains, as it can set them.
Mold and mildew can be eliminated with a mixture of one part chlorine bleach in two parts water. Apply, let it work for at least 15 minutes, and rinse thoroughly.
Step 5: Inspect and Repair
Now that the garage sparkles, take a quick look for signs of insect or rodent activity, broken fixtures, and mold. Make any necessary repairs, replace light bulbs, and schedule appointments with professionals if needed.
Step 6: Time to Declutter and Organize
It's time to tackle the pile in the driveway. Separate items into keep, donate, and toss piles and strive to touch each item only once. Organize what's coming back into the garage with clear plastic storage bins or labeled opaque ones. Store similar or seasonal items together, and look for ways to add wall storage for tools and gardening items.
Remember, most garages aren't climate-controlled spaces. Electronics, photographs, delicate fabrics, and temperature-sensitive items should be stored elsewhere.
Enjoy Your Sparkling Garage
Take a moment to admire your clean and organized garage, then park your car inside and enjoy your work! Need more tips on making your garage perfect? Check out our guide on washing a car at home like a pro!
- After moving all clutter out of the garage for a thorough clean, appreciate the effort to bring back the usability of that valuable space following the home-improvement and home-and-garden lifestyle.
- To ensure a clean garage, realsimple guidelines suggest using disposable refills with an extendable broom or duster to capture dust on the ceiling, walls, and surfaces during the initial clean-up phase.
- In order to maintain the cleanliness of your newly organized home, follow the f8324e6c1f93a862a61df58c2adea657 step-by-step guide to cleaning the garage, which includes cleaning all surfaces with warm water and dishwashing liquid.
- When faced with stubborn stains such as oil or rust in your garage, take advantage of eco-friendly solutions like kitty litter or sawdust to absorb oil stains, and opt for oxalic acid-based cleaners like Rust Away, CLR, or Bar Keepers Friend for rust stains instead of chlorine bleach.
- Once the garage is sparkling clean and organized, don't forget to inspect and repair any signs of insect or rodent activity, broken fixtures, and mold to maintain the cleanliness and improve the overall lifestyle of your home.
