6 Key Steps for a Complete and Effective Garage Clean-Up

A garage is a highly sought-after space for homeowners to keep their vehicles safe from weather. When your car no longer fits or you can't even reach the door, it's time to clear out the garage—it can quickly become a dumping ground for all kinds of items. Over time, it accumulates grease, rust, and dirt. To bring back order and make it pristine again, follow our step-by-step ultimate garage cleaning guide.

Step 1: Clear Everything Out of the Garage

Although it might seem daunting, an empty garage is much simpler to clean. Choose a day with good weather and move the cars out. Relocate all storage containers, gardening tools, furniture, toys, sports gear, and clutter to the driveway. If your garage has windows, take down any window coverings to clean them as well.

Step 2: Begin from the Ceiling Down

Grab a broom or a duster with an extendable handle to clear cobwebs and dust from the ceiling, walls, window frames, shelves, and work areas. Don't forget to clean the rafters and light fixtures. If you're using a disposable duster, keep extra refills handy to capture all the dust. Afterward, use a push broom or shop vacuum to collect the remaining dust and debris from the floor.

Step 3: Tidy Walls, Windows, and Work Areas

Mix warm water with a few drops of dish soap in a bucket to clean walls, shelves, and work areas. Fill another bucket with clean water to rinse off any soap residue.

Begin at the top and use a sponge, microfiber cloth, or mop to wipe down the walls. Work in small sections, rinsing your cloth frequently. Once an area is clean, rinse it with fresh water and move to the next section. You might need to change the cleaning and rinsing water often. Apply the same method for cleaning the inside and outside of the garage door, the door to your home, shelves, and work surfaces.

Combine one cup of water with one cup of isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol in a spray bottle to clean windows inside and out. Use a microfiber cloth that won't leave lint for a streak-free finish, and be sure to clean any windows on doors as well.

Step 4: Tidy Up the Floor

If needed, sweep the floor again to remove any dust or debris, then give it a deep clean. For epoxy or rubber tile floors, follow the manufacturer's cleaning instructions. For an untreated concrete floor, mix warm water with a cleaner containing degreaser (dish soap works well), following the product's directions.

Start in the back corner, applying the cleaning solution to a section of the floor with a mop. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes to take effect. Use a nylon, stiff-bristled scrub mop to clean the floor. Rinse using a mop or garden hose. Repeat until the entire floor is cleaned, and let it air dry before moving the cars and other items back inside.

If stains persist after cleaning, try these methods to tackle tough spots:

• Oil: Cover the stain with a thick layer of kitty litter or sawdust (at least two inches). Let it sit for 24 to 48 hours, then sweep or vacuum it up. Scrub the stain with a concentrated degreaser and rinse thoroughly. Repeat the process until the stain is gone.
• Rust: Apply an oxalic acid-based cleaner (such as Rust Away, CLR, or Bar Keepers Friend) directly to the stain. Follow the product instructions, scrub with a nylon-bristled brush, and rinse well. Avoid using chlorine bleach on rust stains, as it can set the stain permanently.
• Mold and Mildew: Mix one part chlorine bleach with two parts water in a plastic bucket or spray bottle. Apply the solution to the affected area and let it sit for at least 15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly. Wear eye protection and ensure proper ventilation.

Step 5: Evaluate the Garage and Make Necessary Repairs

Now that your garage is spotless, conduct a quick check for signs of insects, rodents, broken fixtures, or mold. Make any necessary repairs, replace light bulbs, install wall storage, and contact home repair professionals or pest control services if needed.

Step 6: Declutter and Organize the Garage

This final step is often the hardest: It's time to sort through the items in the driveway that were once stored in the garage. Create three piles—keep, donate, toss—and aim to handle each item only once.

Once you've finished sorting, take some time to arrange what’s going back into the garage. If any items need cleaning, wipe or rinse them off outside in the driveway, ensuring they are completely dry before bringing them back inside the garage.

Say goodbye to cardboard boxes. Opt for clear plastic storage bins or clearly label opaque ones. Group similar or seasonal items together in the bins. Consider adding wall storage for tools and gardening supplies.

Keep in mind that most garages aren't climate-controlled. During the summer, temperatures can rise 40 degrees Fahrenheit higher than inside the house, and in winter, they can drop much lower. Avoid storing electronics, photographs, delicate fabrics, or items sensitive to temperature in an unconditioned garage!

Relish the Results of Your Efforts

Take a moment to admire your hard work and the newly cleaned and organized garage, now transformed into a more functional space, before you park your car back inside.