How to Clean Your Garage Floor

If you’ve spent any time in a garage, you know that the floor doesn’t stay pristine for long. Cars leak oil and fluids, dirt and leaves find their way in, and rusted tools lean in the corner. At some point you’ll need to get it cleaned up, but what’s the best way? Here is some information on how to clean your garage floor the right way.

Do You Really Need to Clean My Garage Floor?

Cleaning your garage door floor isn’t just about making it look nice, although it certainly is a perk to see a sparkling clean surface when you walk in. Regular garage floor maintenance will also help it last longer and reduce damage from wear and tear.

Your home’s flooring will thank you for not tracking in oil and dirt, and so will your clothes and shoes if you spend any time on projects in the garage.

Finally, if you’re planning to do any upgrades to the floor such as sealing, painting or epoxy coating, a good cleaning is part of the preparation process.

Where to Begin

Before getting started, everything that’s not permanent should be removed from the garage. Pull out the cars and bikes, throw away the trash and used rags, and store the tools and boxes elsewhere for a little while.

You’re going to be getting water and cleaning supplies all over the place and wouldn’t want to damage any of your property. Shelved items can stay put as long as you’re sure they won’t be in the way and get wet from water sprays.

Next, you’ll want to put up a tarp or sheet over your drywall and outlets, and sweep loose debris out with a broom.

How to Remove Rust Stains from Your Garage Floor

The next step is to examine the floor for any rust spots and clean them up. If there are any solid pieces, they will need to be scraped away to reveal the stained concrete. You need something acidic to dissolve rust stains, so look no further than your own pantry.

Pour some pure white vinegar or lemon juice directly onto the spot and let it sit for fifteen minutes. Then, use a tough-bristled brush and as much elbow grease as you can muster to scrub away the stain and rinse with cool water. If these natural options don’t work, you can purchase a commercial rust-removing product from any home and garden store and follow the manufacturer’s directions.

How to Remove Oil Stains from Your Garage Floor

Oil stains are perhaps the most common problem with garage floors, since that’s where we maintain our vehicles and they often drip fluids. They’re not just unsightly – they’re also a slippery fall hazard!

To remove an oil stain from your concrete floor, first sweep the area and then put down some cat litter over the spot. Let it sit overnight to soak up all excess oil, then throw away the litter and prepare to scrub out the remaining stain.

You can use a cleaning solution such as an Oil & Grease Cleaner, or even some good grease-cutting dish soap. Pour the liquid onto the spot, let it sit for a few minutes, and then scrub, scrub, scrub.

How to Pressure Wash Your Garage Floor

After you’ve emptied out and swept your garage, and taken care of any rusted or oily spots, you can get your floor sparkling by cleaning it with a pressure washer. You can use any type of cleaning agent you want – whether a degreaser, a commercial concrete cleaner or a mild detergent – and apply all over the floor with a spray bottle.

You can spray on a soap and water combo with low pressure, and then rinse with high pressure, starting at the back and pushing the used soapy water outdoors. A pressure washer is a great choice for this job, as it uses a lot less water than a regular garden hose and won’t damage the garage floor.