How to Clean Garage Floors [Easy Step By Step Guide]

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how to clean garage floorsThe garage is often the most overlooked and underappreciated area of most homes. For some people, the garage is simply an area to park vehicles to prevent weather damage. For others, it is at home storage unit filled with boxes of items that have not seen the light of day in years.  Some people consider it a sanctuary, a getaway or even an at-home fitness facility.

The truth is the garage can be one of the dirtiest, darkest, and most spider infested areas of the home.

It doesn’t have to be.

Although garages generally get a poor reputation regarding cleanliness, the garage doesn’t need to be the dirtiest part of your home.

So, now you may be thinking how to clean my garage floor to its optimal level of shine and clean?

We are here to show you how you can clean your garage floor with little to no cost to you.

No fancy cleaning solutions from daytime infomercials.

No expensive machine rentals.

You might not even need to leave your home to find the materials necessary for a bright and shiny garage.

Here are the best ways to clean garage floors:

Gathering Materials

materials for a clean and bright garageSo now you might be asking, what do I need for a clean and bright garage?

  • Large industrial-sized bucket
  • Dishwasher detergent
  • Boiling water
  • Large broom

That’s all you need. Let’s get started.

Taking it Step by Step

cleaning with a large broom

  1. Clean the surface area with a broom to remove all excess debris, dust, dirt, and grime that may be on the floor. Choose one with strong, rigid bristles that are meant to clean outdoor areas instead of a simple household broom.
  2. Next, grab your household dishwasher detergent and pour in a modest amount to your large sized bucket. Slightly dilute it with water and fill three-quarters of the way to the top of the bucket.
  3. Generously pour the concoction into the surface area of the garage flooring making sure to cover every square inch of the floor. Apply generous amounts so that the solution can adequately perform a deep cleaning that rids the floor of any harmful germs.

NOTE: It is helpful to keep the garage door open and well ventilated so that the cleaning solution fumes can gradually air out the garage.  Here’s what to do next:

  1. After the solution has sat and soaked for approximately one hour or more, begin boiling water in a large sized pot. Upon reaching its boiling point, carefully take the pot and begin pouring the water over the entire garage floor.
  2. Let the garage floor dry, which may take up to another hour or more.
  3. If necessary, take a broom and sweep the floor once again to remove any excess dust that may still be on the surface area.

At this point, your floor should look shiny, bright, and as good as new! IF you want to give your garage floor a bit of extra edge, try using a steam mop.

Why a Steam Mop?

steam mop to clean garage floorsA steam mop is a modern-day version of the old school traditional mop except for the fact that it is powered and can clean at a much higher and efficient level. Steam mops can often be purchased for less than 100 dollars, and there is a model that can fit within any household budget.

Steam mops have several distinct advantages in this situation compared to the everyday household mop.

  • Saves time and effort: A traditional mop requires a large amount of individual elbow grease necessitating a physical exertion to clean the flooring. A steam mop does the heavy lifting so to speak. Simply push the steam mop over the flooring and stop doing the difficult scrubbing on your own.
  • Deep cleaning: A steam mop can clean at a much more intense level removing microorganisms that a person cannot remove on their own with a traditional mop. The steaming effect kills a much higher percentage of harmful germs and bacteria that simple water will go on its own. This will leave your garage floor not only looking clean but being germ-free.
  • Traditional mops will build up quickly with bacteria within the bristles of the broom. Mops may have to be replaced much more frequently as opposed to a steam mop.

Ready to Go

Stop thinking of your garage as a simple storage box area filled with spider webs, germs, dust, and dirt.  Clean your garage using the methods we discussed today and discover a newfound sense of dignity and respect every single time you step into your garage.

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AUTHOR

Nora has more than 5 years experience in the floor covering industry, acquiring vast knowledge about installation and material selection. She now enjoys working as a writer and an interior decorator. Her work has been featured in The Spruce, Homes & Gardens, Southern Living and Real Homes. See full biography here.

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