Since the garage can be a significant source of clutter, we recommend you start your spring cleaning there. Not many look forward to this yearly chore, but it’s an essential task if you want to keep things clean, accessible, and in tip-top shape. The garage (and especially the garage door) is used almost every day, so keeping them both well-maintained is the key to enjoying your year and ensuring your garage doors last. Once this exhausting chore is complete, you’ll be glad that your garage looks exceptional.
Let’s start off by decluttering your garage. Depending on your garage’s size and the amount of clutter, choose a full day or weekend for you and your family or friends to dedicate to this home project. You’ll want to remove everything (yes, everything) that’s not nailed or screwed down. This will make it easier to give the garage a thorough cleaning. You’ll also be better able to assess which of your items are worth keeping or discarding.
Go through every single item and box to determine what you will keep, donate, sell or toss and sort those in separate piles. If you’re struggling to let go of items, ask yourself: Have I used this in the past year? And, as the famed organizing consultant Marie Kondo says, does it “spark joy?” If your answer is no to both these questions, then it’s time to get rid of it. Don’t just keep items you think you might use someday. Wouldn’t you rather be able to utilize the space those items are taking up?
With the space cleared, move any sorted items away from the entrance of your garage. There will be plenty of dirt, dust, and water passing through that area as you scrub out your garage interior. Start by gathering any cleaning and organizing supplies that you may need. Here are our six steps to ensure your cleanest garage yet:
Start by wiping down any shelving or flat surface with multipurpose spray. You might want to clean the floor first, but doing that later is crucial to efficient cleaning.
Gently clean garage slatwall panels with a rag. If your garage walls are made of drywall, brick or other rough materials, downward sweep the walls with a broom to remove some of the dirt and dust that’s accumulated. Use a broom to also remove any cobwebs you see.
It’s time for the floors! Sweep out all the dirt, dust and salt deposits (if you live in a cold climate area) that have gathered on the floor. Make sure you’re not missing any corners.
For garages that need extra care, wash your floor with a garden hose and a gentle cleanser. If only light cleaning is required, a mop will work. Once this is complete, use a squeegee to remove the remaining water.
Next, clean your garage door. Make sure you are cleaning your door based on its material. For many materials such as vinyl, steel and fiberglass, simply rinse off the door with a hose and then wipe it down using a sponge, dish detergent and water. Don’t forget to attend to both sides of your garage door!
Check your door frames for any caked-on dirt. Cleaning the frame may require a simple scrubbing and hose off.
Now that your garage looks brand new inside and out, all you have to do is keep it that way! Make sure to keep your floor space clear, regularly clean, and, most importantly, complete a deep clean once a year to ensure your garage looks as good as it does today.
