7 Steps to Clean a Garage (Painlessly & Well-organized!)

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If you’re like most people, your house garage is probably so cluttered that your car can barely fit in the driveway!

This can be a huge headache when it comes to the time of year to clean it.

In this article, I will give you 7 steps that will help you get you your fully clean garage quickly and easily.

I’ll show you how to remove clutter, organize and store items, clean surfaces, clean tools, and clean the garage floor.

Read on to find out more!

1) Take Everything Out From The Entire Garage

The first step is to remove all the clutter from your garage. This can be a daunting task, but it’s important to get rid of anything you don’t need.

Start by taking everything out of the garage and sorting it into three piles:

1. Things to keep
2. Things to donate
3. Things to throw away.

Once you’ve sorted everything, put the things you’re keeping back into the garage.

Many times, sporting goods will be the ones that last a long time.

If you don’t have enough space for all of your stuff, consider renting a storage unit or using a self-storage facility.

You’re going to want to get some extra help and not do this alone. Just organizing and shifting heavy garage items can really take a lot of effort.

Also, don’t attempt to try to do this cleaning project in one session. Remember to take breaks and slowly sort out things that you’ll need.

2) Donate or Sell Unwanted Items That Still Work Well

Donating is a great way to eliminate unwanted items and declutter your garage.

There are many places that accept donations, such as:

• Goodwill
• Salvation Army
• Habitat for Humanity
• Schools
• Churches
• Community Theaters
• Shelters
• Your neighbors

If there are any items that are priced a little higher and have good quality, you’ll want to consider selling them instead of donating to get some cash back.

Many people make garage sales to get rid of items they don’t need anymore but are still worth some value.

Alternatively, there are more options online – Facebook Marketplace.

As buyers will be able to search for items listed by you, it can be easier to get rid of bigger and bulkier items.

Note that you may still need to store it while waiting for a buyer to take interest in your listing.

Often, you’ll probably get more money back from the garage sale than the average low-balling buyer on FB Marketplace.

3) Dispose of Unwanted Items That Don’t Work Anymore

Throwing away items can be tricky. If an item is in good condition, you may be able to sell it or donate it.

However, if an item is broken or damaged beyond repair, you’ll need to dispose of it properly. The best way to do this is to take it to a local landfill or recycling center.

Be careful of how you dispose of certain toxic materials that you use in your garages such as aerosols, epoxy paint, and other chemicals.

Do make an effort to make sure the paint is dry before chucking them in the trash.

Now that you’ve removed all the clutter from your garage, it’s time to start cleaning!

4) Clean Up the Garage Surfaces

Once you’ve decluttered your garage, it’s time to start cleaning all the surfaces. This includes the walls, ceiling, windows, doors, and any other storage units you have.

Start by dusting all the surfaces with a microfiber cloth. If there’s too much dust and cobwebs, consider using a vacuum cleaner to clean up all the mess.

Then, use a damp cloth to wipe down any areas that are particularly dirty.

If you have any windows in your garage, be sure to clean them as well. You can use a window cleaner or a homemade solution of vinegar and water.

If you wish to do so, you can consider painting your garage with a new coat of paint . This can change up the entire look of the garage and keep it looking fresh.

4) Clean Up the Garage Tools

Your garage is likely full of tools, so it’s important to clean them on a regular basis. This will help them last longer and work better.

Start by wiping down all your tools with a damp cloth. If they’re particularly dirty, you may need to use a brush or scrubber.

Once you’ve wiped them down, dry them off with a clean towel.

If you have any battery-operated tools such as cordless ratchets, be sure to clean the batteries as well. You can do this by wiping them down with a damp cloth.

This process will take a long time because it may take a long time to degrease all the items.

However, well-degreased items are known to last a long time, saving you on the costs of replacing your garage items.

5) Clean Up the Garage Floor

The last step is to clean the garage floor. This is important for two reasons: safety and aesthetics.

Garage floors are notoriously filthy since oils seep beneath un-sealed and uncured concrete. This allows rust and oil stains to seep deep into the surface. They may be a slipping hazard and just make the floor look plain ugly.

Start by sweeping the floor with a broom or leaf blower. Then, use a hose to wash away any dirt or debris.

If you have a concrete garage floor, you may need to use a pressure washer to get it really clean.

If there are any stubborn stains, you can use this industrial degreaser together with the pressure washer.

Once the garage floor is dry, you can apply a garage floor protector. This will help keep it clean and prevent stains.

6) Organize and Store Garage Items

Once you’ve decluttered and cleaned your garage, it’s time to start organizing everything. This includes putting things away and finding a place for them.

Here are some garage storage ideas I listed in another article:

35+ Garage Storage Ideas (Clever Solutions You Need!)

Start by grouping items together that are similar. For example, you can put your gardening supplies in one area or your holiday decorations in another.

Then, find a place to store them. These can be shelves, boxes, cabinets, or even plastic storage bins.

Label everything so you know where it goes and how to find it when you need it.

Finally, put everything in its place and make sure the garage is clean and organized before you finish.

7) Maintain Your Garage Cleanliness

Now that you’ve decluttered, cleaned, and organized your garage, it’s important to maintain it. This means regular cleaning and decluttering.

Over time, things may just start to pile up because life often gets in the way, and you may not have the energy every time to organize it and keep it neat after usage.

Here are a few tips to help you keep your garage clean:

• Schedule some time each week or month to clean and declutter the garage.
• Don’t let clutter build up. Put things away as soon as you’re done using them.
• Label everything so you know where it goes.
• Invest in some storage bins or shelves to help keep things organized.
• Make a point to deep clean the garage at least once a year.

How often should you clean your garage?

Garages should be cleaned as often as once each six months. This prevents the build-up of oil on tools, equipment, walls, and the concrete garage floor. Regular garage cleanups also help it look neat and organized, which makes it easy to find any needed items.

How much should I charge to clean and organize a garage?

Garage organizing services are one of the most convenient ways of cleaning out a garage. Many of them charge $30 to $150 per hour, with the majority charging per project or day rates.

Final Thoughts

Cleaning and decluttering your garage can be a daunting task. However, it’s important to do it on a regular basis so you can keep it looking spick and span.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to keep your garage clean and organized all year round!

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