Just like your home, your garage needs a little sprucing up for spring.
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A garage is a coveted space by most homeowners to protect their cars from the elements.
Plus, it getsfilthywith oil drips, rust, and dust.
Photo:Liyao Xie/Getty Images
Torestore order, and get things spotless, follow our step-by-step garage cleaning guide.
Pick a day with nice weather and move out the cars.
If there are windows in the garage, remove any window treatments for cleaning.
Be sure to clean rafter beams and light fixtures.
If you use a disposable duster, have plenty of refills on hand to capture all of the dust.
Fill a second bucket with plain water to rinse away soapy residue.
Start at the top and use a sponge, microfiber cloth, or a mop to clean the walls.
Work in a small area and rinse your cloth frequently.
When the space is clean, rinse with clean water and move to the next space.
You may need to replace the cleaning and rinsing water often.
If you have an epoxy or rubber tile floor, follow the manufacturer’s cleaning guidelines.
Use a nylon, stiff-bristled scrub mop to clean the floor.
Rinse with a mop or garden hose.
Repeat the steps until you have cleaned the entire floor.
Allow the floor to air dry before moving cars and other items back inside.
Use a power washer to make quick work of cleaning an unpainted, concrete garage floor.
Make three pileskeep, donate, tossand make a run at touch each item only once.
When you’ve finished sorting, take some time to organize what’s coming back into the garage.
Get rid of cardboard boxes.
Use clear plastic storage bins or label opaque ones clearly.
Store the bins with similar or seasonal items together.
Look for ways to add wall storage for tools and gardening items.
Remember, most garages are not climate-controlled spaces.
Never store electronics, photographs, delicate fabrics, or temperature-sensitive items in an unconditioned garage!