Just like any other part of your home, your garage needs a good cleaning to keep things tidy and organized. Use our garage cleaning checklist and tips to maximize your productivity and minimize the amount of time spent cleaning!
Benefits of Cleaning Your Garage
There are many advantages to keeping your garage clean. Here are just a few benefits of scheduling a garage spring cleaning day every year.
Prevent Dust & Dirt Build Up
As you pull items off of shelves and rearrange them, you have the opportunity to clean any nooks and crannies that have collected dust, dirt, and debris over time. You may be surprised by how much has collected, especially in those hard-to-reach corners.
Take Inventory
Garage spring cleaning gives you an excuse to finally pull out everything you have stored away. This allows you to really look at the things you own. You may have forgotten you still have a full box of nuts and bolts or those extra light bulbs. You’ll be forced to finally take inventory of what you own so you can use it!
Replace Old & Broken Items
Are those planters that you put away last year cracked? Maybe you received a new hardware set for your workbench as a gift and you’re ready to officially replace the set you’ve had for years. As you spring clean your garage, you’ll have the opportunity to replace any broken or old items. You’ll thank yourself later when you return to your garage looking to use them.
Purge Unwanted Items
Spring cleaning often leads to garage sales and donations to local charities. As you begin to purge any unwanted items, you can set them aside and decide whether or not you’d like to resell them for money or give them away. It’s a great way to clear out additional space in your garage.
Effectively Organize Storage
Last but not least, garage spring cleaning offers you a way to finally organize your storage in a convenient and useful way. This can also be a good time to swap out any seasonal decor you may have!
Ultimate Garage Cleaning Checklist
Before you get started, make sure you gather the following materials so you’re fully prepared to deep clean your garage. Once you have everything, you can start making your way through our garage cleaning checklist!
Materials Needed:
- Gloves
- Broom
- Trash Bags
- Organizational Bins
- Step Stool / Ladder
- Distilled Water
- White Vinegar
- Empty Spray Bottle
- Clean, Microfiber Cloths
- Cotton Swabs or Soft Toothbrush
- Newspaper
- Duster
- Hose or Power Washer
- Degreaser
- Scrubber
1. Declutter
Begin by clearing out the garage entirely. Pull items off shelves, remove anything from the floor, and place everything on your driveway. This will give you access to parts of your garage you may not be able to reach or access otherwise.
Try placing items in piles on your driveway. Create a pile for things you’d like to keep, things you’d like to throw away, and things you can donate. This will help keep you organized as you sort through your belongings.
Expert Advice: There are a few things that should never be kept in a garage (paint, propane, pet food, etc.). If you were previously storing those items in your garage, be sure to think about where their next home will be.
2. Dust & Wipe Away Dirt
Make sure to dust off shelves and work areas. You can use a step ladder to reach corners and clear out any spider webs or debris.
To create a cleaning solution, mix the distilled water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Simply spray it on dirty areas and use a microfiber cloth to clean them.
Expert Advice: Investing in an extendable and adjustable duster will allow you to easily hit hard-to-reach areas without too much effort on your part.
3. Clean The Garage Windows
Clean any windows along the walls of your garage with the same cleaning solution you used to wipe away dirt. Don’t forget to clean your garage door windows, too! Cleaner garage door windows will improve the look of your custom garage door and ensure an ample amount of light shines through to brighten up your garage interior.
Expert Advice: Buffing the windows with newspaper will help you achieve a streak-free shine!
4. Tackle Cleaning The Floor
Start by sweeping the floor with your broom to remove loose dust, dirt, and debris. Then, use a hose or a power washer to wash down the garage floor. While power washing the floor is fine, be sure not to power wash your Artisan door!
Once your sweeping and washing is complete, use the degreaser and scrubber to clean any tough oil and grease spots on the floor. You can also take this time to repair any concrete cracks with filler to help extend the life of the flooring.
Expert Advice: If you have a freehand leaf blower, you can use it to blow any debris out of the garage. It makes for a quick and easy solution if you don’t feel like sweeping!
5. Reorganize What You Want To Keep
Once the interior of your garage is spotless, it’s time to bring your “keep” pile back inside. Utilize organizational bins and shelves to make the most of your vertical space. Be sure to label items so you know where everything is located.
Expert Advice: Hanging bikes and scooters on the walls of your garage will keep them up and out of the way while not in use. The wall storage is also great during the winter when the recreational items aren’t being used!
6. Toss or Donate What You Don’t
After your garage has been put back together, you’ll need to figure out what to do with the rest of the items that you no longer want to keep. If you have a lot of trash, be sure to look up a local facility where you can dump it. There may also be companies within your area that will come pick up your unwanted items. If you have any donation items, find a local facility where you can drop them off.
Expert Advice: Have something that is worth a lot of money and can still be used? Think about selling it! Depending on the items, you could try one of the following platforms:
- LetGo — Great for electronics, sports equipment, and home and garden items.
- OfferUp — Great for antiques, auto parts, bicycles, electronics, tools, machinery, and sports equipment.
- VarageSale — Great for any and all items.
- Facebook Marketplace — Great for any and all items.
Additonal Garage Cleaning Tips
Inspect Your Garage Door
Throughout the year, your garage door takes a beating. As it withstands extreme hot and cold weather, the finish may fade and the springs may become brittle, making them work less efficiently. Use our garage door maintenance checklist to cover your bases and ensure your garage door always looks and works great!
Check Your Safety Devices
As you’re cleaning out your garage, you may also want to take a closer look at your heat and carbon monoxide detectors. Be sure these are in good working condition to promote superior safety in your home.
Consider Garage Landscaping / Curbscaping
As the weather gets warmer, you’re sure to entertain more guests in and around your home. With garage landscaping / curbscaping, you can increase your home’s curb appeal so you always make an astounding impression as your guests pull up for a visit!
Wash The Interior and Exterior Of Your Garage Door
While you are cleaning your garage, make sure to clean the garage door itself both inside and out to ensure your garage door lasts as long as possible. Learn how to properly clean your garage door by reading our guide.
