As the cold winter months come to an end and the warmth of spring has arrived, it’s the perfect time to give your garage some attention. Over the winter, garages become a dumping ground for clutter and the cleaning and maintenance are neglected. Let’s go over what we’re doing to clean up our garage so we can enjoy the warm weather.
Declutter By Disposing of Unnecessary Stuff
Begin by decluttering your garage. Sort through all the items stored within and separate them into three categories: keep, donate, and discard. Dispose of any broken or unused items and consider donating those in good condition that you no longer need. By eliminating unnecessary clutter, you create more space for functional use. Bonus points if you can find something worth selling. It’s like finding an extra twenty in your jacket pocket.
Give the Garage a Deep Clean
Next, it’s time to give your garage a thorough cleaning. Start by sweeping or vacuuming the floors to remove dust, dirt, and debris. For stubborn stains, use a suitable cleaning solution and a scrub brush to restore the floor’s cleanliness. Don’t forget to wipe down shelves, cabinets, and workbenches to remove any accumulated grime. If you’re only doing this once a year, there’s certainly plenty of buildup.
Easy Stain Removal
Fortunately, this doesn’t need expensive or toxic cleaning products. Most of this stuff can be found in your kitchen or bathroom — baking soda, bleach, cat litter, Coke, laundry detergent and even Kool-Aid. Get yourself a solid deck brush with stiff bristles.
Laundry detergent and hot water work great for the general scrub down. Coat the floor with a brush and let it soak into the concrete for a good 20 minutes. Scrub it down with plenty of elbow grease. Rinse with a hose or better yet a pressure washer. Repeat as often as seems necessary.
Dealing with Oil Spills
Sometimes our cars can start leaking oil for various reasons. For these nasty oil spills, cat litter and Coca-cola works like a dream. Spread the litter over the oil and let it soak up the gunk. Sweep up the litter and spread cola on the stain. Then hit it with a mixture of detergent, bleach, and warm water.
With Everything Cleared Out, Check for Signs of Damage
Spring is the ideal time to inspect your garage for any signs of damage or wear. Check the walls for cracks and repair them using an appropriate filler. Inspect the ceiling for water damage or leaks, as these can cause further issues down the line. Also, check that your windows and doors are sealed to prevent drafts and pests from entering. New seals are easy to install and a great upgrade for insulation.
Reorganize Your Space to Make it More Efficient
Investing time in organizing your garage is never a waste of time. Install wall-mounted shelving units or cabinets to maximize vertical space. Clear plastic bins or labeled storage containers to categorize will store items neatly. This not only makes it easier to find what you need but also keeps the garage clutter-free.
Check Your Light Bulbs and Lighting Set Up
Proper lighting is essential for a well-maintained garage. Check if any bulbs need replacing and clean the fixtures to maximize brightness. Consider adding more lighting, such as overhead LED fixtures or task lighting for specific work areas. Good lighting not only improves visibility but also enhances safety when working in the garage. It can be hard to find what you’re looking for or even clean properly without great lighting.
Perform Maintenance on Your Garage Door and Opener
The garage door is a vital component that requires regular maintenance. Check the door for any signs of damage, such as dents or malfunctioning parts. Lubricate your hinges, rollers, and tracks with a silicone-based lubricant. Additionally, test the garage door opener’s safety features and replace batteries in the remote control if needed. If anything seems off, now is a great time to schedule repairs.
Perform Any Necessary Pest Control
Springtime often brings unwanted pests seeking shelter. Take preventive measures by sealing any gaps or cracks where pests can enter. Use appropriate pest control methods to keep rodents and insects at bay. Consider placing traps or deterrents to prevent critters from nesting in your garage.
Check Your Fire Extinguishers and Smoke Detectors
Garages can be hazardous places, so it’s essential to keep safety measures in place. Workshops, tools, and general repairs aren’t always as safe as we’d like. Ensure that fire extinguishers are accessible and up to date. Install carbon monoxide and smoke detectors if you haven’t already. Store hazardous materials such as chemicals and paint properly. Keep them out of reach of children and pets.
Spring Cleaning in Your Garage is as Important as Your House
Spring cleaning and maintaining your garage enhances functionality and safety (and looks great). By following these tips, you can transform your cluttered and neglected space into an organized and efficient area. With a clean and well-maintained garage, you’ll have a space that serves you well throughout the spring season and beyond.