If you own a garage, chances are your floor is stained with oil, grease, and who knows what else. Over time, these stains can build up and make your floor look dirty and unkempt. However, you may not have a pressure washer or the time to rent one.
So, how to clean garage floor without pressure washer or without using harsh chemicals or breaking the bank?
Why Should You Clean Your Garage Regularly
Your garage should be kept clean because it’s an ideal place for storing your car, tools, lawn equipment, etc., but more importantly, it provides a space where you can organize your belongings, so they’re easily accessible when needed.
Garage clutter usually consists of items like old shoes, broken toys, dirty clothes, and other things that don’t belong inside your home. It’s not just unsightly; it’s also dangerous because these objects could trip you up while working around your vehicle, which would result in injury.
Things To Do Before The Cleaning
The best way to tackle this problem is by cleaning your garage at least once a month. The process isn’t complicated and takes only a little bit of time. Below are five steps to take when organizing your garage and keeping it organized:
Empty your garage
Empty your garage before you start cleaning. First, take everything out of your garage except your cars and bikes. Then, use a large plastic bin to store your garage trash (old newspapers, magazines, boxes, cans, etc.). Next, remove all the shelves from your garage walls, cabinets, and doors. Finally, empty your toolbox and put it somewhere safe until you need it again.
Remove debris
Remove any debris that may obstruct access to your vehicles (e.g., leaves, snow, dirt). Also, sweep and mop your garage floor, so it’s clean and free of dirt and grime.
Inspect
Inspect your garage door and replace any broken parts. If your garage door is more than ten years old, it might be time to replace it entirely. A new garage door will not only improve the appearance of your home but also make it more energy-efficient.
Organize
Organize your belongings by category (e.g., sports equipment, holiday decorations, gardening tools). Create a designated spot for each type so you can easily find what you need when you need it. Use shelves, hooks, and bins to help keep your belongings organized and off the floor.
Final tasks
Finally, put your cars back in the garage once everything is organized. Park them in their designated spots so you can access them when needed.
How To Clean Garage Floor Without Pressure Washer
Below are three methods you can use to clean your garage floor without a pressure washer.
Method 1: Sweeping and Mopping
First, you’ll want to remove any larger debris like leaves, rocks, and dirt clods on your floor. The best way to do this is by sweeping them up with a broom. Once you’ve gotten rid of the larger pieces, it’s time to move on to the minor stuff.
To do this:
- Mix a solution of one part water with three parts vinegar. You can also add a few drops of dish soap to the mix if you want.
- Once your cleaning solution is ready, dampen a mop and wring it out so it’s only slightly damp.
- Go over your floor with the mop, paying extra attention to areas that seem particularly dirty.
After you’re done mopping, let the floor air-dry or speed up the process by wiping it down with a clean, dry towel.
Method 2: Baking Soda Paste
If sweeping and mopping aren’t enough to clean your floor, you may need a more robust cleaning solution. One that’s effective but still gentle enough for most types of floors is a baking soda paste.
Steps
- To make this cleaning solution, mix equal parts baking soda and water until you have a smooth paste.
- Once your paste is ready, apply it to areas of your floor that seem especially stained or grimy.
- Let the paste sit on these areas for at least 10 minutes before scrubbing it off with a brush or scrubber sponge.
- Afterward, rinse the area with clean water and allow it to air-dry or dry it with a towel.
Method 3: Auto Dishwasher Detergent
Auto dishwasher detergent may be your best bet if all else fails, and nothing seems to be getting rid of those stubborn stains. This type of detergent is designed to break down various types of grease and oil—precisely what’s likely causing those stubborn stains on your garage floor in the first place.
To use this method,
- Mix one-part auto dishwasher detergent with ten parts water in a bucket until well combined,
- Then dampen a mop or brush before scrubbing at the stain vigorously until it begins to disappear.
- Rinse the area with clean water afterward, then air-dry or dry with a towel.
Maintaining The Garage Floor
Cleaning the garage floor may seem like a simple task, but it requires some basic steps before and after cleaning so that we prevent damage to the surface below.
Garage floors can quickly become dirty and are usually made of porous material like concrete or asphalt, so water tends to seep right under the rubber mats that cover these surfaces.
These mats are meant to provide traction and protect the subfloor from wear and tear, but they can also trap dirt and debris underneath. In addition, when the mat gets wet, it becomes slippery and can lead to slipping accidents.
Before beginning, ensure that all tools needed are accessible. Tools like brooms, mops, buckets, squeegees, etc., must be easily accessed. Also, ensure that the area is well-lighted since dark spots attract bugs and animals.
After washing the floor thoroughly, make sure to dry the area completely. Use cloth towels or paper towels to remove excess moisture. Be careful not to leave the towels lying around too much or allow them to touch another object, such as the walls or ceiling.
Next, apply a protective coating to the floor. For concrete floors, try applying a mixture of 1 part bleach to 3 parts water; for asphalt/concrete composite floors, you can use five parts hot water and two parts dish detergent mixed.
Mix the solution until it forms a smooth paste, and let it stand for 30 minutes. Next, spread the mixture evenly over the floor using a wide broom or roller brush.
Let the mixture set for about 20 minutes before wiping away the excess with a clean rag. Once the floor dries, sweep or vacuum it to remove any remaining residue.
Finally, replace mats and use proper footwear when walking across the garage floor.
Final Thoughts
It’s easy for garage floors to become stained from oil, grease, and other materials over time. However, you don’t need a pressure washer to get rid of these stains—there are several methods you can use to get your floor looking clean and new in no time!