How To Clean Garage Floor? 4 Professional Guidelines

You are looking for the best practical methods on how to clean garage floor? Then you have come to the right place.

Cleaning the garage floor is not an easy task, but you have to keep it clean and safe in your territory to maintain a healthy ecosystem. Thus, I come up with a sweet and simple workflow.

You can keep your garage as sparkling as it was before if you follow the steps below.

How Concrete Acquires Stain

The most common material used in construction is concrete. It goes without saying that almost all of our garage floors are made of concrete. Does the word concrete imply something indestructible?

You may think concrete floors are stain-resistant, but the truth is they aren’t. There is no way to prevent water and oil from penetrating through and leaving permanent stains on surfaces. This can lead to a shorter life expectancy for your concrete floor.

Your garage is full of the very things that can damage concrete. You name it: oil, mud, and dirt from tires, lawnmowers, chemicals, and paints. These elements cause concrete floors to acquire stains, and the floors are very sensitive to them. There’s no escaping the fact that your garage will become stained in no time.

Your concrete floor can last a long time if it is maintained regularly. What is the best way to clean concrete garage floors?

Best Way To Clean Garage Floor?

Now let’s deep dive into how to clean garage floors? Here on, I mention the 4 quickest simple guides within detail 18 steps. By following this, you can successfully clean garage floors in any situation.

Number 1: Prepare Your Garage for Cleaning

Before you start cleaning the floors, you need to prepare the garage first. We will do this to protect the staff in the garage that can get harmed during the cleanup process.

1. Clear the Spot

Everything in the garage that isn’t nailed down must be removed. While you clean, you may come across objects that could get in the way or hurt you. 

Depending on your comfort level, you can place small objects inside a rack or shelf so they don’t interfere with water sprays, soap, or hoses. Also, larger objects such as bikes, cars, tools, boxes, basins, etc. can slow you down when you’re cleaning. You can free up space by moving them outdoors.

2. Protect Drywall and Outlets

Before you start the main cleaning process, it is important to cover your drywall. Water can easily damage drywall. It becomes weak and soft after being exposed to water. After a while, mold begins to grow on the surface, which can create health hazards in your home.

In order to avoid this, the drywall needs to be covered. For the job, you can use a plastic drop cloth or a tarp (tarpaulin). Tape or pin the tarp or plastic drop cloth to the wall at least three feet above the floor. Do not forget to cover all other electrical outlets as well.

3. Clean the Floors by Sweeping

Now sweep the floors to clean any dirt, dust, and debris out of the way. You can do this simply by using a broom. This will help you when you use water and detergent on the floor later.

Number 2: How to Clean Garage Floor Stains

Whenever you spill any solution or oil on your flooring, you should soak it up immediately with a sponge since unknown chemicals can react with the material and mixture that you plan on using.

Those liquids can also penetrate concrete floors and leave stains. It becomes increasingly difficult to remove them the longer they stay on the ground. I recommend that you immediately clean it up with paper towels or rags.

Suppose a stain has already accumulated on the garage floor. What will you do then? There are many ways to remove a stain from the floor. Check out the following points.

1. Natural Acids Do Well with Rust Stains

As a result of the metal objects stored in the garage, rust stains are prevalent on the garage floor. Stains can be removed by using natural acids, such as lemon juice and vinegar. These acids may help you remove rust stains on your floor. For the best cleaning results, follow these guidelines.

• Pour some lemon juice or vinegar on the rust stain and fully cover it with the liquid. Wait at least 5 minutes. Then do a second dose on the stain, scrub it with bristles, and cleanse the floor from stains.
• If lemon juice or vinegar can’t remove the stains, then you need a stronger acid. Try a commercial product with a stronger acid to do this. You use these products the same way you use lemon juice or vinegar. Still, check the manufacturer’s guide before you use it.
• You can also use muriatic (hydrochloric acid) acid as an alternative. This acid works better with stubborn stains. You may already be aware that hydrochloric acid is a strong acid, and it is highly corrosive. Carefully mix one part of muriatic acid with 10x water and follow the same process that I mention above.

Caution: When cleaning garage floors with muriatic acid, you must know how to do it properly, otherwise you can create more problems than you solve. If muriatic acid is exposed to the skin, it can cause serious harm. Skin burns from this substance can be fatal. Strong fumes cause irritation to the nose and lung lining. You should always wear gloves, safety goggles, and a mask when you use it.

2. How to Clean Garage Floor Oil Stains, Grease, Etc.

In this case, you can use commercial products such as garage floor degreasers. Store-bought products are effective against grease stains, grease, oil, brake fluids, and much more.

• Generally, you have to apply the solution to the stain and wait for it dry.
• Some of the products take some hours to dry while others take only a few minutes. The most effective products require several hours before it dries up.
• When it dries up, simply rinse and remove it.
• It’s always better to check the manufacturer’s instructions first before doing anything. Reading the instructions makes sure that you are doing everything right.
• These commercial products are effective against grease stains, oil, brake fluids, and much more.

3. How to Remove Stains from Garage Floor Using Detergent

Old fashion detergents can remove some stains very easily. All you need is a brush with stiff bristles, a bucket with warm water, and a packet of detergent.

• Apply the detergent on the stain fully covering it.
• Dip the brush in the warm water, and scrub the brush at a moderate force on the stain.
• Now clean away the detergent as much as you can. You can use rags or paper towels to wipe it.
• Let it dry up

4. Cat Litter Can Absorb Oil from The Floor

If you have a cat in your home, you can use cat litter to absorb oil stains from the floors. Because Cat litter can be absorbent, and it works well on oil stains. However, you’re going to need cat litter containing clay for this to work.

• Spread a good amount of it on the stain. Make sure you cover the stain with it entirely. Leave it as is for a day.
• Then, on the next day, clean the litter away and observe for any remaining stains. If there are still traces of stains remaining, repeat the process for another day.
• It might take some days to delete the stain. Put aside the fact of time; cat litter is very effective at removing the most stubborn stains.

5. Removing Sealer and Old Paint for Epoxy Coating

If you plan to coat your floor with epoxy, then removing the sealers and old paint is a must. Epoxy floor cleaners can be handy in this sector.

• Using chemical strippers to remove sealers and paint is a good idea. Choose your chemical according to the instructions of the manufacturer.
• You can also utilize a solvent. Solvents are quicker to remove the sealer but create strong fumes. Keep your garage door open.
• A floor grinder is also a great alternative. You can rent one from your local hardware store. While buying or renting, one ensures it is the floor grinder that can remove paint, sealer, and mastic.
• If you feel uncomfortable using the grinder, start using it in a small area until you get used to it.
• You know that the floor grinder creates a lot of dust. So, wear a mask and goggles to keep yourself safe.

More info: Can you steam clean epoxy floors?

Number 3: How to Deep Clean Garage

Now that you have treated the stains, it’s time we cleaned the entire floor. We’re going to need some things before we get started. Here is the list of required items we’re going to need:

• Cleaning Solution
• Warm Water
• Broom with stiff bristles
• Power washer
• Buffer

1. Make Use of Garage Floor Cleaner Home Depot

Before sweeping the floors, you have to perform a cleaning job using chemical solutions. You can buy solutions to remove excess grease or oil from the floor. The garage cleaning solution is easily found in a hardware store, auto store, or grocery store. If your garage floor has a lot of oil spills, use a degreasing product. You can simply use your regular laundry detergents for a dirty floor. Also, you can use a garage floor cleaning machine if you want to.

• For a degreasing product, check the directions of the product and mix the right amount of it with warm water.
• For detergent, get a bucket with warm water. After that, mix one-third of a cup of detergent with the water. Mix it well. Make sure the detergent has fully dissolved with the water. Don’t use cold water as only warm water helps the detergent dissolve much more easily.

2. Sweep the Floor

When the solution is prepared, it’s time to sweep it.

• Apply the solution all over the floor and wait for about 10 minutes. While you wait, the cleaner will absorb and dissolve dirt and grime.
• After 10 minutes have passed, use your broom to sweep the floor to clean. Then rinse the floor. You should finish at the door. This way, you can get out without having to walk on the slippery floor. If you own a floor squeegee, use it to direct water out of your garage.
• Wait for the floor to dry.

3. Use A Power Washer for Grimy or Soiled Garage Floor

If your garage hasn’t been cleaned for a long time, it is quite challenging to clean. To clean a floor like that, you can use a power washer. You can either buy or rent one from your local hardware stores.

• Apply the cleaning solution all over the floor and wait for 15 minutes.
• After that, use the power washer and spray all over the floors. Move the nozzle in broad strokes while you move across the floors.
• Don’t spray at one spot for too long, or you may find scratches on the floor later.
• Start far away from the door and work your way out to the door. Keep the door open so that water can drain out.

4. Use A Buffer to Get the Best Result

Again, you can either buy a buffer or rent one from your local stores. You can use concrete driveway cleaner products and concrete floor cleaner machines like a buffer. It can restore your floors effectively. A buffer scrubs the floor with more power than a person can do by hand. Thus, a buffer is an effective way of scrubbing the floor.

• Pour the cleaning solution on the floor
• Turn on the buffer and guide it over small sections of the floor at a time. Try to start far from the entrance and finish at the exit door to avoid walking over the cleaned areas.
• If you feel uncomfortable with a buffer, then try using it on smaller sections first. Get used to it and then use it all over the floor.

Number 4: How to Clean Garage Floor for Epoxy

If you do not know about it, check out the FAQ section. I discuss what it is and how to clean epoxy floor to maintain a Schedule.

1. You Should Clean the Floor Using Ammonia

Pour 1/2 cup of ammonia into one gallon of hot water and mix it well. Dip a mop in the solution and guide it all over the floor. After you are done with the mop, let the floor dry by itself or wipe it with rags. You can use an air dryer if you have one.

Note: Soap-based cleaners or laundry detergents can leave residue on the floor. Don’t use stringy mops on the floor. It can leave streaks on the floor.

2. Use Hot Water to Remove Residue

If you see residue on your epoxy floor, you can use hot water to remove them. Residue can be caused by a car or other factors. Pour hot water straight on the residue and wipe it off with a towel or old rags. You cover a larger area with a garden hose.

3. Cleaning Solution for Stains

Stains are very unlikely to occur on epoxy floors. Still, on some rare occasions, you may see them on the floor. You can use a zep garage floor cleaner or any other cleaning solution with hot water to remove it.

Pour hot water on the stains and scrub them with a sponge or scrub pad. If needed, apply the cleaning solution on the stain and scrub and rinse the spot after it.

Note: Don’t use strong cleaning solutions on epoxy floors.

4. Removing Tire Stains from Epoxy Floors

Tire Marks are very common stains on any garage floor. It is more easily spotted by the eye than other stains and gives away the visual satisfaction of a garage.

• Use a cleaning Solution on the tire marks and use a stiff brush to scrub the spot.
• If the tire marks still remain, use a stronger cleaning solution. Commercial products are better in cleaning stubborn stains.
• The best way is to prevent marks. Whenever a tire mark appears, remove it immediately. Don’t let the marks go stronger with the passing of time.

5. Clearing the Clutter

We often keep things in the garage and then forget about them quickly. This causes clutter. If you have a clean garage, you can work in it with ease. After you clear the garage, you might face all kinds of stains and marks. Luckily for you can clean all the mess using tools and cleaners.

6. Things to Avoid on Epoxy Floors

Epoxy floors are sturdy and durable. Still, some things must be avoided to prevent harm to any epoxy floor. These are discussed below:

1. Citrus Acids: Orange, lemon, and grapefruits juice are excellent cleaners and often recommended by most of us. But citrus acid has a different case on epoxy floors. This acid can damage and dull the surface.
2. Vinegar: Vinegar is also a good acid for cleaning and is often recommended. But due to its high acidity, it can harm and can damage the epoxy surface. Acids slowly de-gloss epoxy. So be aware of using any kind of acid on epoxy floors.
3. Soap: Cleaning with soap or soap-based cleaners leave residue on the floor. Then you may have to clean the residue again; that is very frustrating. Be careful on a walk on that kind of surface because it’s often slippery.

Final Thoughts

Prevention is always better than cure. If you don’t maintain your garage properly, cleaning it can become increasingly difficult. The more clutter and stains you leave in your garage, the harder it will be to clean.

You should always resolve any issue as soon as it arises. Now you know how to clean garage floor most efficiently. Throughout the article, I tried to answer all your questions and demonstrate the best ways to clean and maintain your beautiful garage floor at the proper stage.

How to Clean Garage Floor (FAQs)

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