The winter months can really do a lot of damage to your garage floor. After months of snow, ice, salt, and sand tromped in from car tires, most garage floors look worse for wear once spring rolls around. Grimy salt stains, weathered cracks, and caked-on dirt and grime make your garage floor an unsightly mess.
While deep cleaning the garage is probably the last thing anyone wants to do after winter, it must be done to restore the space back to its former glory. The garage floor takes some of the biggest abuse, so rejuvenating it should be priority number one on your spring cleaning checklist.
Ready to clean your garage floor after winter? Continue reading this step-by-step guide on fully cleaning your garage floor after a rough winter so it looks freshly polished and protected just in time for the spring and summer seasons.
Step-by-Step Guide to Fully Clean Your Garage Floor after a Rough Winter.
Assess the Damage
The first thing you’ll want to do is take a good look at your garage floor and assess the damage. Check for any cracks or pits that may have formed over the winter. Also, look for any spills like oil or gasoline that may have seeped into the concrete. This will help you figure out the best way to tackle the cleaning process.
Look for Stains
Scan the floor for any salt stains, tire marks, or other stubborn stains. Salt can leave a white hazy residue, while tires or oil may leave black marks. Check around the car parking area and along major walking paths for any noticeable stains.
Check for Cracks
Get down and inspect the concrete for any new cracks or damage. Little cracks are normal with temperature changes, but large splits or pitted areas indicate a problem. Make a note of any significant cracks to repair later.
Sweep Away Debris
Before introducing water or cleaners, you’ll want to sweep up any loose dirt, leaves, sand or other debris. A good stiff broom is perfect for this task. Sweep from one side of the garage to the other, working your way out the garage door. Discard piles as you go.
Use a Leaf Blower
For a more thorough sweep, use a gas-powered leaf blower. This will send all the loose debris flying out of the garage. Wear safety goggles and a mask to protect from blowing dirt. Focus on sweeping out corners, around stored items and under objects.
Pick Up Spills
Use an absorbent material like cat litter to pick up any oil spots or spills on the concrete. Let the material sit for 10-15 minutes, then sweep it away along with the spill. This helps lift deep stains before mopping.
Scrub Away Grime and Salt
Now comes the tough part – scrubbing away all the caked-on winter grime and salt residue. This task calls for a stiff scrub brush, mop, and some strong cleaners.
Make a Cleaning Solution
Mix up a strong DIY cleaning solution using 1 cup of laundry detergent, 1/2 cup powdered dishwasher soap, 1/2 cup of washing soda, and 1 gallon of hot water. You can also use a strong alkaline-based concrete floor cleaner from your local hardware store.
Scrub the Floor
Dip your scrub brush in the cleaning solution and work on small sections of the floor at a time. Scrub back and forth to break up stain residue and grime. Use a stiff broom to distribute the cleaning solution if needed. Focus on high traffic areas.
Rinse the Floor
Once the floor has been pre-treated with the cleaner, use a mop and clean water to rinse the floor. Mop up excess dirty water as you go. Change the rinse water frequently to really wash away the grime. Dispose of dirty water down a drain when done.
Remove Oil and Grease Stains
Oil and grease stains require a bit more elbow grease to remove from concrete. Degreasing cleaners and absorbents can help lift them.
Use a Degreaser
For small stains, spray on a degreasing cleaner like Simple Green or an engine degreaser. Let it soak for 10-15 minutes then scrub with a stiff broom. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Try an Absorbent
For larger grease stains, sprinkle on an oil absorbent like cornstarch, cat litter or sawdust. Let it sit for an hour, then sweep it up. Follow up by scrubbing the remaining stain.
Power Wash
For really tough oil stains, use a gas pressure washer. This gives extra cleaning power to break down deep oil residue. Just take care around delicate items stored in the garage.
Make Garage Floor Repairs
Winter damage may leave your garage floor with some cracks and pitted areas. Thankfully, concrete floor repairs are relatively easy.
Fill Cracks
Use a concrete crack filler compound to fill in small cracks. Clean out the crack then apply the compound using a putty knife. Smooth it flush with the concrete surface. Allow proper drying time.
Seal Pitted Areas
For pitted spots, use a concrete resurfacer to fill in missing concrete. Clean then apply an even coat using a trowel or putty knife. Feather out the edges. Allow a full day to cure.
Grind Down Raised Areas
Use a concrete grinding wheel on a small angle grinder to grind down any raised edges or uneven slabs. Wear a protective mask when grinding concrete.
Seal and Protect the Floor
The final step is to seal and protect the now clean concrete floor. Concrete sealants prevent future staining while adding a nice sheen.
Select a Concrete Sealant
Look for a water-based siliconate sealer which protects well against salt and hard water stains. Solvent-based acrylic and epoxy sealers also work. Match your sealer to the job.
Clean and Etch the Floor
Before sealing, sweep and mop the floor one more time. Use an etching solution or sander to lightly rough up the smooth surface. This helps the sealer absorb better.
Apply the Sealant
Use a paint roller and tray to apply a thin even coat of concrete sealant. Use long back and forth strokes. Allow proper drying time between coats. Two to three coats provides good protection.
And there you have it – a clean, repaired and protected garage floor ready for spring and summer use! A little seasonal maintenance keeps your concrete floor looking like new. Just be sure to sweep and wash periodically through the year.
Make it a Habit
Get in the habit of giving your garage floor a good cleaning each spring. It makes a tedious chore much easier when you keep up on it year after year. A well maintained floor looks great and functions well too.
Bottom Line
There you have it – so break out the scrub brushes and degreasers. It’s time to wipe away the winter wear and restore your garage floor back to its former glory! With a little elbow grease and care, you can renew that grimy concrete in time for spring.