Let them scoff. Some of us are neat freaks, and we prefer to have super-clean garages. It’s not going to pass a white glove test—we’re not fanatics—but the concrete floors will be much cleaner than most.
Most of us might give the garage floor an annual general sweep with the push broom (if we can find it), but if you’re looking for a deeper cleaning, here are some tips.
Get at the Grease!
Just like your clothes, you’re going to have to pre-treat oil and grease spots on the concrete before you clean it. Start by covering the grease or oil spots with a layer of regular clay-based kitty litter or sawdust. These two materials do an admirable job of absorbing excess oil or grease.
Next, use a push broom with rigid bristles to sweep up the kitty litter or sawdust. You might be tempted to use your shop vac, but keep in mind that the sawdust or litter is now impregnated with oil or grease. Maybe not such a good idea.
After removing as much loose material as possible, pour dry dishwasher powder or a cleaning agent specifically made for concrete onto the stains. Let this sit for about an hour, and then pour boiling water on the area. Vigorously scrub it with the broom.
If the stain is still there, it’s time to graduate to something a little stronger. Use muriatic acid in combination with a pressure washer that can reach at last 1,200 PSI. Follow the instructions that come with the muriatic acid. Afterwards, use baking soda on the area to neutralize the acid, and then rinse with fresh water.
Got Rust?
Generally, trisodium phosphate (also known as TSP) is the best solution to rid your garage concrete floor of rust stains. Start with an ounce of TSP to a gallon of hot water. Wet the concrete and then apply the TSP and water solution. Let it soak into the concrete for about 15 minutes. Be sure to rinse thoroughly afterwards.
Pressure Wash
The most efficient way to clean your garage cement floor is with a pressure washer. Look for a rotating surface cleaner. Dual high-pressure jets will help you to clean fast and a protecting dome controls overspray, so you can cut down on the amount of water that would otherwise get on what you don’t remove from the garage during cleaning.
At this point, your garage floor should be as clean as it can be. It might be a good time to consider sealing or painting it. This will help you minimize concrete dust and help make it easier to sweep. Sealing or painting is also a decision you should plan to make if you’re planning to put up one of our prefab garage kits.
Our customers tell us they appreciate the speed and convenience of a Miracle Truss® kit because it can be assembled up to five times faster than conventional construction. It also comes with a 50-year frame warranty. Use this form to request a free sales quote. Our staff can help you with information about the concrete floor, too.
