Cleaning the Garage

Cleaning Out the Garage.

How to Spring Clean the Garage

The garage often becomes the go-to spot for everything that doesn’t have a proper home – tools, toys, seasonal decorations, and random boxes. It can feel overwhelming to start cleaning and organizing, but don’t worry – it’s totally doable! With some planning and effort, spring cleaning the garage, will transform your garage into a clean, functional space you can actually enjoy.

Start by Setting Aside Dedicated Time

Organizing a garage isn’t something you can rush. Depending on how cluttered it is, you’ll likely need at least a full day or even a weekend to do it right. Block off some time on your calendar so you can tackle the project without interruptions.

Gather the Supplies You’ll Need for Cleaning the Garage

Before diving in, round up everything you need for cleaning the garage. Stock up on cleaning supplies, garbage bags, storage bins, labels, and any organizing tools you think will help. This way, you won’t have to stop mid-task to search for something.

Clear Out the Garage

If you park your car in the garage, start by moving it out into the driveway to create extra room to work. Then, take everything you can out of the garage and onto the driveway or lawn. This includes:

Lawn tools and yard care products
Seasonal decorations
Toys, bikes, and sports equipment
Holiday storage bins
Tools and workbench items

This step might feel chaotic, but trust the process! Clearing the space lets you see exactly what you have and makes sorting much easier.

Sort the Stuff in the Garage

Once everything is out of the garage, start sorting items into categories:

Trash: Broken tools, expired paint, damaged toys, or anything beyond repair.
Donate/Sell: Items in good condition that you no longer need, like outgrown toys or duplicate tools.
Keep: The essentials that will go back into the garage.

Tip: Check with your local waste disposal center for guidelines on getting rid of hazardous materials like paint, oil, or old chemicals.

Deep Cleaning the Garage

With the space empty, it’s the perfect time to give it a good cleaning:

Sweep the floors to remove dirt and dust.
Wipe down shelves, cabinets, and workbenches.
Knock down cobwebs from corners and ceilings.
If needed, mop the floor or use a pressure washer for a deeper clean.

Organize Areas When Cleaning the Garage

Now comes the fun part -setting up an organized system!

Workbench

Workbenches can easily become a catch-all for random items. Clear it off and give everything a home:

Use a pegboard for hanging tools.
Store screws, nails, and small parts in labeled component drawers.
Add a tool caddy for frequently used items.
Use storage bins or milk crates under the bench for larger items.

Seasonal Decorations

Holiday decorations can take up a lot of space, but organizing them makes it easy to find what you need:

Group decorations by season or holiday.
Use clear, labeled bins to store items.
Place infrequently used decorations on higher shelves, saving lower shelves for frequently used items.

Cleaning Supplies, Paint, and Oil

For safety and organization, consider storing these items in a lockable cabinet:

Group similar items together (e.g., all paints in one section, car oils in another).
Make sure hazardous materials are out of reach of kids.

Toys and Sports Gear

Kids’ toys, bikes, and sports equipment can quickly clutter up the garage. Try these ideas:

Use cubby shelves for toys and smaller items.
Install wall-mounted hooks for bikes, scooters, or skateboards.
Store balls and sports gear in large bins or baskets.

Give the Refrigerator a Clean

If you keep a refrigerator or freezer in the garage, now’s the time to clean it:

Empty everything out and wash the interior.
Clean removable shelves in the kitchen sink.
Dust and vacuum the coils to improve efficiency.
Don’t forget to clean the exterior, especially the top and sides, which can collect a lot of grime.

Tidy Up Lawn Equipment

If your lawn mower and gardening tools live in the garage, give them a quick clean before putting them back:

Use a hose to rinse dirt and grass from the mower blades. (Tilt it carefully—don’t turn it upside down!)
Wipe down the handles and frame.
Store the mower on a mat to protect your garage floor from potential oil or gas stains.

For rakes, shovels, and other tools, install wall hooks or a standing organizer to keep them upright and easy to access.

Clean the Garbage Cans and Recycling Bins

If your trash and recycling bins live in the garage, clean them before putting them back:

Empty them out and rinse them with a garden hose.
Scrub the interior with warm, soapy water and a long-handled brush.
Rinse thoroughly and let them dry completely before use.

To keep them cleaner longer, make sure all trash is bagged, and rinse out recyclable containers before tossing them.

Organize and Label Everything

Before you start putting items back, group them by category and label bins, shelves, and cabinets. Labels make it easy to find what you need and encourage everyone in the family to put things back in the right place.

Final Touch: Cleaning the Garage Floor

Sweep up any remaining dirt and debris. If you want to go the extra mile, mop the floor or use a floor cleaner designed for garage surfaces.

Storage Ideas to Maximize Space in the Garage

Shelving: Wall-mounted or freestanding shelves are great for bins, boxes, and tools.
Overhead Storage: Use ceiling racks for lightweight items like seasonal decorations or sports gear.
Cubbies: Perfect for kids’ toys, helmets, and smaller items.
Hooks and Pegboards: Keep tools, bikes, and rakes off the floor.

Enjoy Your Clean, Organized Garage

Once everything is back in place, step back and admire your hard work. A clean, organized garage isn’t just functional—it’s satisfying to see everything in its place. And who knows? With everything so neat, you might even enjoy spending more time in there!

With a little effort, cleaning the garage can turn it from a chaotic storage space into a tidy, useful area for your family. And the best part? You’ll know exactly where to find what you need next time!

Tips for a Clean Garage Floor