DIY Network

Garage: Cleaning the Garage From "Talking Dirty With the Queen of Clean" episode DQOC-143

	Figure A
	Figure B

Cleaning the Garage

As we all know, the garage becomes the home for everything we don't want to keep in the house (figure A). To maintain this constant flow of fluctuating items, good organization is a must. Whatever the size, the garage should be swept out monthly and thoroughly cleaned once a year to maintain order.

• Move everything out, creating groups of like items as you go. Common groupings include tools, garden equipment, sporting equipment and items for the car (figure B).

• Dispose of all the obvious junk.

• Check with your city sanitation department or commercial trash collection company to find out how to dispose of motor oil, solvents and garden chemicals. Dispose of pesticides safely, following directions on the product label.

• If you are left with things that need to be fixed or have salvageable parts, either deal with them on the spot, or box and label them for later attention. If you haven't used or repaired items in a year, give them away.

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	Figure C
	Follow these tips and suggestions from the Queen and you'll have a spotless garage.

• Clean the cement floor when the temperature is between 50 and 75 degrees, and when the area isn't in direct sun. Use a sweeping compound, available at hardware and home improvement stores, when you groom out the garage; the compound contains a small amount of oil that sticks to dust (figure C).

• Add TSP (trisodium phosphate) or a degreasing cleaner to a bucket of hot water and clean the floor using an old mop, or scrub with a broom. Rinse thoroughly.

• If you find oil stains on the floor, apply a laundry pre-spotter to the stain and leave on for 5 to 10 minutes. Sprinkle with laundry detergent and scrub with a stiff broom or brush. Wipe up residue with paper towels. Or, make a paste of hot water and automatic dishwashing detergent, scrub into the spot, then let it soak overnight, if possible. Rinse and let dry.

Tip:Nail carpet samples to the garage wall at the point where the car door opens; when you get out of the car, you won't damage the door by hitting it against the wall.