A dirty garage floor isn’t just an eyesore—it can track grime into your home, damage your tools, and become a slippery safety hazard. Whether you’ve got oil spills, garage floor stains, or just everyday dust buildup, learning how to clean garage floor the right way makes a big difference.
From concrete garage floors to finished epoxy coatings, we’ll cover the best way to clean every surface—even without a pressure washer. We’ll also touch on when a garage floor cleaning service might be worth it, and what to use to mop the garage floor properly yourself.
Essential Garage Floor Cleaning Tools
As a chef needs the necessary utensils to cook, you need the right tools to clean your garage floor. The correct equipment makes cleaning easier and more thorough.
If You’re Cleaning Without a Pressure Washer:
- Stiff-bristle push broom:Sweeps up loose dirt, gravel, and leaves from your garage cement floor.
- Concrete mop or deck brush: For scrubbing stains when mopping your concrete garage floor.
- Degreaser for garage floor:Essential for removing oil stains and tire marks.
- Bucket and warm water: For mixing cleaners and rinsing surfaces.
- Squeegee or floor scraper: Helps push dirty water out the garage door.
- Protective gloves: For handling degreasers or chemical cleaners safely.
- Absorbent material (kitty litter or sawdust): Useful for soaking up fresh spills.
If You’re Using a Pressure Washer:
- Pressure washer (1,500–3,000 PSI range):Strong enough for cleaning garage floors without damaging them.
- Concrete-safe detergent:Works with your pressure washer to break down stubborn grime.
- Turbo nozzle or surface cleaner attachment:Provides a more even, efficient clean.
- Degreaser pre-treatment:Loosen up oil or chemical stains before spraying.
- Waterproof boots and eye protection:Keeps you dry and safe during use.
How to Clean a Garage Floor: Step-by-Step Guide
Whether you're tackling oil spots, dust buildup, or a dirty garage floor neglected for years, here’s the best way to clean a garage floor effectively—with or without a pressure washer.
Step 1: Clear Out the Garage
Start by removing everything from the floor—tools, bins, bikes, storage shelves, and especially anything covering stained areas. This gives you full access to sweep and scrub without obstruction.
Step 2: Sweep and Dry Clean
Use a stiff-bristle broom or push broom to sweep away all loose dirt, leaves, gravel, and dust. Don’t skip corners and edges, especially if you have a garage cement floor, as debris tends to gather there.
If you want to cut down on manual sweeping or need a quicker way to stay on top of dust and debris, a robot vacuum-mop combo like the eufy Robot Vacuum Omni S1 Pro can be a big help—especially for garages that double as workshops or entry zones. It’s a smart option for maintaining a cleaner floor between deep cleans.
For fresh oil spills, cover them with kitty litter or sawdust and let it absorb for a few hours before sweeping it up.
Step 3: Spot Treat Oil and Grease Stains
To remove stains from garage floor surfaces, apply a degreaser directly to the affected area. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes (check the label for exact dwell time). Then scrub with a stiff brush. For deeper or older garage floor stains, repeat the process or use a wire brush.
For epoxy floors: Use a pH-neutral degreaser and a soft nylon brush—anything too harsh may dull the finish.
Step 4: Mop or Rinse the Floor
- How to clean garage floor without pressure washer:
Use a mop and bucket filled with warm water and a concrete-safe cleaner (or diluted vinegar). This is the best way to clean a garage floor without a pressure washer. For textured surfaces, a deck brush may work better than a traditional mop.
- How to clean garage floor witha pressure washer:
Pre-treat the surface with detergent if needed, then use your pressure washer (1,500–3,000 PSI) to rinse from the back of the garage toward the door. A turbo nozzle or surface cleaner attachment helps clean evenly and faster.
Step 5: Squeegee or Let Dry
Use a floor squeegee to push out excess water toward the garage door. For best results, let the floor air-dry completely before moving items back in. A dry surface also helps prevent moisture-related damage—especially on epoxy garage floors.
Additional Garage Floor Cleaning Tips to Know
Keeping your garage floor clean and protected goes beyond just scrubbing. Here are some extra tips inspired by professional advice to help you maintain a spotless, durable surface:
Regular Sweeping Prevents Dirt Build-Up
Frequent sweeping stops dirt, grit, and debris from grinding into the surface, especially on garage cement floors and epoxy coatings. Dirt acts like sandpaper and can dull finishes over time.
Use Absorbent Materials for Fresh Spills
Keep a small container of absorbent materials like kitty litter, baking soda, or sawdust nearby to quickly cover fresh oil or chemical spills. Acting fast helps prevent stains from setting and makes cleanup much easier.
Rinse Thoroughly After Cleaning
After applying cleaners or degreasers, always rinse the floor well with clean water. This prevents cleaner residue from building up, which can make the floor slippery or attract more dirt.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals on Epoxy Floors
Epoxy floors are sensitive to acids and solvents. Stick to pH-neutral cleaners and avoid bleach or ammonia, which can damage the finish and shorten its lifespan.
Seal Your Concrete Floor
If you have an unsealed concrete garage floor, consider applying a sealer after cleaning. Sealing fills pores and prevents stains from soaking in, making future cleaning easier and more effective.
Allow Proper Drying Time
Don’t rush to replace rugs, mats, or items until the floor is fully dry. Moisture trapped underneath can cause mildew or damage certain floor types, especially painted or epoxy-coated surfaces.
Maintain the Floor With Periodic Deep Cleans
Even if you regularly sweep and mop, schedule a deep clean every few months to tackle stubborn garage floor stains and build-up. Use the best cleaners and tools suited for your floor type.
If heavy buildup or time constraints are an issue, hiring a garage floor cleaning service is a convenient option for a more thorough, professional-grade result.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to clean a garage floor, from everyday dirt to tough stains, you can keep it looking sharp and safe all year long. Whether you scrub by hand, use a pressure washer, or rely on smart tools like the eufy S1 Pro, consistent upkeep makes a big difference. And if things get out of hand, don’t hesitate to call in a garage floor cleaning service for a deep reset.
FAQs
What is the best solution to clean concrete garage floors?
A mix of warm water and a concrete-safe degreaser is ideal. For general cleaning, use an all-purpose cleaner. For stains, baking soda and vinegar or a dedicated garage floor cleaner work well.
What is the best thing to clean your garage with?
Use a stiff-bristle broom, a mop or scrub brush, and a concrete-safe cleaner. For deeper cleans, add a degreaser for oil stains or consider a floor squeegee for drying.
How do you clean a concrete garage floor without a pressure washer?
Sweep thoroughly, then scrub with a stiff brush and a solution of warm water and concrete cleaner or vinegar. Use a degreaser for stains and rinse with a bucket and mop or squeegee.
What is the best thing to clean concrete floors with?
A pH-neutral cleaner is best for sealed concrete. For raw concrete, use a degreaser or mild detergent. Avoid harsh acids unless targeting specific stains like rust.
