DIY Cleaning Methods for Garage floors

How to Clean Garage Floors with Trisodium Phosphate (TSP) and Hot Water

• Gather your gear: You’ll need a stiff-bristled brush (think deck brush, not your old toothbrush), a sturdy bucket, rubber gloves, protective eyewear, and—of course—TSP. Make sure you’re working in a well-ventilated area, because TSP is a strong cleaning agent and you don’t want to breathe in the dust or fumes.

 

• Prep the floor: Sweep up all the loose dirt, leaves, and whatever else has found its way into your garage. If you see any oil spots, blot them up with paper towels or rags. The cleaner the surface, the better the TSP can do its job.

 

• Mix your solution: In your bucket, dissolve TSP in hot water according to the instructions on the packaging. (Usually, it’s about 1/2 cup TSP per 2 gallons of hot water, but always check the label.) Hot water helps the TSP dissolve and work more effectively on greasy messes.

 

• Apply the TSP solution: Wearing gloves and eye protection, dip your brush into the solution and start scrubbing the floor. Focus on stained or grimy areas, but don’t be shy about giving the whole floor a once-over. TSP is especially good at cutting through old oil, grease, and general garage gunk.

 

• Let it sit (but not too long): After scrubbing, let the solution sit for about 10-15 minutes. This gives the TSP time to break down stubborn grime. Don’t let it dry out completely—if it starts to, splash on a bit more solution.

 

• Rinse thoroughly: Use a hose or buckets of clean water to rinse the floor. It’s important to remove all traces of TSP, as any residue left behind can make the floor slippery or attract more dirt. If you’re working in a garage with a drain, direct the rinse water toward it. If not, use a wet/dry vacuum or mop up the excess water.

 

• Let it dry: Allow the floor to air dry completely before moving anything back in. This helps prevent new dirt from sticking to damp spots and gives you a chance to admire your handiwork (or at least a less-grimy garage floor).

 

• Dispose of waste properly: TSP is a strong cleaning agent, so don’t pour leftover solution or rinse water into storm drains or onto your lawn. Check your local guidelines for proper disposal.

• What is TSP? Trisodium Phosphate (TSP) is a heavy-duty cleaning powder often used to prep surfaces for painting or to tackle tough grease and grime. It’s a strong alkaline cleaner, so always handle with care and follow the instructions on the packaging.

How to Clean Garage Floors with a Degreaser and Stiff Bristle Broom

• Clear the floor first. Move out cars, bikes, and anything else that’s in the way. You want a blank canvas—no tripping over a rake or accidentally soaking your kid’s soccer cleats in degreaser.

 

• Sweep up loose dirt and debris. Use your stiff bristle broom to sweep away dust, leaves, and whatever else has found its way into your garage. This step helps the degreaser work directly on the grime, not just the top layer of dirt.

 

• Choose a degreaser made for concrete. Not all degreasers are created equal. Look for one that’s labeled for use on concrete or garage floors. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for dilution and application. Wear gloves and ventilate the area if the label recommends it.

 

• Apply the degreaser to stained or greasy spots. Pour or spray the degreaser directly onto oil stains, tire marks, or any greasy patches. Let it sit for the amount of time specified on the product label—usually 5–15 minutes. This gives the product time to break down the grime.

 

• Scrub with your stiff bristle broom. Work the degreaser into the floor using firm, even pressure. The stiff bristles help lift up stubborn residue that’s stuck in the concrete’s pores. For really tough spots, you might need to go over them a couple of times.

 

• Rinse thoroughly with water. Use a hose or buckets of water to rinse away the loosened grime and degreaser. Start at the back of the garage and work toward the door so everything flows out. If your garage doesn’t have good drainage, use a wet/dry vacuum to suck up excess water.

 

• Let the floor dry completely before moving things back in. Concrete can look dry on the surface but still be damp underneath. Give it a few hours, or even overnight, to make sure it’s fully dry before you start parking or storing items again.

 

• Dispose of rinse water responsibly. If your degreaser’s label mentions any special disposal instructions, follow them. Some products shouldn’t go down storm drains or into your yard.