Garage Cleaning and Maintenance

How to remove stains, keep the door opener working and more

Maintaining order in your garage is easier said than done, but here are some tips for keeping it clean and keeping the garage-door opener running smoothly.

  • Removing oil stains from concrete garage floors can be done with nearly any chemical or cleaner. If the garage floor is made of asphalt, the only safe remedy is to use detergent cleaner. Turpentine, paint thinner, gasoline and kerosene all dissolve asphalt and cause it to deteriorate.
  • To clean soiled and stained concrete floors, use a strong solution of degreaser. Flood the concrete and let it sit for a few minutes, and then scrub it with a nylon pad or brush. Use a squeegee to gather the muck into a puddle. Pick it up with a dustpan and dump it into a bucket. If the floor is really dirty, rinse and scrub it again.
  • Concrete absorbs moisture when cleaned. Even after it looks dry, it still releases "sweat," and that's a bad time to wax, paint or mop the concrete. If you're not sure whether the concrete is really dry, lay a rubber mat over it. If moisture doesn't accumulate under the mat after a few hours, it's OK to treat the concrete.


Garage-Door Maintenance

  • To prevent damage such as rusting, which is caused by foreign matter that adheres to the door, the door should be wiped down with a soft cloth twice a year. Use a mild household detergent diluted with water.
  • To protect the finish, apply car wax. This will help repel dirt and moisture.
  • Check for broken or bent components, and lubricate all moving parts of the door with a light household oil.
  • Lift cables at the bottom bracket button and hinges. Lock hardware where surfaces turn or slide. Lubricate steel rollers. Do not lubricate nylon oil.
  • Inspect the astragal, the rubber weather seal along the bottom of the door. If it's cracked or broken, replace it by taking off the old gasket and sliding a new one into place.
  • Doors equipped with automatic door operators can cause serious injury or death if not properly adjusted and operated. To ensure safe operation of these doors, test the sensitivity of the operator's safety reverse mechanism once a month. With the door in the up position, place a roll of paper towels on its side directly in the path of the door, and then close the door. When the door reaches the paper-towel roll, it should reverse and return to the open position. If the door crushes the roll of paper towels, it's out of adjustment. Refer to the owner's manual for instructions on adjusting the safety reverse mechanism.
  • All screws and nuts on bolts should be tightened every six months. Make sure the slide lock doesn't extend past the end stile of the door when it's in unlocked positioned.

Next Up

How to Clean Rust Off Concrete

Follow these directions to remove an unsightly rust stain from your concrete patio, driveway or garage floor.

How to Get Rid of Carpet Beetles

Find natural methods for exterminating carpet beetles and carpet beetle larvae before they infest your whole home.

How to Get Rid of Clothes and Pantry Moths

Remove and prevent pantry moths and clothing moths from your home with these simple, effective techniques.

How to Clean Concrete Countertops

Concrete countertops are known for their strength and durability. Keep them in tip-top condition with just two easy steps.

How to Clean an Electric Coil Stovetop

Prolong the life of your electric coil stove with these simple cleaning and maintenance tips. Whether you have burnt-on food or a pool of grease beneath the drip pan, learn how to make your cooktop sparkle.

11 Best Garage Shelving Ideas

Functional and practical, these storage solutions will transform your garage from messy to organized.

How to Prevent a Flooded Basement and How Much It Will Cost to Fix

Waterproofing a basement can prevent structural damage, improve air quality, lower utility bills and make a finished basement a possibility. Learn how common water problems occur, how to fix them and how much you might expect to pay for remedies such as sealing, foundation repair and regrading your landscape.

Average Cost to Build a Two-Car Detached Garage

If you’re looking to add a detached two-car garage to your home, there are a number of factors that will determine the price. Here's what you need to know to help keep the cost in check.

How to Clean a Garbage Disposal

Keep your garbage disposal clean and smelling fresh with these simple steps. Plus, find tips for maintaining your disposal and the best DIY and store-bought garbage disposal cleaners.

How to Hand-Wash Clothes

Make clothes last longer and target tough stains by hand-washing items such as bras, lingerie, tights, sweaters, baby clothes and more.

Go Shopping

Get product recommendations from HGTV editors, plus can’t-miss sales and deals.

On TV

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.