How to Clean a Messy Garage
Our guide on how to clean a messy garage will help you finally take charge of that chaotic space. We’ll walk you through everything—from quick tips for decluttering and organizing to getting it clean and crossed off your to-do list the easy way.
Home cleaning tips that help make it easier to tackle a space that tends to be a catch-all for clutter.
For a lot of us, the garage isn’t just where we park the car. It’s the catch-all space for everything we’re not quite sure what to do with. Think stacks of old holiday decorations, a pile of tools, maybe even that random box of papers you haven’t touched since 2017. With so much stuff crammed in there, it’s no surprise that cleaning the garage often ends up at the bottom of the list.
Then spring rolls around, and suddenly the mess feels impossible to ignore. That’s when you find yourself thinking, “It’s time to do something about this.” Decluttering, cleaning, and organizing can transform a cluttered storage zone into a functional space—with enough room to finally park your car where it belongs.
How to Clean a Messy Garage
Does your garage feel more like a storage unit than a place to park? If so, no worries because you are definitely not alone. It’s easy for this space to get out of control, but the good news is you can reclaim it. With some elbow grease and a little planning, you can turn that chaotic mess into a clean, organized, functional part of your home.
1. Declutter First
Before you can clean your messy garage, you’ve got to tackle the clutter. This is the most time-intensive step, but it’s also the most rewarding.
Action Tip:
- Start small by focusing on one section of the garage (like shelves or a corner).
- Create three piles as you go: Keep, Put Away, Donate, Throw Away/Recycle.
- If you haven’t used something in over a year and it’s not sentimental, let it go so you can free up space in this often overlooked room.
D/M Pro Tip: For large items that your local donation center won’t take, check if your city offers bulk trash pickup or place them at the end of your driveway with “FREE” on the front. You might be surprised to find many items disappear overnight.
Decluttering gives you a clean slate to start fresh, so take your time with this step. If you want a more complete guide, read: How to Declutter Your Garage for a step-by-step plan that is easy to follow.
2. Gather Your Cleaning Supplies
Once the clutter is out of the way, it’s time to get ready for a deep clean. Here’s what you’ll need:
- A push broom and dustpan
- A shop vac (optional, but perfect for garages)
- Buckets, sponges, and old rags
- An all-purpose cleaner
- Cobweb duster or extension pole
- A mop and cleaning solution (or a hose if the floor is extra dirty)
Action Tip:
Turn this into a family project. Get the kids involved and throw on some fun music. You’ll be surprised how a good playlist and a few helping hands can make cleaning feel less like a chore and way more enjoyable.
3. Clean from Top to Bottom
Garages are magnets for dust and dirt. Make the job easier on yourself by letting gravity do the work—start cleaning at the top and work your way down.
Ceiling and Walls
- Grab a duster or broom and start knocking down any cobwebs you spot. Don’t forget those high-up corners.
- While you’re at it, take a moment to check the corners and edges for any signs of pests, like nests or droppings. Clear out anything that shouldn’t be there.
- For an extra thorough clean, try using a shop vac with an extension. It’s perfect for getting into those tricky spots where dirt and cobwebs like to hide.
TreeLen 18 inch Push Broom Outdoor – Heavy Duty Broom for Driveways, Sidewalks, Patios and Deck Cleans Dirt, Debris, Sand, Mud, Leaves and Water-18 Wide Bristles
EVERSPROUT 5-to-12ft Telescoping Durable Duster with Extension Pole – Lightweight 3 Stage Cobweb Duster – Extendable to 20ft Reach for Cleaning High Ceilings and Spider WebsArmor All AA255W Wet/Dry Utility Vac 2.5 Gallon, 2.5-Gallon,120 Volts (AC), Orange/Black
Action Tip:
Do a quick sweep of the floor, especially if it is really dirty. This will help to keep the dust down when you do it later.
Shelves and Surfaces
- Start by giving your shelves and storage areas a solid wipe-down.
- Move on to your work tables and benches. Clear the surfaces and give them a good clean so they’re ready for action.
- Wipe down the outside, including the doors and sides, with a damp cloth.
- Stay on the lookout for anything you no longer need. If you find items you can donate, set them aside.
Action Tip:
To tackle a greasy, stained workbench, start by removing loose debris with a dry cloth or brush. Apply a degreaser directly to the greasy areas, letting it sit for a few minutes to break down the grime. Scrub the surface with a scrub pad, focusing on stained spots. Wipe away the residue with a damp cloth.
Floor
- Sweep the entire floor area, directing the dirt outside to help keep the dust to a minimum.
- If possible, use a shop vac to reach corners or hidden areas under cabinets or behind shelving units.
- Mop or hose down the floor, paying close attention to oil stains or buildup. For tough spots, try scrubbing with a degreaser.
Action Tip:
Tackle grease stains by applying a degreaser to the stain, letting it sit for a few minutes to break down the grease. Then, scrub the area with a stiff-bristle brush for extra power. Rinse the spot thoroughly with water, and for stubborn stains, repeat the process.
Windows
- Clear away any dust or cobwebs using a broom or shop vac, focusing on the corners of the window frame.
- Wipe down the frame and surrounding area with a damp rag and cleaner.
- Spray the window with a window cleaner, then use a piece of newspaper to clean the glass for a streak-free shine.
Action Tip:
For stubborn spots, mix white vinegar with water, spray it on the area, and wipe clean with a newspaper or a microfiber cloth.
Garage Door
- Use a cleaner along with a soft brush or sponge to gently scrub both the inside and outside.
- Take a moment to test the door hinges and opener mechanism. If they’re not moving as smoothly as they should, a bit of lubricant can work wonders.
Action Tip:
When cleaning your garage door after you’re done wiping it down, don’t forget to use a dry cloth to remove any moisture, which can help prevent rust and keep your door looking great longer.
4. Organize Your Space
Now that your messy garage is clean, take a minute to relax and admire your hard work. Next up? Set up a simple system to keep this space organized and useful, so it doesn’t turn into a clutter magnet all over again!
Simple Organizing Solutions
- Put up some wall hooks or a pegboard. They’re perfect for hanging tools, bikes, or garden gear. Plus, it gets stuff off the floor and keeps everything easy to grab when you need it.
- Use clear storage bins so you can see what’s inside without the hassle of opening each one. Add labels for an extra touch of organization magic.
- Add shelving units to handle the heavier stuff like paint cans, car supplies, or those bulky seasonal decorations. Use baskets or totes that are clearly labeled to keep things put away.
- Try setting up zones to keep your garage organized. Assign specific areas for different items so everyone knows where things go. This makes it easier for your family to put things back when they’re done. For instance, gather all the sports equipment in one corner and keep your tools in another.
- When organizing, keep the most-used items at eye level or lower. Seasonal items or less-used things can be stored on higher shelves or in the back.
- Invest in a few sturdy storage solutions, like heavy-duty bins or wall racks. While the upfront cost is higher, it pays off in durability and ease of use.
5. Keep Your Garage From Getting Messy
Keeping your garage looking great doesn’t happen by chance. It’s all about keeping up with simple, easy habits to stay on top of the chaos.
Action Tips:
- Set aside time on the last Saturday of each month to give your garage a quick sweep and clean up. Just an hour is all you need to reset this space.
- Be mindful of what you bring in. Try a “one in, one out” rule to keep clutter from creeping back in. This can help keep outside toys to a more reasonable collection.
- Check in on your organization setup every few months. Is it still working for you? If not, make some tweaks to keep it useful. Remember, a system needs to work not only for you but for your family as well. If you notice things are getting messy, see why and adjust containers to be more user-friendly.
Keeping your garage mess-free can be a simple part of your cleaning routine now. Now that the heavy work is done, maintaining things going forward will be much easier and take less time.
Just check in every now and then to make sure clutter isn’t creeping back in. And if it does, don’t stress! Come back to this guide on how to clean a messy garage and get your space back in shape whenever you need.
