5 Tips for Maintaining Your Concrete Garage Floor

Your garage floor sees a lot of traffic and dirt that can leave it looking worn-down. From mud and grime to rust and oil stains, keeping your garage floor clean can seem like a daunting task. Fortunately, standard concrete floors are easy to care for – committing to a simple cleaning regimen and a bit of preventative maintenance will keep it looking like new for years to come.

1. Sweep it Clean

The simplest method for maintaining your concrete garage floor is to sweep it free of dirt and debris. Every few months, take some time to thoroughly sweep your garage using a wide push broom. This is especially important during and after the winter months when de-icing salt is brought into the garage, wearing down the concrete over time.

2. Scrub Rust Stains

While scrubbing the floors will usually do away with dirt and scuffs, rust stains require a little more work to remove. Tackle rust stains by mixing an ounce of trisodium phosphate (TSP) in a gallon of hot water and pouring it onto the concrete. Let the mixture sit on the concrete for 15 to 20 minutes, then scrub the stain using a push broom with rigid bristles, then rinse it away with water. For a more natural solution, try pouring white vinegar over the stain and scrubbing with a stiff brush. Rinse with water and repeat if necessary.

3. Remove Oil Stains

Oil spills pose a risk for slips and falls, so try to clean them up as soon as possible to avoid an accident or a stain from forming on your garage floor. To remove oil stains, first absorb any excess oil by sprinkling sawdust or kitty litter over the area. Gently step on the stain to ensure that residual oil gets soaked up, then sweep and dispose of the material. Next, apply a concentrated concrete degreaser to the stain and let it sit for 45 minutes to an hour. Using a broom with rigid bristles, vigorously scrub the area before rinsing it with water.

4. Fill in the Cracks

Before you fill in a crack in your garage floor, you'll want to remove any loose edges within the crack. To do this, use a hammer and chisel to break away loose material and then use a shop vac to clean out the debris. Next, apply an epoxy paste to the crack using a putty knife, gently working it into the crack and pushing out any trapped air. Once the crack has been filled, scrape away excess epoxy and, using a trowel, smooth over the surface. After the paste has dried, lightly sand the area for a perfect finish.

5. Apply a Concrete Sealer

To prevent future staining and to make your garage floor easier to maintain, apply a concrete sealer. A visit to your local hardware store may clear up any questions about the best product for you and your budget. Sealing the concrete will improve its durability and appearance, ultimately increasing the longevity of your garage floor.

As a homeowner, it's important to maintain the appearance and functionality of your garage. Creative Door can help – contact us to learn more about new and affordable garage doors, maintenance packages, and installation.