Favorite Cleaning And Organizing Tips
Every room in the house has individual needs, and the garage is certainly no exception. Spring cleaning for the garage means removing everything, especially large systems of shelves which may damage the floor and walls if left in one spot for several years. Some shelves store chemicals which damage the integrity of joints and installation over time, ultimately reaching the garage floor and causing permanent damage to concrete.
Ultimately, the best tip is to clean the garage frequently, even in small areas. Moving from one work area to the next over a period of a few days to several weeks, will allow the maintenance of a clean, if not perfect, garage environment. The idea, in the end, is to use most time in the garage pursuing hobbies and vehicle maintenance, and not cleaning.
Unlabeled boxes, which stack up and deteriorate over time should be avoided. No one likes digging through piles of boxes without the slightest clue as to their contents. Besides, when boxes are stacked one on top of the other, accidents and damage are a guarantee. Falling boxes present dangerous hazards, but these accidents are best prevented by installing shelves, and not relying on the structure of the boxes themselves.
Benefit from cleaning and organization tips with shelves and cabinets which add space and convenience, but also offer some cleaning challenges. Choose cabinets which are well-sealed, and easy to clean. Plywood is cheap and easy to work with, but is extremely porous, and nearly impossible to clean. Tools stored on plywood shelves are easily damaged, and valuable power tools should be stored in cabinets, and not boxes.
Cleaning and organization tips do not end with cabinets, but apply to vehicles themselves as well. After all, the presence of oil, wax, and strong detergents in the garage is due to vehicle cleaning. So, try to keep to brake and steering fluid separated from other similar containers used for other tasks. This habit not only reduces spills, but eliminates confusion. Try designating a specific cabinet for each type of vehicle liquid.
The floor itself requires some special attention. Tarps are a time-honored tool for preventing the deterioration of a garage floor. Tarps and bedding are fool-proof time savers, since oil and chemical spills will immediately devalue a clean garage floor. Absorbent materials help with spills, but plastic sheets are a sure-fire way to prevent a drawn-out cleanup.
Whenever regular cleaning and organization tips are called for, the mobility of the vehicle itself is key. Although this may seem like a moot point, the easy movement of a vehicle in and out of the garage prevents damage to other large pieces of equipment, like drills and lawnmowers. Decades of clutter may be avoided by simply keeping the vehicle parking area clear of other projects.
Although the garage is so large, it’s not always the best place to store household goods. Toys and furniture may be happier in storage sheds or attics, where caustic chemicals may explode or boil over due to the elements. Storing these items in a garage exposes them to fumes and potential damage which is less likely in an attic or storage shed. In the end, every task and piece of equipment has its own needs, and should be treated accordingly.
