If you’re like many homeowners, your garage is more than a place where you store your vehicles, Christmas decorations, and kids’ bicycles. Your garage is an extension of your home, and you want to make it as visually appealing as possible. Replacing the concrete is expensive, which is why you might have decided to have it professionally cleaned, painted, and sealed.
Care for your newly-painted flooring to prevent unnecessary staining and the need to have it repainted again in the future. Here are a few tips to help you properly clean and maintain your painted garage floor.
CLEAN YOUR PAINTED GARAGE FLOORS
The gorgeous new paint on your garage flooring is protected by layers of sealant, which is intended to prevent damage to the paint and concrete below. The wrong chemicals and tools can strip away this sealant, exposing the paint and leaving it vulnerable to scratches and chips.
Follow this step-by-step guide to clean your painted concrete garage floor:
- Sweep the floor with a broom or dust mop to eliminate any dirt, mud, or other debris.
- Fill a bucket with a mixture of an all-purpose household cleaner or a cleaner designed for use on sealed concrete and warm water. Do not use a product that contains bleach or ammonia, as this will damage the sealant.
- Clean the flooring with the mixture and a mop. Clean any tough stains with the solution and a plastic-bristled scrub brush.
- Fill a bucket with plain water and use it and a mop to clean the painted concrete one last time.
Allow the flooring to air dry completely before parking your car.
PREVENT STAINS
Prevent stains to keep your painted concrete flooring beautiful and functional for many years. Follow these tips to help prevent staining on your garage floors:
- Purchase a doormat or rug. Insist that anyone who enters your garage clean the bottom of their shoes on a doormat.
- Keep motor oil, old paint, or anything that will stain in plastic bins. Label and keep the storage bins closed to prevent unnecessary spills and stains.
- Store chemicals and paints on high shelves to prevent children and pets from reaching them and causing a spill or ingesting them.
If you often work with chemicals or paints that could stain the flooring, purchase an inexpensive throw rug for this area.
ELIMINATE OIL AND GREASE SPILLS
Motor oil and grease spills are a common occurrence in garages. The key to preventing a spill from becoming a nasty stain is to clean it up quickly. Follow these steps to quickly and easily clean up an oil or grease spill:
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- Soak up the oil with an automotive cleanup compound, which is available at your local auto parts store, clay cat litter, or in a pinch, paper towels.
- Allow the compound or litter to soak up the oil or grease for at least 24 hours. After this, scoop up the product and throw it away.
- Create a mixture of dish soap and warm water. Choose a product that is intended to break down grease.
Dampen a plastic scrub brush with the mixture and work it into the stain. Rinse off the soapy water with your garden hose.
You may need to scrub the affected area and rinse away the soapy water several times to eliminate the stain.
Properly cleaning and preventing stains on your newly-painted concrete garage floor will help it stay vibrant and beautiful for several years to come.
If you have any additional questions, contact the professionals at Rick’s Painting & Pressure Cleaning. We can paint garage floors, and we’re also happy to help clean and maintain them.
