Your garage does a lot of heavy lifting — from storing tools and outdoor gear to housing sports equipment, seasonal décor and everything in between. But with all that activity, it’s easy for the space to become cluttered, dirty and disorganized. A deep clean can make a world of difference, transforming your garage from a chaotic catch-all to a clean, organized space that’s functional and easy to navigate.

Here’s how to get the job done right — and keep it that way.

Before you can truly deep clean your garage, you need to empty it. Pull everything out — yes, everything — and sort items into categories: keep, donate, sell or toss. This will give you a better sense of what you’re working with and clear the way for a thorough cleaning.

As you sort, be ruthless. If it’s broken, hasn’t been used in years or is taking up space for no good reason, it’s probably time to let it go.

Once the garage is empty, it’s time to tackle the grime. Sweep out loose debris, cobwebs and dust, then move on to a full scrub-down. Use a stiff-bristle broom or mop and a garage-safe cleaner to tackle oil stains, tire marks and other stubborn messes on the floor. Walls, shelves and even the garage door could use a wipe-down, too.

Don’t forget often-overlooked areas like baseboards, corners and light fixtures — these spots collect dirt fast.

With everything cleared and cleaned, now’s the perfect time to assess the condition of your garage. Look for signs of water damage, pest activity or structural issues. Check your garage door and opener for smooth operation and inspect outlets, lights and any utility hookups.

Addressing minor issues now can prevent more significant — and more expensive — problems down the road.

Once your space is spotless, consider how to keep it that way. Durable, easy-to-clean storage solutions can make a huge difference. Wall-mounted slatwall systems, overhead storage racks and sturdy cabinets keep things off the floor and out of the way while still being easy to access.

Want to streamline the space even more? Add a garage drop zone near the entrance to catch shoes, bags, coats and other everyday essentials — and keep dirt from getting tracked indoors.

Keeping your garage clean doesn’t have to be a once-a-year event. Set a reminder to sweep and tidy the garage monthly and do a seasonal refresh to rotate storage and clear clutter. The more often you stay on top of the mess, the easier it’ll be to maintain a clean, functional space. And the less work your next deep clean will be!

A clean garage isn’t just more enjoyable — it’s safer, more functional and can even boost your home’s value. If your garage could use a fresh start, it might be time to invest in professional garage organization solutions that help you keep it clean long after the scrubbing is done. Of course, we recommend Hello Garage for all your garage organization and flooring needs.

Whether you’re dreaming of a showroom-worthy garage or just want a clutter-free zone that makes sense for your lifestyle, deep cleaning is the first step to getting there.