Have you ever been in a garage or showroom that made you say “wow”? What does it take to have a garage that pristine (or, at the very least, clutter-free)? Follow these rules of a clean garage to keep your garage spick and span. All it takes is a little bit of planning, a little bit of effort, and setting up the right routines to make your garage the envy of the neighborhood.

Rules of a Clean Garage

Include the garage in cleaning routines.

This is foundational for keeping your garage spotless. If you don’t include the garage as part of your home, there’s a huge chance that you’ll forget to clean it. While you’re assigning weekly chores around the house, add the garage to the list. Over time, you’ll naturally see the garage as part of your home rather than a mysterious catchall storage unit.

Clean up messes as they happen.

“Mess attracts mess” is a common phrase tossed around by organized people, but it has a lot of truth in it. If you leave a mess (even a small one), a slightly larger one won’t look that out of place. Before you know it, you’re no longer bothered by the piles of cardboard boxes or your child’s toys scattered around. If you take care of small trash piles or spills as they happen, you’re less likely to let them build into something that feels insurmountable.

Everything has a place.

Yes, even in the garage — where people store everything from Christmas trees to kayaks — everything should have a place. Commonly used items should be within reach, and bulky tools or equipment can be placed in large cabinets out of the way, or in overhead storage.

Keep cleaning supplies handy.

There’s nothing worse than needing to clean up a spill in the garage, only to realize you have to go into the house and through the kitchen to grab a rag or paper towel. It’s surprising how often homeowners neglect having garage-cleaning supplies in a garage. You keep laundry detergent over the washer. You put bathroom spray under the sink. It makes sense to keep supplies like oil absorbent, degreaser, shop towels and hand cleaner at the ready. When you do, you’ll be one step closer to preserving your clean garage.

At Garage Design Works, we know that your garage can truly be a place your family enjoys for years to come. Looking to make the most out of your garage space? Contact us today for a free virtual consultation, and let us help put your plans into action. Check out more ideas for transforming your garage on our blog.