If you’re like most homeowners, your garage was probably neglected over the winter and became a catch-all for everything from sports equipment and bikes to tools and cleaning supplies. Now that summer is in full swing, it’s the perfect time to show your garage a little TLC. Here are seven things you can do to make sure that your garage is functional and clean.
1. Clean Out the Clutter
Before anything else, you’ll need to get rid of the extra clutter. If your garage floor resembles a minefield of bicycles and garden tools, you may want to spend an afternoon organizing all the stuff that accumulated throughout the winter months. Toss broken tools and get rid of things that you don’t need. Once everything’s got a home and the floor is clear, it will be much easier to maintain — and as an added bonus, you’ll be able to park your car inside!
2. Give it a Deep Clean
After a winter of being closed up and neglected, your garage can get pretty dirty. Use a vacuum to get rid of cobwebs in all the nooks and crannies and thoroughly sweep the floor. If your garage has windows, you can wipe them clean as well. If you’ve got a pressure washer, you can spray the floor to remove stubborn debris and stains.
3. Check The Seal
Summertime brings bugs and critters out of hiding and nobody wants to find one of these unwanted guests in their garage. To keep them out, make sure your weatherstripping is in great shape, and if it’s not, it’s a great time to replace it. This strip is located at the bottom of your garage door. When working properly, the weatherstrip will seal your space so your garage stays warm, dry and free from pests. If you notice any cracks or holes in your weatherstripping, it’s probably time to replace it.
4. Wash and Repaint Door
Use a mild soap to clean the outside and inside of your garage door and rinse it when you’re done. While you’re at it, you might want to go ahead and give it a fresh coat of paint. Not only will your door look brand new — fresh paint will also help to protect your door from the elements.
5. Consider the Heat
Check your garage for any pressurized chemicals or plastic. Consider how hot it gets during the summer and remember that your garage will get much hotter. Some products are not safe at high temperatures and should be stored indoors. It’s best to be safe and find a new home for hazardous chemicals.
6. Inspect Parts
Once your garage is sparkling clean and all of your things are organized, give the door a once-over. Check the hardware for any faulty parts, loose springs or broken brackets. Lubricate the door so it opens and closes smoothly and listen for any sounds that indicate a problem. If you notice any issues, it’s probably best to hire a professional to take care of them.
7. Replace Light Bulbs
As the icing on your garage cake, go ahead and replace the light bulbs in your garage and garage door opener. Nobody wants to replace bulbs when it’s freezing outside and the long sunny days of summer are perfect for climbing ladders and replacing bulbs. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to replace the light bulb in your garage door.
Once you’re finished, you can decide what you’d like to do with your fresh garage space. Perhaps you want to set up a flat screen and seating options for summer hangouts with friends or maybe you’re just happy to finally be able to park your car inside. Either way, you deserve it after all that hard work.
If you need help with garage door issues or you’d like a summer inspection, contact us at Gold Label Door. We’re happy to help ensure that your garage door is running smoothly this summer.
