The Fall Garage Cleaning Task Everyone Forgets
Fall is when we all start thinking about cozying up indoors, so it’s a great time to give your garage some attention before winter sets in. It’s easy to forget, but skipping a few key garage cleanup steps now can lead to big, expensive headaches later. Most people only clear a path or sweep a little dust, but your garage needs more care than that, especially before the weather gets too cold. If you want a space that you can actually use this season, here are the forgotten fall garage tasks that are worth your time.
Wipe Down Your Garage Door
The door takes a beating all year long and can collect more dirt and grime than you’d expect. A quick wipe with warm soapy water helps protect the surface and lets you spot any early rust or wear that’s starting to build up. Don’t forget to clean the inside panels too. It only takes a few minutes, but it helps your garage look less like a storage shed and more like part of your home.
Tidy Up Extension Cords and Hoses
I know some of you just coil cords and hoses loosely and toss them in a tangled pile somewhere out of the way. But cold weather can make them stiff, cracked, and dangerous. Roll them up properly, hang them on wall hooks, and check to make sure none are damaged or fraying. It keeps your garage safer and saves you from dealing with tangled messes come spring.
Check for Critters and Nests
Fall is when mice and other critters start scouting for warm shelter indoors. And your garage is prime real estate if you don’t keep an eye on it. Check behind boxes, under shelves, and in corners for signs of animal nests or droppings. Sealing up holes now, before anything moves in, can save you a much bigger mess later. A simple inspection every few weeks can keep your tools, car, and holiday decorations from becoming a winter mouse hotel.
Clear Out Summer Gear
Lawn chairs, pool noodles, and garden hoses have a way of hanging around your garage long after the season ends. Storing them properly doesn’t just free up floor space and make it easier to reach your fall and winter stuff, it also protects your summer gear from cold damage. Find all the stuff you won’t use after summer is over, give it a rinse, dry it off, and tuck it into bins or hang it on the wall. Getting summer out of the way makes room for snow shovels, salt bags, and everything else you’ll be needing soon.
Inspect Stored Liquids
That half-empty bottle of fertilizer or leftover paint might not survive winter, so why is it in your garage? Some chemicals get less effective or even freeze and separate in the cold, making them useless. Go through your shelves and read the labels on all liquids. If something’s not cold-safe, bring it indoors or get rid of it properly. Fall is also a great time to safely get rid of anything you know you’re never going to use again, like that old can of paint you used for your bathroom five years ago.
Clean Under Your Shelves and Workbench
If you’ve got shelves or a bench, chances are you’ve got mystery piles building up beneath them. Dust bunnies, old screws, leaves, it all adds up. A quick sweep underneath any flat surfaces clears out the clutter and you might even find a tool you thought was lost forever. It’s also a good time to check for hidden moisture or spills in these spots that could turn into a bigger problem later.
Dust the Ceiling and Walls
Nobody thinks about the garage ceiling as a place to clean, but it collects dust, cobwebs, and sometimes even old wasp nests. Before it gets too cold, take a broom or vacuum and give those upper areas a quick sweep. You’ll breathe easier, literally, and you won’t have dust drifting down on you every time you open the garage door. It’s a little thing that makes a surprising difference in how clean the whole space feels.
Organize Your Winter Tools Now
You don’t want to be stuck digging around your garage for your snow shovel during the first snowfall. Set aside a spot for your salt, shovel, and winter gear now, while the weather’s still decent and your garage isn’t too chilly. It’s a good idea to also label a bin or hang tools on the wall so they’re easy to grab. You’ll be thanking yourself when that first icy morning hits and you’re not fumbling through piles of summer gear in the cold.
Vacuum the Floor, Don’t Just Sweep It
Sweeping gets the big stuff, but most garage floors hold onto a lot of fine dust, sawdust, and even allergens. If you’ve got a shop vac, now’s the time to use it. You’ll be amazed at how much cleaner everything feels, and it’ll help cut down on the amount of dust that gets tracked into your house. It’s a small thing that makes your whole garage (and house) feel fresher.
Test the Lights and Outlets
With days getting shorter, you’ll be using your garage lights more often. To make sure everything’s working properly, flip all the switches, test your outlets, and replace any dead bulbs. If anything flickers or doesn’t work, it’s better to catch it now than in the middle of a dark winter evening. A well-lit garage is safer and it’s a whole lot easier to work in your garage when you can actually see what you’re doing.
Give Your Garage the Fall Love It Deserves
Your garage doesn’t need to be spotless, but giving it a little care before winter rolls in will make your life a whole lot easier. These are the kinds of tasks that are easy to forget about but make a huge difference later. You don’t need to spend an entire weekend cleaning either, just a couple of hours to clear out what you won’t need, make room for what you will, and protect your stuff (and your sanity) in the months ahead.