Sweep grit
Remove sand and loose debris so it is less likely to be dragged across the floor by shoes or tires.
Seasonal Garage Floor Guide
How to Care for Your Garage Floor During a Massachusetts Winter
Snow, slush, road salt, and sand can get tracked into your garage throughout winter. A simple cleanup routine helps keep the space tidy and makes it easier to notice changes to the floor.
Why salt and moisture matter
Salt residue is only part of the picture. Repeated freezing and thawing can contribute to some kinds of concrete distress, especially where moisture is present. The American Concrete Institute notes that deicing salts may aggravate certain surface issues and that freezing and thawing of saturated concrete can contribute to joint deterioration. These conditions do not mean every garage floor exposed to road salt will be damaged; the slab, moisture, drainage, and deicer all matter.
American Concrete Institute: concrete surface popoffs and deicing salts
American Concrete Institute: concrete joints, moisture, and freeze-thaw distress
Clear slush
When practical, remove slush and standing water instead of letting them sit on the floor.
Use suitable cleaners
For a coated floor, follow the care instructions for that specific coating system and finish.
If your floor is coated
Follow the coating maker’s care guidance
Cleaning instructions can differ by coating system. In general, remove abrasive dirt and rinse cleaning products as directed, but check the manufacturer’s instructions before using a new cleaner or tool.
A coating does not correct an underlying concrete or moisture problem. Before choosing one, ask how the slab will be assessed and prepared, which system is proposed, and what maintenance the manufacturer recommends.
Exploring garage floor coatings?
Learn about garage floor coating options, or tell us about your project and we’ll connect your request with an appropriate local provider.