Using A Garage Floor Degreaser
One of the best things you can do to keep your garage safe is to keep the floor clean of any automotive fluids such as engine oil, transmission oil, and brake fluid. These liquids cause a safety issue by themselves because they make the floor slick but if you add water the mixture can basically be impossible to stand on. An oil spot on the floor with a little rain water or snow melt dripping off the car can be a perfect storm scenario when it comes to stepping out of your car. Getting in the habit of degreasing your garage floor regularly is a very smart thing to do.
For years the only garage floor degreaser available was based on harsh chemicals that were not good for the environment, your landscaping, or your pets. This has changed as more and more companies are realizing that people want products which work but also that don’t cause a chemical soup to build up on their driveway. There are many bio-degradable products available now which get the floor clean and yet are safe to use.
One degreaser that is making a big impact on this market is based on citrus. Citrus cuts grease naturally with no harsh chemicals. You apply it just like any other degreaser. First, sweep the floor to get off any loose dirt and grime. Then spray down the floor with a coating of water and spread the degreaser out. It comes in either liquid or powder form and I think the powder works better because it is easier to broadcast around. Next comes the muscle work, using an 18” floor broom scrub the floor starting at the back and working toward the door opening. The scrubbing action will help to lift the oil and grease stains and make the citrus cleaner more effective. After scrubbing rinse the floor off.
The last step is to check to be sure you have lifted all the petroleum off the floor. Spray water and look for beading. If the water beads you have more work to do, if there is no beading you are done.