5 Best Garage Floor Cleaners – 2022 Buying Guide

By Maria Hernandez / February 21, 2022 / 0 Comments

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    When it comes to cleaning garage floors, you may be wondering how to go about doing it. The first question you should ask yourself is why do you want to clean the garage floor? Your next question may be, what are the best garage floor cleaners for the job?

    In this article, I’ll be focusing on how to clean concrete garage flooring and what’s the best garage floor cleaner to use. We’ll discuss what you need to know before purchasing your garage floor cleaner as well as the benefits and hazards of using garage floor cleaners.

    Our Top Picks

    1. Best Overall: Rust-Oleum Cleaner and Degreaser
    2. Best for Mold and Mildew: ACT Concrete Cleaner
    3. Best for Pressure Washers: Simple Green Driveway and Concrete Cleaner
    4. Best for Oil Stains: Terminator-HSD Concrete Cleaner for Oil Stains
    5. Best Eco-Friendly: EXIMO Waterless Concrete Cleaner

    Garage Floor Cleaner Buying Advice

    Best Overall: Rust-Oleum Cleaner and Degreaser

    Floor Critics Rating (4.7):

    Key Features:

    • Heavy duty cleaner for both residential and commercial properties
    • Can be used to prepare concrete floors for floor coatings
    • Breaks down oil stains, grease and tire marks
    • Can be diluted and used as an everyday cleaner
    • Safe to use near plants
    Rust-Oleum Cleaner and Degreaser
    Rust-Oleum Cleaner and Degreaser

    This product focuses on penetrating deep into those oil and grease stains. It’s simple to use with minimal effort.

    It requires no heavy work on your behalf. A durable broom is the only piece of equipment needed here. Scrub in the cleaner with the broom and leave to dry. As the floor cleaner dries, the cleaning action takes place by drawing out the stain.

    Pros and Cons

    This product can be applied overnight on new stains. It’s been formulated to thoroughly clean and degrease any area contaminated with oils and grease stains. This product doesn’t release fumes.

    It’s a good idea to use a wire brush if more than one application is required to get the best results.

    What To Consider When Using This Product

    If it’s a convenient process you’re after, this product is perfect. No heavy scrubbing or pressure washers needed here. It’s highly effective on all concrete surfaces so will work well for your garage floor. And it’s been designed specifically for those stubborn oil or petroleum-based stains.

    Improve your home’s appearance by using this cleaner not only on your garage floor but on your driveway too. In fact, any concrete surface will benefit from this floor cleaner.

    Best for Mold and Mildew: ACT Concrete Cleaner

    Floor Critics Rating (4.4):

    Key Features:

    • Removes oils, grease, mold, mildew and antifreeze from concrete floors
    • Can be used on driveways, patios, wooden floors, plastic and other surfaces
    • Environmentally friendly and safe to use around plants and animals
    • Doesn’t remove paint

    If your main concern, when working with garage cleaners, is toxicity this is a product you can consider. It’s non-toxic and safe for plants. Which means you can safely clean your driveway without worrying about killing your lawn!

    Simply pour onto the stain and rub with a soft, bristle broom or brush. Use a water spray bottle to mist the area lightly – do not use a garden hose or pressure washer! Leave it to do the work. No need to wash or sweep away as the microbe action will dissipate the stain.

    Pros and Cons

    An easy-to-use product, it has no odor. A very little goes a long way so you don’t need to use large amounts to do the job.It works just as well on old stains as it does on new stains.

    It may need a few applications before your surface is completely clean. Patience is called for here.

    What To Consider When Using This Product

    This is perfect for concrete surfaces so will work well on most garage floors. It’ll remove most stains and dirt created by mold and mildew. If eco-friendly products are the only way you’ll go, buy this for peace of mind and getting the job done.

    This garage floor cleaner will even work for removing gum and pop off the floors so a great product to have with kids around.

    Best for Pressure Washer: Simple Green Driveway and Concrete Cleaner

    Floor Critics Rating (4.3):

    Key Features:

    • Formulated to remove grease and oil stains from concrete surfaces and driveways
    • A non-corrosive product that doesn’t cause discoloration
    • Can be used with pressure washers or manual application
    • Non-toxic and biodegradable
    Simple Green Driveway And Concrete Cleaner
    Simple Green Driveway And Concrete Cleaner

    This is an economical product and is diluted to cover large areas. Being non-toxic it can be used near areas with plants and lawns and around children and pets. However, be sure to wash it away thoroughly if it goes onto the lawn.

    You can clean your whole garage using this product. It’s an ultra concentrated formula and suits a range of cleaning jobs. It can be safely used on walls, patios and masonry surfaces.

    Pros and Cons

    This is an easy to use product.Its fragrant smell beats any chemical smell normally associated with floor cleaners. It makes up to 11 gallons of solution from 1 gallon of concentrate making it an economical option to cleaning floors.

    It may need more than one application for those stubborn stains and needs to be rinsed well to see the best results.

    What To Consider When Using This Product

    This product does require a bit of elbow grease! But use it with a pressure washer and the job will be a whole lot easier.

    If you’re looking for a safe and effective cleaner for any concrete surface, this is the product to consider.

    Best for Oil Stains: Terminator-HSD Concrete Cleaner for Oil Stains

    Floor Critics Rating (4.4):

    Key Features:

    • Breaks down and dissolves grease stains into CO2 and water
    • No need to wash down into drains
    • Removes oil, grease and hydro based carbon stains
    • No need for pressure washers
    Terminator-HSD Concrete Cleaner for Oil Stains
    Terminator-HSD Concrete Cleaner for Oil Stains

    This product works but needs time and patience. Depending on the type of stain, you may need to apply once weekly for up to six weeks before seeing results. It’s simple to apply – spread the powder over the stains and leave it to do its work.

    You use this floor cleaner on asphalt surfaces, parking lots, driveways and your garage floor confidently. It removes oil stains without leaving any stains behind. And it’s safe for human handling!

    Pros and Cons

    If it rains, the product will need to be reapplied if washed away before the job is done. It works equally well for new and old stains. The older the stain, the longer the waiting time. Hosing down with a pressure washer will help to get rid of stubborn stains.

    It helps to keep the powder moist by spraying a gentle mist of water on. This seems to activate the product to work more effectively. It’s a well-priced product that sets out to do what it meant to do – clean your garage floor!

    What To Look Out For When Using This Product

    Because this product dissolves the oil into CO2 and water, it will not contaminate drains, sewer or retention ponds. Its natural microbes action means no chemicals are included. As it’s powder-based, it sprinkles easily over large areas of stains. And, this means you’ll be saving on using large quantities of liquid applications common in other cleaning products.

    As it works with natural microbes, it’s an environmentally-friendly product. No harmful chemicals are used making it a safe, non-toxic floor cleaner. The manufacturer makes special mention that PATIENCE IS REQUIRED! So, don’t expect an overnight miracle.

    Best Eco-Friendly: EXIMO Waterless Concrete Cleaner

    Floor Critics Rating (4.5):

    Key Features:

    • Can be used wet or dry in applications
    • Powerful and environmentally friendly
    • Restores concrete color
    • No scrubbing or pressure washer required
    EXIMO Waterless Concrete Cleaner
    EXIMO Waterless Concrete Cleaner

    he natural microbes in this product lifts away oil, grease and any petroleum-based stains from your garage floor. It’s a natural waterless formula that’s non-toxic and safe to use. If you’re worried about your kids or pets, then you’re safe using this product when cleaning your garage floor.

    And, if you’re not keen on spending too much time scrubbing with a brush, rest assured you can take it easy with this product. The only equipment you’ll need is a broom for sweeping away the end result.

    Pros and Cons

    This product works well with some water mist applied throughout the day for a few days. Sweep away and the stain is gone. No scrubbing is needed when applying to stains. All you have to do is sprinkle the powder on, apply some water mist and you’re sorted.

    It’s easy to use and requires minimal efforts from your side.

    What To Look Out For When Using This Product

    This product is multipurpose for any outdoor areas. So, if you’re wanting to clean stains from driveways, walkways, concrete patios and your garage floor, this will be your best bet. It can be applied directly to both wet and dry surfaces.

    Being eco-friendly, you can use it on the granite rocks lining your pond. It can even be used on your plastic outdoor furniture! It removes discoloration, restoring whatever area has been stained. This is an excellent multipurpose surface cleaner meeting high safety standards.

    Side by Side Comparison

    ProductOur RatingKey Benefits
    Rust-Oleum Cleaner and Degreaser
    Rust-Oleum Cleaner and Degreaser
    View on Amazon –>
    View on Home Depot –>
    Best Overall

    Overall: 4.7
    Heavy duty cleaner for both residential and commercial properties
    Can be used to prepare concrete floors for floor coatings
    Breaks down oil stains, grease and tire marks
    ACT Concrete Cleaner
    ACT Concrete Cleaner
    View on Amazon –>
    View on Walmart –>
    Best for Mold and Mildew

    Overall: 4.4
    Removes oils, grease, mold, mildew and antifreeze from concrete floors
    Can be used on driveways, patios, wooden floors, plastic and other surfaces
    Environmentally friendly and safe to use around plants and animals
    Simple Green Driveway And Concrete Cleaner
    Simple Green Driveway and Concrete Cleaner
    View on Walmart –>
    View on Amazon –>
    Best for Pressure Washers

    Overall: 4.3
    Formulated to remove grease and oil stains from concrete surfaces and driveways
    A non-corrosive product that doesn’t cause discoloration
    Can be used with pressure washers or manual application
    Terminator-HSD Concrete Cleaner for Oil Stains
    Terminator-HSD Concrete Cleaner For Oil Stains
    View on Amazon –>
    View on Walmart –>
    Best for Oil Stains

    Overall: 4.4
    Breaks down and dissolves grease stains into CO2 and water
    No need to wash down into drains
    Removes oil, grease and hydro based carbon stains
    EXIMO Waterless Concrete Cleaner
    EXIMO Waterless Concrete Cleaner
    View on Amazon –>
    View on Walmart –>
    Best Eco-Friendly

    Overall: 4.5
    Can be used wet or dry in applications
    Powerful and environmentally friendly
    Restores concrete color

    The Complete Garage Floor Cleaner buyer’s Guide

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    Types of Garage Floor Cleaners

    I’ve already mentioned that cleaners are made up of different agents. In your preparation, you’ll have taken note of what dirt or stains you want to remove. This will help you buy the best product to clean garage floor dirt no matter how settled it seems or how tough the dirt is.

    Acidic Garage Floor Cleaners

    Acidic cleaners contain a powerful acid called muriatic acid. It can be used to clean all garage floor stains. It’s a dangerous acid and it’s essential that you wear glasses and protective clothing when using this product.

    Alkaline Garage Floor Cleaners

    This type of cleaning product is perfect for non-painted floors. It’s not as dangerous as acidic cleaners. And more often than not, it’s the most cost-effective cleaner on the market.

    pH Neutral Cleaners

    These cleaning agents work well on floors that aren’t very dirty. If it’s old oil stains you want to remove, then this wouldn’t be your best cleaner degreaser for garage floor clean-ups. If it’s just a general tidy that you wish to achieve, pH neutral cleaners will be ideal.

    Bacterial Cleaners

    Containing bacteria or an enzyme, this cleaning product is easy to use. You simply pour it onto the floor. Leave it to do its job – the bacteria/enzyme component consumes the dirt. It doesn’t need to be diluted with water.

    What you do need to know is that it may take time before the floor is completely cleaned. The action can take place in anything from a few hours to a few days. How long it takes depends on how dirty your floor is and what type of material it’s made of.

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    What To Look For When Purchasing A Garage Floor Cleaner

    You’ve done your preparation. You’ve swept out the floor and washed it down. You’ve identified the old oil stains that need to be removed or months of grime that has built up and you want your garage floor to look fresh and clean. Maybe it’s even mold and mildew that needs to be removed.

    When you’re at the local hardware store, you’ll find there’s a wide range of garage floor cleaning products. Here are some features to look out for when purchasing your garage floor cleaner:

    • Make sure your cleaning product can be used on concrete or cement flooring.
    • Some products will specify what it can be used for. Look out for products that can eliminate oil stains, mold, mildew, greases, and antifreeze. There are even garage floor cleaners specifically manufactured to clean road salt from your floor during the winter months.
    • The label will describe the ingredients being used in the product. If you’re looking for a strong garage floor cleaner, the acidic or alkaline floor cleaners will be your best pick. But make sure you keep it safe when using these garage floor cleaners by covering your skin and eyes.
    • Some products involve scrubbing while others entail simply pouring onto the problem areas. Some formulas use microorganisms, which produce enzymes to break down oil and other stains.
    • If you’re cleaning your garage in the middle of winter, then check that your product can work optimally in low temperatures.
    • Nowadays, more people are environmentally conscious. Look out for the biodegradable label on your product. The bacterial cleaners fall into this category.
    • Watch out for products that can strip paint. If your garage floor is painted, you must avoid garage floor cleaners that will lift your paint.

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    The Benefits of Using Garage Floor Cleaners

    There are many benefits to using the right garage floor cleaner for your garage. These benefits can include:

    • They save you time spent on hours of scrubbing away at tough oil and grease stains. Today, most products are quick and easy to use. They can be sprinkled or poured straight onto the stain and left to do the job. In a few hours time, all you have to do is sweep or wash the residue away.
    • They save you money. While some garage floor cleaners are expensive, in the long run, they cut down on using a range of different cleaners to solve a dirty garage problem.

    By picking the best garage floor cleaner for your problem, you’ll be saving on cost by using one product. The bacterial cleaners are the most cost-effective and work well on stains that are superficial.

    • Many garage floor cleaners are eco-friendly to use. You can clean your garage and even your driveway with these products and know that you’re causing little to no harm to nature. These products use ingredients that are biodegradable.
    • Some products dissolve the oil stains into byproducts of CO2 and water. This means the oil and cleaning product doesn’t need to be washed down a drain.
    • Multipurpose garage floor cleaners are ideal for using not only on garage floors but also on other floors in the house. And for cleaning your garage doors and walls. You’ll be saving on your budget with a multipurpose garage floor cleaner.
    • By keeping your garage floor clean regularly, you’ll be maintaining the value of your property. An unkempt garage floor covered in oils and grease stains could turn a potential buyer away.

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    The Dangers of Using Garage Floor Cleaners

    As is the case with every cleaning product, you can expect there to be some hazards to watch out for. This shouldn’t stop you from using these products though.

    Be wise and sensible when using garage floor cleaners and be aware of the following key points:

    • Acidic-based garage floor cleaners are your most dangerous cleaners to use. Follow the instructions carefully on the container and wear protective gear. Keep the garage doors open to allow for adequate ventilation and keep children and pets away.
    • Store garage floor cleaning products away out of reach of children and pets. Make sure the lids are well sealed and tightly screwed onto the bottles. This will prevent any accidental leaking of hazardous fumes from acidic garage floor cleaners.
    • Always remove cars, equipment, and other items stored in the garage before using garage floor cleaners. This will prevent any damage being caused to them by spillage or splashing of the floor cleaner.
    • If you or someone in your household accidentally drinks the cleaner, get to a medical healthcare professional immediately. The product’s label will also have instructions to follow should this happen.

    Getting the Most Out of Your Garage Floor Cleaner

    I’ve talked about preparing your garage floor space. Now, it’s time to use the garage floor cleaner. As with any cleaning product, read the instructions on the bottle. Make sure you have all the necessary cleaning materials on hand. And, if you’re using stronger garage floor cleaning products, wear gloves and glasses.

    Using the bacterial and pH-neutral cleaners are easy and simple to use. You pour onto the floor and leave it to absorb the dirt. However, with the tougher stains, especially oils and grease, stronger cleaning products work best.

    The options here are degreasers, concrete cleaners, or poultice.

    Poultice Application

    This is the easiest garage floor cleaner to use for those really tough stains. You simply make up a paste (with baking soda, flour, or powdered sugar and acetone), apply it to the areas that are heavily stained, and let it do the job for you. When the stains have been lifted, you sweep it away. The advantage of this product is that there’s no need for heavy equipment or back-bending scrubbing!

    Degreasers

    When using the best cleaner degreaser for garage floor use, you know you’ve solved the problem of tough and unsightly stains. The cleaner is mixed with a predefined quantity of water.

    Using a brush, the degreaser is applied to the stains by scrubbing. Leave it for the prescribed amount of time and then repeat the process. You may need to repeat this process a few times to remove the more stubborn stains.

    Concrete Floor Cleaners

    These concrete cleaning products are simple to use. They attack the dirt at a molecular level, which means no scrubbing is required. It’s more expensive than other cleaners, but if you’re looking for a quick and easy solution, this is your best garage floor cleaner to use.

    Alternatives To Garage Floor Cleaners

    If your garage floor only needs minimal cleaning and features no tough stains to remove, you could consider the following alternatives to garage floor cleaners:

    • Sand or cat litter: These can be used to lift superficial oil and grease stains. Sprinkle on the stains and leave overnight. By the morning, you’ll find most of your stains have been absorbed. Sweep away the residue and wash the garage floor down with water or use a pressure washer.
    • Salt: Another cost-effective way of removing those light stains is to pour salt onto the stains. As with sand or cat litter, leave overnight and sweep away in the morning. Wash the floor with water to make sure you’ve removed all the salt residue.
    • Lemon juice and vinegar: If your main concern is rust, vinegar or lemon juice could be your solution here. Pour either the vinegar or lemon juice onto the rust and let it sit for 15-30 minutes. Scrub and wash away with water.

    While these alternatives may be cheaper, they will not do the job as well as chemical-based cleaning products. Tougher oil and grease stains will need to be targeted with the right garage floor cleaner to be effectively removed.

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    Prepare the Garage Floor Before Cleaning

    Before you even head off to your local hardware store to purchase a garage floor cleaner, you’ll need to do some prep work. Make a list of the items you need to do the job. This list should include a broom, a mop, and water.

    Depending on how dirty the garage floor is, you may need a pressure washer. As most garage floor cleaners can be dangerous, it’s also advisable to wear protective gear.

    The next step is to sweep the garage floor. Clear the garage floor space by removing all equipment, garage furnishings and, of course, your vehicle! Give the floor a good sweep, removing all dust and surface dirt. Once this is done, wash the floor down with water. Spraying with a pressure washer is a good way to get rid of thick layers of dirt.

    Now, you’re ready to scrub the floor with your garage floor cleaner. Put on your protective gear, use a mop, and apply the garage floor cleaner. Depending on how dirty your floor is and what you’re trying to remove (this can be grease or oil), you may have to apply the cleaner a few times. Wash the floor a couple of times with water and let it dry. Again, the pressure washer comes in handy here.

    While the cleaning process may seem simple and it should be, preparation is key to a successful cleaning job. When it comes to picking the best garage floor cleaner, there are some things you should consider.

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    The Best Garage Floor Cleaner for Epoxy Flooring

    Let’s talk about epoxy floor coating and how to clean it. Many homeowners have opted to coat their garage floor with epoxy. The benefits of using epoxy coating for your garage floor are numerous:

    • It minimizes stains.
    • Concrete floors tend to attract and hold dust. Epoxy flooring stops the dirt from accumulating. Epoxy flooring is easy to sweep and to keep clean.
    • It improves the look of your garage by covering up an imperfect concrete floor.
    • If you’re living in a country that sees annual snowfall, you know the mess road salts can make of your garage floor. Epoxy flooring is moisture resistant and easy to clean.
    • Epoxy flooring is durable and immune to any oils, grease, or antifreeze stains.
    • It increases the value of your home.

    What homeowners love about garages with epoxy flooring is that they require minimal cleaning. You can use a dust mop or a broom with soft bristles to sweep away the loose dirt and dust once a week.

    The garage floor can be mopped every couple of months with warm water and ammonia. Don’t add bleach to the mix as you’ll create toxic fumes. You can leave it to air-dry or wipe down with an old towel.

    While epoxy flooring is durable, stains can sometimes persist. Use a bit of elbow grease and a soft brush. Scrub with some kitchen soap if necessary and soon you’ll have a spotless floor.

    Don’t be tempted to use any chemical-based garage floor cleaners on epoxy flooring as you’ll damage the floor. Use the best product to clean your garage floor with epoxy coating.

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    FAQs

    What Is The Best Cleaner For Garage Floors?

    There are a wide range of garage floor cleaners on the market that span from degreasers to eco-friendly garage floor products; you’ll find the best one for you. Use the tips in this article to help you make the best choice for the type of cleaning job you’re doing.


    How Do You Clean A Dirty Garage Floor?

    Concrete floors are known for getting very dirty and dusty quickly. And, if you have an oil leak, the stains can become an eyesore – and a permanent one at that! You can use regular laundry detergent and warm water to do top-up cleaning, but for stubborn stains, you’ll need stronger garage floor cleaning products.

    Citrus-based degreasers and washable degreasers are the best choice for those tough and stubborn stains. Bacterial garage floor cleaners are cost-effective and do an excellent job of cleaning most problems in your garage.


    Can I Use Bleach To Clean My Concrete Floors?

    Bleach can be used on concrete floors. But remember not to mix it with any product that has ammonia in it. Keep the garage doors open while using bleach (or any other garage floor cleaner) to ensure adequate ventilation. Bleach can also be used to wipe down the garage walls and doors.


    Can You Steam Clean Concrete Garage Floors?

    Bleach can be used on concrete floors. But remember not to mix it with any product that has ammonia in it. Keep the garage doors open while using bleach (or any other garage floor cleaner) to ensure adequate ventilation. Bleach can also be used to wipe down the garage walls and doors.


    How Can I Deodorize My Garage?

    Garages can become musty quickly. Placing a bowl of vinegar and water will help to neutralize any unpleasant smells. Removing old cardboard boxes that have got damp will also help.

    Regularly cleaning the walls, doors, and floors will keep your garage smelling fresh. You could also keep the garage door open for a few hours to allow for aeration.

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    Final Thoughts

    Your garage is often the one place in your home that is overlooked when it comes to cleaning. Turning a blind eye to all the stains and dirt is not a good idea if you want to maintain the value of your home. Cleaning your garage shouldn’t be a hassle and it doesn’t have to be anymore.

    There is a wide range of garage floor cleaning products on the market to solve all your garage cleaning problems. You won’t battle to find the best garage floor cleaner for your cleaning needs. Whatever your problem is, there’s a solution out there. Finding the best garage floor cleaner will make cleaning your garage a breeze! Especially when you read articles like this one.

    So, what will it be? Which garage floor cleaner is the best of the best in your eyes? Please help the community by sharing your experience and thoughts in the comments below or via social media.

    About Maria Hernandez

    Senior Floor Critic, 25 years of experience in residential and commercial cleaning

    Maria Hernandez has 25 years of experience in residential and commercial janitorial and cleaning services. From hardwood to carpet to marble floors, Maria has developed a deep expertise in cleaning and maintaining many different flooring types. Visit Website.

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