Garages are the ideal place to store belongings such as garden furniture, tools, bikes and outdoor toys, sheltering them from the elements to keep them in pristine condition. However, when left over a substantial period, dust can settle on them and affect their condition. With this in mind, our expert team have put together a helpful list of tips to limit the amount of dust your garage accumulates, to keep its contents intact.

What causes garage dust?

One of the major causes of dust in the garage is concrete. When concrete flooring is sealed incorrectly, moisture, oil and grease can get inside, break down the concrete and produce cement dust. This dust can then become disrupted and cover any stored items through the simple act of walking or driving a vehicle through the garage. It also means you’re breathing in dusty air, which isn’t good for your health.

However, it’s not just concrete dust you have to worry about. Here are a few other common causes:

• Pet fur
• Hair
• Dead skin
• Pollen, grass and other outdoor particles

How do I remove dust from my garage?

If your garage is suffering from a dust layer or two, and it’s affecting the items you store in there, the following techniques could help deal with the problem:

1. Check the seal

Much of the dust in your garage will come from outside, so the first port of call should be checking the seals on your garage door to make sure they’re secure and tight-fitting. If there are any gaps, it could be time to replace your garage door or have it repaired to keep the dust out. As part of your garage door maintenance, check the seals and fix any issues as soon as possible to prevent your garage becoming dusty.

2. Clean with a tea towel

Inspect the concrete in your garage and, paying close attention to the walls and floor, remove any powdery white marks you can see. Then, using a microfibre dust cloth, wipe down all the surfaces to remove any dust which has settled. Avoid using a broom or vacuum cleaner as these will simply push the dust around.

3. Use a vinegar and water solutions

Pour equal parts of water and vinegar into a spray bottle and spray the solution on the area that has the cement dust on it. Let it sit for a couple of minutes and then wipe down the surfaces with a soft cloth. Rinse and repeat until all the dust has been collected. To finish, wet a clean cloth and wipe down the surfaces to remove the vinegar solution.

It’s also worth paying attention to the items stored in your garage. After you’ve used your power tools or lawnmower, for example, give it a quick clean down to prevent dirt and dust from accumulating inside your garage. Any outdoor play equipment, garden chairs and tables should also be wiped down before storing.

4. Use an air filter

To clean the air in your garage, try adding a filter over any air vents or grilles you have inside your garage. Most of these work by blocking airborne particles, such as dust, which should help eliminate the problem. Regularly check the filters to see whether they need changing out or cleaning, to make sure they work efficiently.

You can also install an air filtration system, an appliance that works via an electrostatic filtration system to pull dust and particles out of the air, without changing the temperature. These systems are beneficial if you’re someone who does a lot of DIY projects and woodworking in your garage, as they’ll keep the air as clean as possible.

5. Seal the concrete

One of the main areas of your garage that will produce dust is actually the floor. When concrete isn’t properly sealed, it can produce dust when moisture and grease seep into it, causing it to break down slowly. And as you walk on it or drive your car in and out of the garage, dust is produced. To stop your concrete generating excess dust, make sure you seal every concrete surface in your garage using a penetrating concrete sealer.

When using the sealer, apply it directly into the concrete as it will not work correctly if it’s used elsewhere. Sealing the concrete doesn’t just prevent dust, it also minimises the risk of staining from spills and oil leaks.

 

By following these simple steps, you should be able to reduce the build-up of dust in your garage, enabling you to make the most of your space without worrying about your items getting covered in dust.

Here at Wessex Garage Doors, our team offer a comprehensive range of garage doors in a selection of designs and materials. Simply contact our friendly team for further information.