Why Does My Garage Smell? - Quick Response Floor Coatings
January 15, 2025 | By Quick Response Garage Floor Coatings
A garage is one place in the house that is a home for cars, storage for pets and garden supplies, and a place to perform carpentry or fix things. But, when a garage starts to stink, it becomes a place a family wants to avoid.
The causes of bad garage smells should be managed to avoid unpleasant smells from taking over the garage or becoming embedded on the garage floor. Here are the common culprits behind garage odors and how you can effectively tackle them.
Common Causes of Garage Odors and How to Eliminate Them
A garage with a bad odor can make the space unwelcoming, but identifying the root causes is the first step to fixing the issue. Here are some common culprits and effective solutions to keep your garage fresh.
Recycling and Trash Cans
“Why does my garage smell?” Trash and recycling cans are often a common source of the problem. The waste inside warms and decomposes it emitting smelly fumes. The odor will seep into the car and other objects in the garage, making the space less appealing and welcoming.
Regularly sealing trash in bags prevents waste from sticking to the can, making it easier to clean. Washing and scrubbing the bins and cans with water and liquid soap will significantly reduce the stench. Once dried, spreading newspaper at the bottom of the can and a generous sprinkling of baking soda work wonderfully to reduce future weird smells in a garage. This whole practice should be repeated every few weeks for the best results.
For an even easier solution, get a professional trash can cleaning service. They use high-pressure cleaning and eco-friendly solutions to eliminate odors and bacteria, keeping your bins fresh and hygienic.
Mold or Mildew
Moisture retention on the garage floor and walls may cause it to smell like wet socks. A prolonged state of mold may cause mold to spread further and become tougher. This can result in a bad smell in a garage that is challenging to get rid of.
Cleaning the floor and walls with bleach and water will help reduce the smell, especially if your garage smells musty.
Ensure the garage remains open throughout the cleaning and is closed only after it has air-dried to reduce lingering bleach fumes.
Applying an epoxy garage floor coating will save time and effort in cleaning the garage floor and may resolve the issue if the walls are not affected. Epoxy garage coatings are resistant to all types of stains and spills and remain unaffected by temperature fluctuations and chemicals. They are simple to clean and can go for years without needing recoating, making them a popular choice for garage owners. Epoxy floor coating providers offer a variety of colors and textures that add to the garage’s aesthetics.
Pet Litter, Bedding, and Kennels
If pet litter is left unmanaged, it can emit a strong, unpleasant odor throughout the area. So, daily cleaning is the minimal requirement to avoid having your garage smell musty. Regularly washing pet bedding and hosing kennels helps reduce odors.
Treat Oil Spills
Old, untreated oil spills make fumes inside and leaving them allows the bad smell in a garage to settle permanently. Applying sawdust, coconut husks, kitty litter, or any other oil-absorbing product on the stain and letting it sit for 24 hours may loosen it before scrubbing the stain with soap and water afterward.
Discard
Throwing away paints, chemicals, oils, spray bottles, etc., that have expired or turned bad may prevent them from adding to the weird smell in the garage. Discarding will not only help keep the air breathable but will also make the garage safer.
Hiring professional services that specialize in garage-related tasks can prove significant inepoxygarage floor coating and maintenance for desired results.
High-rated epoxy floor service providers use quality products and tools and educate consumers regarding garage floor options, cabinets, storage, and other customized services.
Essential Garage Organization to Prevent Bad Garage Smell
In addition to regular cleaning, proper organization of your garage plays a crucial role in preventing odors. If you’ve been asking yourself, “Why does my garage smell?” a cluttered space could be a key factor contributing to the problem. It traps moisture and dirt, which can contribute to unpleasant smells. Consider these organizational strategies to keep your garage fresh and odor-free.
Elevate Storage: Storing items off the ground is essential, especially if your garage stinks, as it prevents moisture from accumulating on them. Use shelves, hooks, or cabinets to store tools, garden supplies, and pet items. This also makes cleaning easier, as you can sweep or mop the floor without obstruction.
Properly Store Hazardous Materials: Many garages store chemicals, paints, and automotive fluids, which can leak and release fumes, making your garage stink. Store these materials in tightly sealed, durable containers and keep them in a well-ventilated area, preferably in a dedicated cabinet that is easy to clean and manage.
Declutter Regularly: A cluttered garage creates hidden spaces for moisture and debris to collect, which can make a garage smell musty. Schedule a regular decluttering session to ensure that items are stored efficiently and odors are minimized.
Use Air Fresheners and Ventilation Systems: To maintain a fresh environment, consider using air fresheners designed for garages or installing a ventilation system. Simple exhaust fans can circulate air and prevent rotten smells in the garage from lingering.
Why Does My Garage Smell? Keep It Fresh and Odor-Free
Regular cleaning and proper organization are key to preventing unwanted garage smells. By addressing common causes like mold, oil spills, and pet waste, you can create a more pleasant environment. Invest in epoxy coatings, proper storage, and ventilation to ensure long-term freshness. With these steps, your garage can remain a functional and inviting space for all your needs.
At Quick Response Garage Floor Coatings, we provide a variety of flooring options, including epoxy, flake, solid, stain, and specialty finishes for both residential and commercial properties in the Phoenix Valley. Contact us today at (602) 351-5543 for a free estimate!
Follow Us
License #: 329275