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Garages get dusty. Fast.
And no matter how often you sweep, the fine layer of dirt keeps coming back. Dust can damage tools, trigger allergies, and make your space feel messy.
Not to worry, though: a few simple changes go a long way in preventing this. We’ve put together 7 proven tips on how to keep dust down in garage spaces. But before we get into the fixes, we’ll quickly explain why garages tend to collect so much dust.
Garages do tend to collect dust faster than other parts of the home, and it isn’t always necessarily due to lack of cleaning. The main reason why your garage is dusty is because it’s directly connected to the outdoors. This means dirt, pollen and even vehicle emissions can easily blow in through small gaps.
However, there are many other factors that may be contributing to dust accumulating in your garage:
- If you have a bare concrete floor, this will naturally break down over time and release fine dust particles into the air
- Many people tend to use cardboard boxes for storage which shed fibres as they age/get moved around
- Any uncovered or infrequently used equipment is likely collecting and releasing dust over time
- Vehicle residue (tyre particles, brake dust, etc.) settles inside the garage after you drive in
- Depending on the ventilation, stagnant air might be allowing dust to accumulate
- If you use the garage for DIY projects involving any woodworking/sanding/drilling, this can leave behind fine particles
- If the garage door bottom seal is missing, damaged or poorly fitted, it allows dust and outdoor debris to blow in
Don’t let this discourage you though! Tackling garage dust control issues is easier than you may think. Keep reading for our top 7 tips on how to keep dust down in garage areas:
The less clutter there is in your garage, the less space there is for dust to settle on. Not only that, but when your items are properly stored, it’s easier to clean and less likely that dust will accumulate in hard-to-reach areas.
There are many ways to organise your garage and keep items off the floor, think shelves, cabinets, wall-mounted hooks, even overhead storage options. Extra tip: opt for plastic storage bins instead of cardboard boxes as they don’t shed fibres and are easier to wipe clean.
For those wondering how to keep dust down in garage areas, investing in a garage dust extractor is a great option. Since they’re designed to capture very fine particles, they’re more effective than vacuum cleaners at removing all the harmful dust and contribute to better air quality. They work by filtering airborne dust before it’s had the chance to settle and some models can even be mounted on the wall or connected to power tools.
While they’re commonly used in workshops, they’re a great solution for general-purpose garages too, especially if dust keeps returning despite regular cleaning.
Even with good storage and airflow, dust will inevitably build up over time, which is why a proper deep clean is needed every once in a while.
Start by clearing as much of the floor as possible, then vacuum instead of sweeping to avoid stirring dust into the air. Use a damp cloth or microfiber duster to wipe down walls, window sills, shelves, workbenches, and any other surfaces dust has settled on. Keep in mind high spots like tops of cabinets as those are usually major dust traps.
Try to deep clean the garage once every few months, especially before and after summer as that’s when the most dust tends to accumulate.
To maintain good air quality, try installing a garage dust filter over any vents or grilles. Those work by blocking airborne particles which should help minimise the issue as much of the dust in garages does enter from outside. Make sure to regularly check whether the filters need cleaning or changing.
Another option is to use a garage ventilation system, which can be installed on your garage’s roof or walls, or an air filtration system. The latter is especially useful for those who use their garages as a workshop and often cut wood within the space.
As we mentioned at the start of this guide, concrete floors are one of the main areas in a garage where fine particles are produced due to concrete’s tendency to break down. This is especially true if the floor is unsealed and moisture/grease have seeped in.
To stop garage floor dust, seal the floor by using a penetrating concrete sealer, applying it directly to the concrete surface. Such products are easily accessible on major retailers such as Amazon.
By sealing the floor, in addition to reducing dust, you get the bonus benefit of minimising staining from any spills or leaks.
Once you’ve sealed the floor, another great step to protect it and stop garage floor dust is to install a garage floor mat. Think of these mats as a barrier between your tyres and the floor designed to catch dirt and moisture before they can spread through your space.
A garage parking mat will prolong the life of your floor, but at the same time it will stop dust particles from your tires from becoming airborne. What’s more, they’re usually easy to clean and can be easily rolled up and replaced when needed.
If you’re looking for one best piece of advice on how to keep dust down in garage areas, it’s to install a quality garage door dust seal. A garage door that isn’t sealed properly (or at all) is often the main way dust gets inside.
Make sure to have a proper look at your garage door. Are all gaps closed? Is the seal in good shape and well fitted? If the answer is no, you’ll want to install a quality garage door dust seal.
The good news is that this is pretty easy to complete yourself. Just make sure to use specialised fixing adhesive. If you have any questions or need guidance, feel free to take a look at our step-by-step fitting guides helping you install each type of garage door seal!
Proper garage dust control (or lack thereof) can have real effects on your health, your belongings and the overall condition of the space.
Breathing in too much dust can lead to various respiratory issues, and this is especially true for people living with asthma or allergies. Even if you’re not spending too much time in your garage, fine particles can linger in the air and are easily inhaled. In fact, a study found that garage workers exposed to dust and fumes had a higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms compared to a control group.
Also, the reality is that dust just makes a space look untidy and neglected. Even if you’ve made a lot of effort to make your garage feel and look nice, lack of proper dust control can make it look less inviting.
If you’re thinking about how to keep dust down in your garage, installing a good garage door dust seal should be one of your top priorities. We at JA Seals offer a wide range of garage door seals that prevent fine particles from entering your garage and providing a great garage dust control solution. Our range includes:
If you’re unsure which product is right for you or have any questions, please feel free to get in touch with our team. We’ll be happy to help!