Blog

Garage doors and their floors are often subjected to a significant amount of wear and tear, not least from oil spills and car leaks. These stains can be unsightly and difficult to remove, especially if they’ve been left untreated for some time. But fear not—this comprehensive guide from the experts at Affordable Garage Door Fix teaches homeowners how to remove oil stains from garage floor surfaces, including both fresh and old stains. Use this to keep your garage floor looking clean and well-maintained for years to come. And if you need help with your garage door, don’t hesitate to contact our experts at Affordable Garage Door Fix in Provo, Utah.

How to Remove Oil Stain from Garage Floor

Oil stains penetrate concrete due to its porous nature, making removal a labor-intensive process. Knowing how to remove old oil stains from concrete garage floors effectively requires both time and the right techniques. Here’s what you’ll need to remove oil stains from a garage floor:

• Absorbent materials (kitty litter, sawdust, or baking soda all work well)
• A stiff-bristle brush
• Commercial garage floor oil stain remover
• A heavy-duty cleaner or degreaser
• Protective gloves and eyewear
• A pressure washer (optional)
• Scrub brush or broom

Step 1: Pre-Treatment

For fresh spills, immediately cover the oil stain with an absorbent material like kitty litter or baking soda. Let it sit for several hours, preferably overnight. This will soak up most of the oil, making the next steps more effective.

Step 2: Apply The Treatment 

After the absorbent material has had time to soak in, sweep it up and dispose of it properly. Follow up by spraying a heavy-duty cleaner or degreaser on the stain. Let the cleaner sit for 15 to 20 minutes to break down the oil residue.

Step 3: Add Some Elbow Grease

Using a stiff-bristle brush, scrub the area vigorously. For best results, scrub evenly in a circular motion. Applying some elbow grease is key to this step in the oil-stain garage floor removal process! 

Step 4: Rinse & Repeat (If Necessary) 

Rinse the now-cleaned area with water. If you have access to a pressure washer, using it can enhance your results by eradicating deep-seated oil particles. Once dry, assess the stain. If it’s still visible, repeat the cleaning process. 

Other Garage Stain Oil Remover Tips

Knowing how to remove oil stains from garage floors effectively can sometimes require additional steps beyond the basic oil stain remover steps explained above. Here are some advanced techniques to try on particularly tough stains:

Poultice Method

For particularly tough stains, you can use a homemade poultice. Mix a commercial degreaser with an absorbent material like baking soda until it forms a paste. Apply to the stain, cover with plastic wrap, and let it sit for 24 hours. This method helps draw the oil out of the concrete more effectively.

Chemical Oil Stain Removers

Specialized chemical garage floor oil stain removers are designed to break down and lift oil. Follow the instructions on the product label, typically involving application, scrubbing, and rinsing. While effective, exercise caution and ensure proper ventilation and protective gear are used.

Preventive Measures

Preventing oil stains can save time and effort in future clean-ups. Consider placing mats or cardboard under your vehicle to catch leaks. Regularly inspect your car to fix any leaks promptly and keep absorbent materials on hand for immediate action after spills.

Contact Affordable Garage Door Fix for Garage Door Repair in Provo, Utah

For residents of Provo, Utah, maintaining a clean and functional garage includes removing oil stains and also working to ensure that your garage door operates smoothly. Affordable Garage Door Fix offers reliable services tailored to your needs. Whether you’re dealing with a damaged garage door or need routine maintenance such as misaligned sensors, our skilled professionals are ready to help repair and restore your garage door. Contact us today for more information on garage door repair in Provo, Utah. 

Garage door issues can be daunting to deal with, especially if can’t quite figure out where to start. You likely have tons of garage door repair questions swirling in your mind, and it can be challenging to identify what’s causing the problem and how best to address it. That’s why Affordable Garage Door Fix has compiled this comprehensive FAQ guide designed to answer your most basic questions. Whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a novice looking to understand the basics of garage door maintenance, this post is designed to provide you with the answers to common garage door repair questions.  

How to Fix an Uneven Garage Door?

A common reason for an uneven garage door is misaligned hinges or tracks, which can occur as the bolts securing them work loosen over time. The fix is straightforward: inspect the hinges, brackets, and tracks for loose hardware and simply re-align and tighten these areas using a screwdriver. Another potential cause of an uneven garage door is an uneven garage floor or seal, which may result from shifting concrete or poor installation. If this is the problem, consider installing a garage door bottom seal designed for uneven flooring or leveling the floor with new concrete. Lastly, examine the torsion springs, as unevenness might stem from a worn or damaged spring, often indicated by rust or unusual noise during operation. For more information on how to fix an uneven garage door, check out this blog post. 

What is the Best Way to Clean a Garage Door? 

Believe it or not, it’s super easy (and necessary!) to clean a garage door. Begin the cleaning process by mixing two pumps of dish soap with one part water in your bucket, then fill it up with water. Rinse the garage door thoroughly to remove any loose dirt and debris. After rinsing, use non-abrasive sponges dipped in the soapy mixture to scrub away any stubborn grime or residues. Don’t forget to clean the tracks and wheels, as they are integral to the door’s operation. For more information, check out this post on the best way to clean a garage door.

Why Is My Garage Door Sensor Yellow?

One of the most common questions our team is asked is “Why is my garage door sensor yellow?” More often than not, this issue is caused by sensor misalignment or debris on the sensor. To remove debris on the sensor, begin by gently cleaning the sensor lenses with a microfiber cloth, making sure to protect the lens from scratches. If cleaning resolves the issue, the sensor light should turn green immediately. If not, it might be a misalignment issue. For fixing sensor misalignment, turn off the power, loosen the screws to adjust the sensors, and use a string stretched across the mounting bracket as a guide to align them correctly before re-tightening the screws.

What Is the Cost to Replace Springs on A Garage Door? 

The average cost to replace springs on a garage door is dependent on a few factors: whether you need to replace one spring and the area in which you live. On average, homeowners can expect to pay between $200 – $270 for the service. For more information on the cost of garage door spring replacement, check out this article. 

How To Keep Your Garage Cool In Summer?

There are several things homeowners can do to keep their garage cool in the summer. A few examples are installing a fan, leaving your car outside to cool before parking it inside the garage, planting trees for shade, improving garage door insulation, etc. Check out this article for more information.  

How to Heat a Garage In Winter? 

Consider installing a ductless heating system to effectively heat your garage in the winter. Ductless systems operate independently from your home’s main HVAC unit and offer consistent comfort regardless of outside temperatures. Ensure the system you choose is adequately sized for your garage using appropriate BTU calculations.  Other heating options include heated flooring, electric ceiling panels, or a simple space heater. Additionally, don’t overlook the importance of weather stripping on your garage door; damaged stripping can let in cold air, significantly affecting the room’s warmth. If you notice light coming through the seal, it’s a sign that the weather stripping needs replacement, which is a manageable DIY task using this article from Affordable Garage Door Fix.

Contact Affordable Garage Door Fix for Garage Door Repair in Utah

Need help repairing your garage door even after the tips above? Don’t worry—that’s where Affordable Garage Door Fix comes in! Our team of experienced garage door repair experts are always ready to assist with any repair needs, providing affordable, reliable service when you need it most. From regular maintenance to addressing unforeseen emergencies, our dedicated team ensures your garage door is in top shape, offering you peace of mind and seamless operation. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for garage door repair in Utah. 

When it comes to ensuring the safety of your home, one area that often gets overlooked is the garage. However, this space isn’t just for parking cars or storing seasonal items—it can also be a significant entry point for intruders. Properly securing a garage door effectively can add an extra layer of protection to your home and provide you and your family with added peace of mind!

In this blog post, our experts at Affordable Garage Door Fix will teach you how to secure a garage door to keep intruders properly at bay. Whether you are a new homeowner or just looking to bolster your security measures, knowing how to secure a garage door is an essential step in creating a safe and secure living environment. Read on to discover the best practices and practical tips that will help keep your home (and garage) safe! 

Upgrade Your Garage Door Remote 

Outdated garage door remotes and openers can pose serious security risks, as their codes are often static (unchanging) and easily hackable. Without unique codes, garage doors using these systems can become easy targets for intruders. Typically, intruders use devices to intercept and replicate the remote’s signal so they can enter your garage at will.

Fortunately, addressing this garage door remote security vulnerability is as simple as upgrading to a modern garage door remote. Modern garage door models are equipped with a “rolling code” technology, which changes the access code each time the remote is used, significantly minimizing the risk of unauthorized access. Additionally, some modern remotes connect to your phone via an app that alerts you when your garage door is opened or closed, so you’re always aware of what’s happening on your property. 

Prep Properly For Vacation 

Speaking of garage door remotes—it is crucial to activate vacation mode while on vacation to help prevent unauthorized entry. To do this, hold the “lock” button on your garage door opener, which will restrict access to the keypad only. For added security, you can also turn off the power to your garage door when it’s closed, preventing any kind of entry. For more information on using garage door vacation mode, check out this post!

Lock Your Emergency Door Release

The emergency door release mechanism is typically a lever or cord that allows you to manually open the garage door in case of power failure or other emergencies. However, intruders can exploit this feature by using tools to trigger the release from outside the garage. However, believe it or not, you can secure your garage door’s emergency release with a zip tie to prevent unauthorized entry! To secure your garage door’s emergency release, thread a durable zip tie through the lever and trolley holes, pull tight, and trim the excess.

Lighting Goes A Long Way

Proper outdoor lighting plays a crucial role in keeping your garage safe from intruders. Motion-activated lighting is particularly effective, as sudden illumination can startle and dissuade potential intruders while alerting homeowners to suspicious activity. Additionally, consistent lighting at entry points and pathways increases visibility for security cameras (which are also a great security addition), making it easier to identify any unauthorized individuals. By investing in proper outdoor lighting around the garage, homeowners can create a well-lit environment that significantly reduces the likelihood of becoming a target for theft in the first place! 

Go A Step Further With Security Locks

Using garage door security locks is a great way to further secure your garage door beyond the traditional methods. These specialized locks function by physically securing your garage door, making it significantly harder for intruders to gain entry. Typically, they are installed on the inside of the garage door and operate by sliding a heavy-duty bolt into a side rail bracket, preventing the door from being manually lifted. Some models are designed to work with electronic systems, and they even integrate seamlessly with your existing setup! 

Contact Affordable Garage Door Fix in Provo for Help With Garage Door Security 

Need help securing your garage door? Contact Affordable Garage Door Fix in Provo! With years of experience serving Provo and the Wasatch Front, we are experts in garage door remote repair, spring repair, and more. We’ll ensure your garage door is in top shape to protect your home. Reach out today for professional garage door repair in Provo, Utah, and surrounding areas!

Read More