DIY Projects – Keep It Clean

Tips to Make DIY Projects a More Enjoyable


Many a DIY project has left its mark on the world, the driveway in particular. The minor ones can be overlooked, the major ones may require repair or deep cleaning, perhaps nullifying intended savings.


Start Clean Finish Clean


Last thing anyone wants to do once the work is done is one more freak’n thing, especially if it’s cleaning up. Unfortunately it’s got to be done so it makes sense to make it as painless as possible. But aside from a making the end of the job a bit more tolerable, setting up to work clean and staying clean has safety and quality work benefits.

  • Better to Work a Clean Jeep

    • I actually heard a mechanic respectfully ask a customer to bring her JK back clean before he worked on it. He was serious enough to offer a discount and recommended a close by care wash. The request wasn’t a fickle demand. The Wrangler came in off a weekend mud run. Working the vehicle in it’s current trail decorated state would have dropped large clods in the service bay and most likely in the tech’s face. In planning & scheduling the work, consider if the vehicle is coming off trail and plan for the pre-work cleaning.

    In addition to nuicance and safety concerns, installing components in a heavily contaminated space presents risks to the vehicle and can result in accelerated wear or premature failure.

    It’s going to get dirty, real dirty. Before working on it clean it up so you can get under it safely without get a face full of dirt. (Jeep shown is the actual JK requested clean by a mechanic. Driver taking it easy on the trail – and yes that’s the front driver side tire in the air.)

  • Ground Cover Supplies are Effective and Cheap (Free)

    • Once a spill hits the driveway it’s all over. Chances are it’s leaving permanent stain and the other sloppy stuff is going to take a while to clean up. Save yourself the agony, lay down cardboard and news paper. If you have a large drip pan even better.


    In addition to keep the driveway clean, ground cover will catch small part that fall from the vehicle. Better found on the paper than in a tire.

  • Rags, Shop Towels & Gloves

    • Keep a good supply on hand. While it’s acceptable for some towels to be a little dirty, toss or clean out the ones wet with combustibles.


  • Hand Cleaners for Between & Clean Space Tasks

    • Once your hands get grimy, it’s easy to track the grease through the garage and even vehicle interior. Keep a bottle of mechanics hand cleaner close or pop off dirty gloves before transitioning to clean spaces. Cleaning grease completely off textured plastic is impossible, fabrics stain and some petro-chemicals can even dissolve finishes.


  • Store & Dispose Supplies Responsibly

    • Keep in mind some automotive products can be hazardous to health especial where prolong contact with skin is concerned. Read the manufacture’s warnings printed on the product and take the needed actions to stay safe.

    Some chemicals like anti-freeze are toxic. It is sweet and will attract animals who may unfortunately consume it. Make certain to secure & dispose used fluids and supplies like used oil and anti-freeze in a responsible manner.

    When using volatiles, make sure there is adequate ventilation, over spray protection in place and far from an ignition source. Form the habit of considering these three points when ever picking up a spray can.




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