SPRING KICKOFF IN THE GARAGE

Weekly newsletter for Garage Enthusiasts to improve the use of their garage!

Bring your ride back to life: Springtime Vehicle Revival

Picture this—You’re in the garage, doors are open, sun is shining, Ventura Highway playing throughout, and cold beverage is in hand. You look out to your driveway and see your freshly detailed daily driver gleaming in the spring sun, ready to impress for date night! Now open your eyes. Your car looks like the neighbors rusty winter beater that hasn’t been washed in 3 years. The floor mats are crusty and last weeks gum wrappers and toothpicks are still in your cupholder.
Spring is upon us and its the perfect time to transform your daily back to the shining gem it was when you drove it off of the lot. Here’s a checklist:

  • Live in a northern climate? Salt is your enemy!

    • Wash your car making sure to clean the undercarriage as well. Its number one on the list for a reason!

    • Remove winter wheels/tires and wash them before putting them away for storage

    • Consider changing your engine and cabin air filters. Salty road grime surely has them gasping for air. Replacing will help with efficiency!

    • Salt from your shoes can wreak havoc on your carpet. Consider steam cleaning your carpet!

  • Open the hood, remove leaves, and give it a good spray down

    • You can use tire/wheel cleaner to clean the engine bay

    • use a hose or pressure wash with a wide angle nozzle

  • Clean your glass INSIDE AND OUT.

    • Yes….both sides!

  • Wipe down your interior with a microfiber and interior cleaning spray. There are many options and fabric cleaners available. DO NOT use all purpose cleaners!

  • Vacuum! Move your seats back and forth and get those hidden treasures.

    • Theres a high likelihood what you find is no longer edible

  • Check your oil and inspect wiper blades

  • For that jaw-dropping shine, wash with pH-balanced soap, then apply wax or a ceramic coating to shield against pollen and rain.

    • Even a quick detailer spray can really make it shine!

  • Car enthusiasts will use UV protectants for leather interiors, ensuring showroom perfection.


Imagine the fresh spring air while cruising with confidence, knowing your ride’s looking good and winter destruction is minimized. You’re heading to date night looking good and feeling good. A well-maintained car will not only save money and take care of you…..but also turn heads on every drive.

Roll up your sleeves, crank some tunes, and get after it! Share your before-and-after pics with us! Ready to hit the road with more car care secrets? Subscribe now for seasonal tips to keep your ride pristine all year!

Spring Car Cleaning Video

Woodworking Wonders for Families: Build a Kid-Sized Bench

Imagine the joy on your kids’ faces as they play on a custom, kid-sized bench you built together—right in your garage this spring, surrounded by the scent of fresh-cut wood and family laughter!

This beginner-friendly woodworking project transforms your garage into a heartwarming family bonding zone, blending practicality with unforgettable memories.

Picture the pride of crafting a sturdy, weather-resistant bench your family cherishes for years, nestled in your backyard oasis. This project saves money on store-bought furniture, teaches kids valuable skills like measuring and patience, and fosters teamwork in your garage. It’s a practical addition to your outdoor space, perfect for picnics or playdates, while keeping your garage organized and ready for more adventures. The satisfaction of seeing your creation used daily will fuel your passion for woodworking and inspire family pride.

Grab your tools, grab the kids, and start building this weekend! Follow our step-by-step list below to complete your bench, then snap a photo of your masterpiece and share it with Garage Ethos—let’s inspire more woodworking fun across our community. Join our newsletter for weekly project ideas, safety tips, and seasonal woodworking inspiration to keep the sawdust flying all year!

Step-by-Step Guide to Build a Kid-Sized Bench:

  • Gather Materials: pine or cedar (2x4s, 1x6s for seat), outdoor-grade screws, wood glue, sandpaper, non-toxic stain or paint, rubber feet, and safety gear (goggles, gloves).

  • Design & Measure: Sketch a bench 12” H x 24” L x 12” W. Measure and mark 2x4s for legs (4 pieces, 12” each) and 1x6s for seat/top (2 pieces, 24” each).

  • Cut Pieces: Use a handsaw, jigsaw, or miter saw to cut wood precisely, wearing safety goggles.

  • Sand Edges: Smooth all cut edges with sandpaper to prevent splinters, involving kids with supervision.

  • Assemble Frame: Lay out legs in pairs, attach 24” 1x6s for seat using screws and wood glue, ensuring stability. Reinforce with diagonal braces if needed.

  • Finish & Protect: Apply non-toxic stain or paint in bright colors, letting it dry fully. Add rubber feet to prevent slipping.

  • Store Tools Safely: Organize tools on a pegboard or in a chest, labeling for quick access and safety.

  • Place & Enjoy: Position the bench in your yard for play or relaxation, checking stability before use.

Build an outdoor bench!

Garage Gym Goals: Quick 15-Minute Workouts for Busy Lives

Put on a few pounds over winter? Dont worry….you arent alone. Unleash your inner athlete this spring—transform your garage into a sweat-drenched fitness haven in just 15 minutes!
No gym membership needed—just clear a space among your tools, grab dumbbells, a jump rope, or a kettlebell, and get moving. Warm up with 2 minutes of jumping jacks or high knees, then tackle a circuit: 30 seconds each of push-ups (modify on knees if needed), bodyweight squats, and mountain climbers, with 30-second rests. Add a pull-up bar for upper-body strength or use car tires for lateral lunges. For cardio, sprint in place or jump rope. Store equipment on a garage shelf for easy access. Invite the family to join, adapting moves for all ages, and track progress with a notebook or app for three weekly sessions.
Picture the energy boost for your garage projects, the calorie burn, and shedding that winter weight before summer days on the lake. These quick workouts fit busy lives, build strength, and require minimal space—keeping you fit and ready for spring action.
Sweat it out today and feel unstoppable! Share your workout wins with us for a chance to be featured. Subscribe to Garage Ethos for more garage fitness tips and seasonal workout plans to stay strong year-round!

Easy garage workouts anyone can do!

Lawn Care Launch: Prepping Your Yard for Spring

Envision a lush, green lawn this spring—your garage is the key to making it happen!

Start by sharpening your mower blades with a file or pro service for clean cuts that prevent grass tearing. Tune up your equipment: clean air filters, check oil, and ensure your edger and trimmer are ready. Electric powered lawn equipment is flooding the market so if maintenance isn’t your thing then check out the electric yard equipment! Rake away winter debris, then aerate soil with a manual or motorized aerator for deeper roots. Spread high-quality grass seed (cool-season for northern climates, warm-season for southern) and fertilize with slow-release nitrogen. Water deeply but infrequently—1 inch per week, adjusting for rain—and edge for a polished look. Get the family out of the house and build that work ethic with your kids by raking or planting flower beds!

Imagine the pride of a pristine yard that the neighborhood’s envy, plus savings on water and maintenance. This practical approach transforms your lawn into an oasis and keeps your garage clutter-free, ready for more projects.

Roll up your sleeves and get some dirt under your nails today! Share your lawn transformation with Garage Ethos—let’s grow together. Sign up for more lawn care hacks and seasonal tips to keep your yard envy-worthy all year!

Looking for some extra credit? Buy or build a custom tool rack in the garage to organize your lawn gear!

First steps for Spring Lawn Care Excellence!

Tool Time Treasures: Must-Have Spring Starter Tools

Up your garage game this spring with the ultimate and functional tool collection—power, precision, and passion in one toolkit!

Stock up on essentials to tackle cars, bikes, and household projects: a reliable 18V cordless drill with various bits for quick fixes and builds, a sturdy wrench set (metric and standard) for tune-ups, and a sharp handsaw or jigsaw for crafting. Add a multi-tool (pliers, knife, screwdriver) for versatility and a laser level for precision projects like shelves or benches. Store these in a tool chest or on a pegboard for organization, keeping them safely out of kids’ reach and labeled for efficiency. These tools ignite inspiration for beginners and pros, handling everything from oil changes to custom furniture.

Imagine the confidence of tackling any garage project with ease, saving time and money while creating masterpieces. These practical treasures declutter your space, boost productivity, and fuel your passion for spring adventures.

Grab these tools and start your next project today! Show off your collection on our platform—let’s celebrate garage readiness. Subscribe to Garage Ethos for more tool tips and seasonal project ideas to power up your garage all year!

Want flexibility? Look into the awesome grab and go tool organizers like the Packout system from Milwaukee Tool or the Toughsystem from Dewalt.

Must have tools for home projects!