Tips For Cleaning Baseboards

Baseboards add a finished polish to any space and can cover unsightly gaps between the wall and the floor.  Their main purpose is to protect your walls from daily wear and tear such as dirt and scuffs from shoes.  But, while they certainly look great, they are infamous dust traps and can be notoriously hard to clean.  Washing your baseboards doesn’t have to be a huge project though.  A few tricks and a little upkeep here and there should keep them looking their best.

Read on for some pro-tips on keeping your baseboards bright and sparkling.

Simple Soap and Water

Always clean baseboards after cleaning the floor.  Since baseboards can collect some of the dirt and grime from sweeping and mopping, cleaning in this order ensures you get anything that may have been transferred.

Use a clean cloth and lukewarm water to easily wipe away the initial layer of dust.  After this is gone, some warm water mixed with a little dishsoap (you only need a few drops) can be used to finish them off.

Take special care around corners and any decorative elements as these can trap dust and dirt.  Use a gentle hand to avoid causing any damage.

After they have been washed, you can rinse baseboards with clean water and another cloth.  Make sure all soap has been removed and finish with a dry towel to mitigate any possible water damage.

Tip: Wrap a clean toilet wand in a towel or sock to make this process a little easier on the hands.

Dusting

A slightly unusual, but highly effective trick is to dust baseboards with dryer sheets.  This works especially well if your baseboards aren’t too dirty and just need a little TLC.  So, after your next load of laundry, grab that dryer sheet and get to work.

The antistatic properties of the sheet will coat the baseboards and actually prevent dust from gathering in the first place.

A vacuum attachment is also a great way to get dust those hard to reach corners or intricate designs.

With Vinegar

Vinegar is a great natural, gentler alternative to soap.  It is especially useful if your baseboards are made from real wood.  Simply mix a cup of white vinegar with water in a 5-gallon bucket and scrub them with a towel.

Cleaning with vinegar works especially well for getting rid of recent spills or scuffs.

Tip: For those little hard to reach places like cracks and gaps, use a cotton swab.  Simply dip it into whatever cleaning solution you’re using.

Baseboards don’t need to be part of your daily, or even weekly cleaning regimen.  We suggest dusting them every few weeks and cleaning them thoroughly every two months.  This will make sure your space is always looking its best!