How To Clean Baseboards the Easy Way

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Seldom do we take the time to notice how dirty and scuffed our baseboards have become. We do not realize that they need to be cleaned and taken care of until we see them looking very shabby and messy.

If a fresh and clean-looking space is something you don’t want to compromise on, then it is best to take care of those nasty-looking baseboards – starting now. Trust us when we say, cleaning dirty baseboards can be easy, especially after you go through this article.

We have compiled some of the best ways to clean baseboards that will help you remove dirt from the grimmest of baseboards.

Tips To Remember Before Cleaning Baseboards

Hold on, before you go on to attack those dirty baseboards, we have some wise tips on cleaning baseboards.

• When cleaning your home, save the baseboards for last. This way they won’t acquire dirt or dust from whatever you’ve cleaned afterward.
• Learn how to properly clean your walls if you want your walls to look as good as your baseboards.
• Clean your baseboards in one room or space at a time to make your cleaning project easier to handle. You’ll be able to follow the progress of each area as you go.

Now that these wonderful tips are with you, you’re ready to tackle these dirty baseboards. Here are the best ways to do so.

How To Clean Painted Baseboards

Most of the baseboards in homes are painted with formulas specifically designed to fight wear and tear. While there are different paints for different trims, all of them are bound to get dirty with time.

The good thing is they’re easy to clean and only need regular maintenance. Here are the steps you’ll need to follow for cleaning painted baseboards to bring back the shine.

Step 1: Vacuum the top trim and ledge with a vacuum cleaner to remove any dust or debris. Make sure you cover both the length of the baseboards along the top ledge and across the top of the trim at floor level.

Step 2: Use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe the baseboards from top to bottom. Dampen the cloth in a solution made of hot water and mild soap, and wring out any excess moisture before you apply it to the painted trim.

Step 3: A cotton swab is an ideal tool for those difficult-to-reach areas. To clean dirt out of nooks and crannies, moisten your swab first, then push and twist it in the corners and other spaces. You can also use a toothbrush to clean the grooves in the trim.

Step 4: Use the vacuum again on the area you’ve cleaned with a damp cloth since it helps lift dirt and lint from the carpet while removing any leftover cleaner residue.

Step 5: Lastly, use dryer sheets to rub your clean baseboards. This will build a barrier that repels dust and grime, keeping your baseboards looking fresh for longer.

How to Clean Stained Wood Baseboards

While stained wood baseboards are a natural and charming addition to most homes, they also require extra care. They need additional attention to keep their natural shine which means you can’t just grab a commercial cleaner to wipe away the scuff.

Here’s what you need to do to clean wood baseboards:

Step 1: Wipe down your stained wood baseboards with a clean, dry microfiber cloth to remove any dust or debris. Make sure nothing is left behind that might get caught in the wood.

Step 2: In a bucket of warm water, combine 1/4 cup dish soap with a tablespoon of vegetable oil. Start scrubbing with a cleaning sponge after dipping it into the solution. Only use a little amount of cleaner at a time.

Step 3: Use a cotton swab, toothbrush, or wet rag to clean any grime on the top of the baseboard.

Step 4: Rinse a clean microfiber cloth with plain water and wipe over the baseboard again to remove the soap solution while the vegetable oil remains there to protect the wood.

Step 5: Repeat the same cleaning process with the dryer sheet to provide freshness and longevity to the wooden baseboards.

How To Maintain Baseboards Easily

This may come as a surprise to you, but you only need regular cleaning materials to keep your baseboards sparkling. This includes damp mopping for both painted and stained wood trim once a week. You may also use dryer sheets after dusting because they’re known to repel lint, pet hair, dirt, and dust.

Here are a bunch of ways you can keep your shiny baseboards, molding, trims, and chair rails, looking clean easily.

1. Mr. Clean Magic Eraser

If you are looking for a tool that will help clean baseboards easier, then Mr. Clean Magic Eraser is it. The eraser is a versatile sponge that you can dip in a bucket of warm water and scrub the baseboards with. Adding dish soap for painted baseboards and distilled vinegar for stained baseboards is often helpful.

2. Brushing and Brooming

It’s pretty easy to keep your baseboards clean with a broom. After sweeping the dust from your baseboards, sweep or vacuum the floor beneath it, and that’s it.

3. Vacuum Cleaning

Another simple way to clean baseboards regularly is with a vacuum cleaner. All you have to do is use the brush attachment underneath the baseboards and watch it lift all the dust. You can get rid of any dirt caught in the bristles by pressing down firmly on an outdoor surface, like the driveway.

4. Dryer Sheets

Dryer sheets or fabric softener sheets are incredible when it comes to removing dust, lint, and pet hair from baseboards. They are good enough to clean stained baseboards as well because they contain special ingredients that add a protective layer to the baseboards.

5. Baby Wipes

Wipes for babies aren’t just one of the greatest baby care inventions, but they’re also a quick and easy means to clean. When you need to tidy up fast, disposable wipes are the one thing you need. While there are more environmentally friendly options available, these disposable wipes help you can clean baseboards, picture frames, etc. in a pinch.

6. Recycle An Old Sock

One of the most effective methods for cleaning baseboards with fabric is using a worn-out sock. You can choose to use the sock with or without a cleaning solution, but remember to check whether or not the solution is safe for your skin before doing so. When you’re done, just throw the socks in the laundry.

7. Old Toothbrush

Lastly, don’t forget to use an old toothbrush you have lying around the house. It’s a fantastic tool for getting into crevices and grooves near baseboards. It’s also perfect for cleaning the windowsills.

How Often Should You Clean Baseboards

The answer to this question depends on the kind of lifestyle you lead. For example, let’s say you have a pet who sheds hair, then you may want to clean your baseboards weekly. If kids are part of the equation, then dusting and mopping should be done frequently as well.

Ideally, you should aim to clean your baseboards once a month at least so that they don’t become grounds for dirt and disease.

How To Clean Baseboards Before Painting

It’s essential to clean your baseboards before applying a fresh coat of paint. This will result in a superior finish. A magic eraser will get rid of most debris while a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water will help you wipe down any extra scuff marks.

Conclusion

We wholeheartedly agree that cleaning baseboards is a task, but if done regularly, they make your house not only look cleaner but even fresher.