How To Clean Baseboards (And Keep Them Clean For Longer!)

by Cleaning House Maids - October 11, 2021

Who wants to get down to their knees to scrub the baseboards? That’s why this chore is so easy to overlook! However, a dirty baseboard can make the whole room look dirty and messy.

Learn here how to clean baseboards. You can complete this task quickly and easily.

What is the best way to clean baseboards?

During your regular cleaning routine, dusting the baseboards is enough. However, if your baseboards are dirty, you’ll need to bring the cleaning supplies and wipe them down. Don’t worry! Wiping your baseboards once or twice a year is enough to keep them clean!

Follow these steps!

Step 1. Remove the dust

The best way to dust your baseboards thoroughly is to wipe them with a dry microfiber cloth. However, dusting each baseboard by hand would require much effort and time.

If you are cleaning dirty baseboards, use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment. This way, you can save energy for wiping the grime later.

Step 2. Wipe the surface

Once the loose dirt is removed, you can tackle the built-in grime without making a mess!

First, mix several drops of liquid dish soap and warm water. Warm soapy water is great because it’s effective but gentle on most surfaces. For a greener option, a diluted vinegar solution could work! However, make sure vinegar is safe to use (especially on wood baseboards.)

Unless you want to invest in a baseboard cleaning tool, it’s time to get down to the knees and start scrubbing. Use a soft microfiber cloth dampened with the cleaning solution to wipe off the grime in your baseboards.

Step 3. Use a cotton swab for detailed cleaning

Most baseboards have hard-to-reach spots. Even minimalist baseboards may have crevices where the baseboard meets the wall or floor! However, you can reach and clean these spots by using a cotton swab. Dip the cotton swab in your cleaning solution and scrub all the crevices.

Step 4. Rub your baseboards with a dryer sheet

A way to protect your baseboards from dirt is with the clever trick of the dryer sheet. The fabric softener in dryer sheets works by coating your clothes’ fibers. In the same way, fabric softener can coat your baseboards and make it more difficult for dirt to adhere!

Can you use a magic eraser on baseboards?

Magic erasers (or melamine sponges) are excellent tools for cleaning walls and baseboards. To remove stubborn grime and scuff marks, damp the sponge and scrub! If you are not sure if a melamine sponge is safe to use on your baseboards, spot-test it in a small area before.

How often should I clean baseboards?

As mentioned before, quick dusting should be part of most regular cleaning routines. However, getting down to your knees to wipe the grime off can wait until spring cleaning or your next seasonal cleaning!

However, there may be exceptions. For example, white baseboards may show dirt sooner!

Are you too busy with cleaning chores?

Let Cleaning House Company help you with the cleaning! We are a local company serving Washington DC and its surrounding areas with top-quality home cleaning services. During each visit, we clean baseboards and complete a thorough checklist so your home looks spotless!

Get a precise estimate or book your service from our homepage!