While many of us regularly vacuum carpets and sweep floors, baseboards often get overlooked during cleaning sessions. Yet, just like any other part of the home, they accumulate dust, debris, and stains over time.
The good news is that cleaning baseboards isn’t as daunting as it may seem. In fact, with a few simple hacks, you can make the process easier and even prevent future build-up. Here are 10 straightforward tips to help you maintain clean baseboards without much effort:
Save Baseboards for Last
Complete your regular cleaning tasks like sweeping and vacuuming before tackling the baseboards. This prevents dust stirred up during cleaning from settling back onto freshly cleaned baseboards.
Start with Vacuuming
Baseboards tend to accumulate dust, so before resorting to stronger cleaning products for tackling grease or dirt, use a vacuum to address the dust. To avoid scratching your baseboards, we recommend using a brush attachment.
Choose the Method Based on Material
Baseboards come in different materials, such as painted or wood, each requiring specific cleaning solutions to protect the material. For instance, you can use a mixture of vinegar and water, but for wood baseboards, opt for a cleaning solution that won’t harm the wood stain. When unsure, use warm water mixed with a little dish soap.
Use Soap, Water, and a Clean Cloth
Once you’ve eliminated dust from your baseboards, it’s time to clean. Grab a clean cloth and a bowl of warm, soapy water, or your chosen cleaning solution. Dip the cloth in the cleaning solution and gently wipe down the baseboards. Remember to wring out the cloth well each time to avoid leaving excess water, especially on wood baseboards.
Cotton Swabs and Q-Tips
Baseboards might not be as daunting as scrubbing a stovetop or toilet, but their nooks and crannies can still be a challenge. Try using cotton swabs and Q-tips to reach tight corners and narrow grooves. For a thorough clean, use canned air to ensure you’ve gotten into every crevice.
Degreaser for Kitchen Stains
Kitchen baseboards can accumulate stubborn stains from oil splatters and cooking residue. For these tough stains, ordinary soap and water might not cut it.
Use a degreaser to break down the grease and lift the stains. If needed, gently scrub with a toothbrush for extra cleaning power, but be careful not to damage the surface.
Quick Wipes for Rushed Cleanups
When you’re short on time before guests arrive, grab some cleaning wipes or even baby wipes for a speedy clean-up. These wipes are great for quickly removing dust and tackling any visible stains on your baseboards.
Melamine Sponge
Ever heard of Mr. Clean Magic Erasers? Well, the generic version, melamine sponges, work just as well for cleaning baseboards. These durable cleaners are great for removing scuffs and marks.
Dry with a Microfiber Cloth
After using soap, wipes, or any cleaning solution, it’s important to dry off excess water to prevent streaks and water damage. Grab a microfiber cloth for this task—it’s gentle yet effective, ensuring your baseboards stay scratch-free and dust-free.
Prevent Build-Up with Dryer Sheets
Surprisingly, dryer sheets aren’t just for laundry—they can also help keep your baseboards clean. After scrubbing your baseboards, give them a final wipe with a dryer sheet.
Not only will this pick up any remaining dust, but it’ll also create a dust-repellent barrier, preventing future build-up and extending the time between cleanings.
