Baseboards are meant to protect your walls from damage, meaning these panels build up with their fair share of scuffs, dust, stains, and other debris. When your baseboards get dirty, they don't just make the rooms in your home look less tidy, but dirt and grime can also damage baseboards over time. Regular cleaning helps preserve the integrity of the baseboards and prolong their lifespan.
How Often to Clean Your Baseboards
How often you clean your baseboards depends on the level of foot traffic in your home. As a general rule, it's recommended to clean your baseboards once a month to prevent dust and dirt buildup. If you have allergies or pets that shed a lot, you may want to clean them more regularly.
To make this chore easier, incorporate baseboard cleaning into your regular cleaning routine. "For example, you could clean them whenever you vacuum or mop the floors in your home," says Alicia Sokolowski, the president and co-CEO ofAspenClean. "It will help ensure they stay relatively clean and do not accumulate too much dirt and grime between more thorough cleanings."
Materials Needed
Make sure you have these materials on hand when cleaning your baseboards
- Vacuum with the brush attachment
- Microfiber cloths
- Sink or bucket
- Bowl
- Warm water
- Dish soap
- Distilled white vinegar
- Baking soda
- Oil-based product (coconut, olive, vegetable oil)
How to Clean Baseboards
Depending on the size of your home, it will take you about one to two hours to clean your baseboards. Dish soap is highly recommended due to its grease-cutting and gentle properties, making it effective for removing dirt without damaging the paint or wood, says Marla Mock, president ofMolly Maid, aNeighborlycompany.
- Use a vacuum with a brush attachment or a dry microfiber cloth to remove dust from your baseboards.
- Mix warm water and a few squirts of dish soap in a bucket.
- Dip a sponge or cloth into the solution and gently wipe down baseboards. Work in sections and dry each area immediately to avoid water damage, especially near wood floors.
- After washing, use a clean cloth to dry and buff the baseboards for a nice finish.
How to Remove Stains From Baseboards
If your baseboards have stubborn dirt or stains, clean them with a vinegar solution and scrub any problem areas with baking soda, says Sokolowski.
- Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle or bucket.
- In a bowl, mix baking soda with a small amount of water until it forms a thick paste.
- Spray the vinegar solution directly onto a microfiber cloth.
- Apply the baking soda paste to any dirty or stained areas.
- Wipe down the baseboards and gently scrub the stains;
- Rinse your microfiber cloth and go over the baseboards again, removing any remaining residue.
- Use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe down the baseboards one last time.
How to Remove Scuffs From Baseboards
Oil-based products are a great way to remove scuffs from baseboards, says Sokolowski.
- Apply a small amount of oil-based product such as coconut, olive, or vegetable oil onto the scuff marks.
- Let it sit for a few minutes to penetrate the scuffs.
- Gently rub the scuffs with a microfiber cloth or sponge.
- Wipe away any excess oil and scuff marks with a damp cloth.
Tips for Maintaining Your Baseboards
To maintain the beauty of your baseboards, regular maintenance is a must. "Always make baseboard cleaning part of your routine housekeeping to keep your home looking its best," says Mock. Paint can also go a long way when it comes to the condition of your baseboards. "When choosing paints for baseboards, consider oil-based or alkyd-acrylic for durability and ease of cleaning," she says. To keep dust at bay, buff your baseboards with a dryer sheet.
FAQs
Use a microfiber cloth and soapy water to wipe down the baseboards. Only work on one small section at a time. Once that section is clean, dry it with a new cloth, and then continue cleaning along the wall. As you clean, avoid letting your cleaning cloth get too wet, and wipe up any water immediately.
What is the best way to clean baseboards? ›
Mix warm water and a few squirts of dish soap in a bucket. Dip a sponge or cloth into the solution and gently wipe down baseboards. Work in sections and dry each area immediately to avoid water damage, especially near wood floors.
How to clean baseboards without bending? ›
How to clean your baseboards without kneeling
- Improvise a cleaning tool by wrapping a microfiber cloth over the broom head. ...
- Prepare a solution by mixing warm water, four tablespoons of dish soap, and one tablespoon of mineral oil. ...
- As the final step, dampen a soft cloth with clean water and rinse the baseboards.
The cleaner you use on your wood trim will depend on the finish. If painted, your wood trim requires mild soap and water. Use a mild, natural wood cleaner on clear-coated or stained wood trim. If the wood has excessive buildup, add paint thinner to your solution to help, according to This Old House Magazine.
How often should you clean your baseboards? ›
As a general rule, baseboards should be cleaned once a month. If you live in a home with high foot traffic, or there are pets who live inside, you will want to clean more frequently, either once a week or twice a month at the minimum.
Does cleaning baseboards make a difference? ›
Baseboards are like shoes if you think about it. They say a lot about you, your place, your habits and when it comes to people, they actually do notice them. Cleaning baseboards isn't the most intoxicating job in the world but it's the kind of chore that when finished makes the entire house appear and feel fresher.
How do you clean baseboards with bad knees? ›
Here are some tools you can use to tackle this chore:
- Broom with a cloth attached: Wrap microfiber cloth around the brush and hold it in place with a couple of rubber bands.
- Microfiber sock on a stick: A tool you can make in seconds. ...
- Vacuum cleaner with a wand attachment: The best dust remover for this chore.
So, grab your trusty broom, and wrap a microfiber cloth over the brush end. A couple of clothespins or rubber bands will help keep the cloth in place. Use your fancy new tool to sweep the soil away in downwards motions.
How do you deep clean baseboards and walls? ›
Make a cleaning solution of 1 teaspoon of liquid dish soap, 1/4 teaspoon of white vinegar and a quart of warm water. Dip a sponge or microfiber towel into the cleaning solution and wring it out. Then begin cleaning the walls from top to bottom.
Can you use Dawn dish soap to clean wood trim? ›
Mix warm water and a few squirts of dish soap in a bucket. Dip a sponge or cloth into the solution and gently wipe down baseboards. Work in sections and dry each area immediately to avoid water damage, especially near wood floors.
Fix scratches with a fill stick, restore moulding with hot glue, and cover damage with wood filler. Sand and paint for a beautiful finish.
Is Murphy's oil soap good for wood trim? ›
A natural cleaner like Murphy® Oil Soap can restore the wood's natural glimmer and bring tired, old trim out of retirement — especially once the initial layer of dirt and grime is gone.
Is vinegar good to clean baseboards? ›
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.
Can you clean baseboards with Clorox wipes? ›
Clorox wipes can be a choice for cleaning surfaces, but there might be better baseboard options. Although they are effective at removing dirt and grime, the chemicals in Clorox wipes can cause discoloration or damage to types of baseboards made of wood or stained materials.
How to remove water stains from baseboard? ›
If the water damage is minor, you can use sandpaper or a chisel to remove the affected portion, such as peeling paint or brown stains. Then, paint over the baseboard and apply a waterproof seal on top.
