The same dust and debris that land on your furniture, lampshades and floor will also land on your baseboards. While your regular cleaning schedule includes removing dust from furniture and flooring, it may not include cleaning the baseboards.
A baseboard cleaning project can seem daunting regardless of how large or small your home is. This is what you need to know about how to clean baseboards.
Why Clean Baseboards?
Baseboards are short pieces of trim that line the bottom of your walls and give your decor a finished look. While they dramatically enhance decor, they are easy to overlook on cleaning day.
As a result, they will grow dustier and dirtier week after week until you clean them. This makes your entire home look dirty even after a recent cleaning. In addition, the various debris on the baseboards often include allergens, which can impact the respiratory health of everyone in the home.
Easy Step-by-Step Cleaning
When cleaning your baseboards, it makes sense to clean everything above them first. This includes the ceiling, walls, furniture, light fixtures and more. When you clean these higher surfaces, some of the dust will land on the baseboards.
So, you can minimize the time and effort needed to clean your home by starting at the top of your rooms and working downward.
Dust First
The first step to clean your baseboards involves removing dust and other loose debris.
You could get on the ground to dust them with a cloth, but a faster and easier solution is to use the handheld brush attachment on your vacuum. Another method is to use a long-handled duster.
Wipe with Soapy Water
Baseboards could have layered-on dirt that your vacuum won’t remove. Stains, water spots and more can be problematic, too.
After dusting, fill a bucket with warm soapy water. If you have stained wood trim, fill your bucket with warm water, a quarter-cup of dish soap and a tablespoon of vegetable oil. Using a clean cloth, wipe down the baseboards with the soapy water.
Scrub Stubborn Spots
You might need to scrub at the spots and stains that don’t come up with basic wiping.
In some cases, applying extra friction with the cloth will do the trick. Another option is to use a soft-bristle toothbrush and the soapy water to tackle problem areas.
Dry the Baseboards
As is true with all wood surfaces, baseboards can be damaged by water. After cleaning the baseboards, use a dry cloth to dry the baseboards as soon as possible.
Quick Deep Cleaning Tip
If you don’t have a lot of time available to deep clean your baseboards, consider using baby wipes.
Baby wipes will remove both dust and spots with a few swipes, so it combines two steps in one. Plus, you don’t need to manually dry the baseboards when you clean with baby wipes.
Keep Them Clean Longer
Dryer sheets fight static cling. This static is found in the dust and hair that land on your baseboards, so the filth actually attracts more filth. When you clean the trim with dryer sheets, you remove the dust and stains.
At the same time, you’re rubbing the fragrant, anti-static residue on the baseboards. This makes your whole house smell great, and it keeps the baseboards cleaner for longer.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When cleaning your baseboards, there are a few “don’ts” to avoid. These include:
- Don’t use an excessive amount of water or cleaner.
- Don’t use a cleaning product that will damage the paint or stain.
- Don’t use an abrasive scrubber or brush.
- Don’t clean your baseboards before cleaning all other surfaces in the room.
FAQs
How often should I clean my baseboards?
If you can see visible dust and hair on your baseboards, it’s time to clean them. Generally, this timeframe is every three to four weeks.
However, if you have pets or a busy household, you may need to at least dust or vacuum the baseboards more frequently. Deep cleaning with soap and water should be done every six months.
How do I clean baseboards without bending over?
You can easily clean baseboards without bending over by using a long-handled duster. An alternative is to use the brush attachment and extender tools on your vacuum cleaner. For deep cleaning, use a lightly damp mop.
Can I use a magic eraser on baseboards?
You can use a magic eraser on baseboards, but do so with great care.
Magic erasers can damage paint. If you choose to use a magic eraser, avoid using force or friction.
When you stay on top of baseboard cleaning, your home will look and be cleaner overall. While some people save baseboard cleaning for their semi-annual deep cleaning sessions, you don’t have to deal with a mess during those in-between months. At Tidyhere, our housecleaners will give your home a top-to-bottom clean at every visit. To learn about our customizable services, contact Tidyhere today.
