When you clean, how often do you reach for your baseboards? Be honest. There’s no shame in admitting they don’t get cleaned as often as they should, we’ve all been there. It’s never a bad time to get them back to looking their best and there’s no time like the present to get started. Here are a few different methods and tips for cleaning the baseboards around your home.
For Painted or Non-Wood Baseboards
Most homes have painted wood baseboards, and some may have non-wood baseboards. Both are very easy to maintain. If your painted wood or non-wood baseboards are in need of some light cleanup and dusting, this method is for you:
- Start by vacuuming away the accumulated dirt and dust from around the baseboards using the brush attachment
- Use a damp sponge (or Magic Eraser) to wipe the surface of the baseboards clean of any stuck-on dirt or debris and add a very small amount of vinegar for any stubborn grime
- Use a cotton swab to wipe a bit of vinegar around the corners as well as along the top and bottom of the baseboards
- Use a clean, dry towel to thoroughly wipe away any remaining water and or vinegar from around the baseboards so that the wood isn’t damaged
- Rub the baseboards with a dryer sheet to prevent dust and dirt from sticking to the surface after you’ve cleaned them
For Dusty Wooden Baseboards
Cleaning and maintaining dusty wooden baseboards isn’t hard, it just requires a little bit more care and attention than painted wood. Here is a good method for cleaning wooden baseboards:
- Start by vacuuming around the baseboards, just like you would with regular cleaning
- Mix about ¼ cup of dish soap and a tablespoon of vegetable oil (or mineral oil) with 1 gallon of warm water in a bucket
- Use a regular soft sponge (not a Magic Eraser!) to scrub a small amount of the mixture on the baseboards to clean them, using a cotton swab to clean the corners, top, and bottom
- Use a clean and dry microfiber towel to remove the excess water from around the baseboards and then buff the surface for added shine
- Finish the process by rubbing the baseboards with a dryer sheet
Cleaning Pet Stains and Odors from your Baseboards
Sometimes our pets can have little accidents around the baseboards, it happens to the best of us. In order to remove any lingering unpleasant stains and odors from around the wood you’ll want to try this method:
- Use an absorbent cloth or towel to soak up as much of the accident as possible
- Mix together 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide, 1 tablespoon of dish soap, and 1 tablespoon of baking soda
- Apply this mixture to the affected area and allow it to fully dry overnight
- Remove any residue that appears and check the area for lingering smells or stains
- Repeat the process if needed
This method works best against cat pee as it is particularly difficult to remove without stains or odors remaining. If you are cleaning up a dog pee accident, simply absorb as much of the pee as possible and then sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda on the affected area and leave it overnight. You can vacuum the baking soda away in the morning and check for any stains or odors.
Quick and Easy Methods
If you’re looking for a quick cleanup between deep cleaning and dusting, here are a handful of semi-creative ways to clean up your baseboards:
- A sock and a yardstick (or hockey stick): Getting down on your hands and knees can be painful for some people, or just annoying. Depending on what you have available to you, this might be a simple and easy hack for you to try. Just slip a fluffy sock over the end of a yardstick or hockey stick or broom and start swiping away the dust and debris. You can add a little bit of water if you need to.
- Baseboard cleaning tool (or a Swiffer): This is a similar, but less creative way to clean your baseboards without getting down on the ground. You can find a mop-like tool for cleaning baseboards at several retail locations. We suggest hacking that by just using a Swiffer mop angled to clean the wall and not the floor.
- Cleaning wipes: If you have no problem getting on your hands and knees, but maybe don’t want to be down there for too long, you can use some regular cleaning wipes. This is definitely a less time-consuming, but more wasteful method for cleaning your baseboards as it will likely require you to use several wipes.
Enjoy your clean and dust-free baseboards, and remember to keep up with cleaning them so that they don’t become too unsightly. If you are looking for a professional cleaning service or maid to tackle these kinds of cleaning projects, call us! We are proud to offer friendly and professional services to our happy clients, contact us today to find out how we can help you around the house.