Sometimes we take our baseboards for granted. Yes, that decorative trim that hides the joint between your floors and walls plays an integral role in your home’s overall aesthetic. But we often let the dust and dirt on them get out of control. Cleaning baseboards is not a fun job, but it is necessary and it doesn’t have to be difficult!
The baseboard installation professionals at VIP Classic Moulding have put together this list of cleaning hacks to help restore your home’s baseboards to their former glory.
Vacuum
Whether it’s a handheld or full-sized vacuum with brush attachments, this is a very effective way to get the dust and dirt out of all the little cracks and crevices throughout your baseboards. Be sure to start vacuuming from the top of the baseboards and then work your way down.
Dryer Sheets
To prevent the buildup of dirt and dust on your baseboards, take a dryer sheet and swipe it along your baseboards. Cleaning baseboards with dryer sheets actually work to cover your baseboards in an agent that acts as a natural dust repellent, meaning you’ll have to dust and clean them less often!
Simple Soap and Water
Before you clean the baseboards, ensure that you’ve finished cleaning the floor first because a lot of the dirt you kick up from sweeping and mopping can attach itself to your baseboards. To begin, use a damp cloth and warm water on the first pass to wipe away the layer of dust. On the next pass, mix some dish soap with the warm water to get rid of even more dirt, grease, and grime.
Dusting
Sometimes there’s no substitute for a good old-fashioned dusting. Taking your feather duster or soft bristle broom, gently drag it over the baseboards to trap all the dust and dirt that’s collected. It’s a good idea to do this basic kind of dusting before attempting to wash your baseboards with the cleaning solutions outlined in this article.
Vinegar
If you have baseboards that are made from real wood, you’ll benefit from using vinegar. This cleaning solution is a natural, more gentle option than traditional soaps. Add a cup of vinegar to a bucket of water, grab a damp cloth and you’re ready to start wiping!
Toilet Wand
You probably never thought of cleaning your baseboards with a toilet wand! First, buy a brand new disposable toilet wand. You can pick these up at most hardware or department stores in the cleaning products aisle. Next, pull a sock over the end of the wand. Then, spray the sock with your choice of cleaner, whether that’s soap and water, vinegar and water, or wood cleaner. Finally, you’re ready to clean your baseboards. Drag the toilet wand slowly over every inch of the baseboards to pick up dust and dirt. This will save your hands from coming into direct contact with the soap and vinegar for an extended period of time. When you’re done, you can keep the wand and wash the sock to be used on your baseboards next time you’re ready to clean them.
Magic Eraser
Here’s another very effective tool for cleaning baseboards. Use a Magic Eraser or any similar product, and dip it into some warm water. You can add a bit of soap or vinegar to the mix for extra performance. Wring out the eraser so it’s not dripping and wipe down the baseboards. They’ll look as good as new! The wringing-out step is especially important because you don’t want too much water sitting on your baseboards for an extended period of time.
Dilute Powdered Laundry Detergent
If you want an effective way to clean your baseboards that will also leave your house smelling super fresh, then this is the method for you. Add a small amount of laundry detergent to a bucket of hot water. Remember to wear a pair of gloves for this portion! Next, you’ll dip a cloth into your homemade cleaning mixture and lightly scrub the surface of all the baseboards leaving them bright and gleaming!
A Cotton Swab
The biggest pain of cleaning baseboards is trying to get into all those little cracks, corners, and decorative bits throughout the home. Well, there’s a secret weapon at your disposal that can be found in most homeowners’ bathrooms. We’re talking about cotton swabs! No matter what cleaning solution you’ve chosen to use for cleaning your baseboards, dip the end of a cotton swab into the mixture and use it to access all of those hard-to-reach areas along your baseboards. It’s a bit of a tedious process, but very effective at getting the results you desire.
Your Baseboards are Looking Good Again!
We hope you found these tips to be helpful for cleaning dirty baseboards and hopefully there is a tool or method mentioned above that will help you restore your baseboards to pristine condition! Meanwhile, if you’re looking to update the look of your home and replace your baseboards entirely, contact the professionals at VIP Classic Moulding to give you a free consultation today.
