Baseboards protect the wall and give a room that decorative touch. Yet, most people avoid them when cleaning the floor! You can’t blame though since the dirt is barely noticeable. If you look closer, however, you’ll see scratches, scuff marks, and grime. Why let that happen when restoring old and dirty wood trim is a fairly simple task. And, our step-to-step guide will teach you how you can clean and maintain baseboards effectively!
That being said, let’s get to the actual baseboard cleaning process!
How To Clean Baseboards: (5 Different Methods)
One good thing about mopboard cleaning is that there are many methods you might follow. So, what is the best way to clean baseboards, you ask? Here are some of the easiest and time-saving cleaning tips and techniques you might follow –
Read More about Baseboard Cleaner Tool Reviews.
Method 1 – Cleaning Baseboards with Sponge Pads
Using power scrubber eraser sponge pads is an affordable cleaning option when you don’t have a vacuum or steam machine. It’s simple to use, even for a DIY enthusiast. You just need to rub along the surface. They also give your rooms a fresh smell for a few days. Using them will keep your floor molding clean for longer. It’s one of the best cleaning methods for regular maintenance. So, let’s see how!
Step 1: Remove Loosen Dust
Suction a vacuum brush attachment along the skirting boards to remove dirt and dust. If you don’t have a vacuum, use a duster to free up the loose debris and remove them with a dustpan/ broom.
Step 2: Start Cleaning
Now, you just take your cleaning pad and scrub any visible marks on the boards. Pads are usually DURAFOAM based that has scrubbing power with water-activated formula. They are safe to use on your white painted baseboard and it doesn’t scratch. So, you won’t have to worry about anything else. You just add water into it and start running along the surface.
Step 3: Dry Out the Surface
Once you’re done, the surface might still be wet. And, that allows floating dust particles to accumulate on the surface again. Hence, you might use a clean non-abrasive microfiber cloth to dry out the extra bit of water.
Method 2 – Cleaning Baseboard with Spray Cleaner
You can also use a spray cleaner and paper towel for mopboard cleaning. It’s a flexible option when you’re about to do a thorough cleaning of painted walls, ceilings, and baseboards. Powerful heavy-duty products will get rid of stubborn mold and mildew stains and scuff marks. So, let’s see how you can do it!
Step 1: Prepare the Surrounding
Move furniture away from the wall to create space for cleaning.
Step 2: Initial Dusting
Using a hand broom, remove dust and dirt buildup on the top edges of the surface.
Step 3: Start the Process
Spray the cleaner solution to a paper towel/ microfiber cloth and then start wiping. Move it around and scrub difficult-to-reach crannies and nooks. And, you should see the result! Afterward, leave the surface to air dry.
Method 3 – Cleaning Baseboards with Vacuum Cleaner
Dust can worsen allergies among sensitive individuals. And, the very first and most suitable baseboards cleaning hack is using a vacuum cleaner with a long handle that can be used even when you’re standing up. It’s a fast and convenient approach for anyone who wants to clean baseboards without kneeling or bending over. Another benefit of vacuuming is that it doesn’t scratch the surface. But, there’s a catch! Vacuuming might not get rid of all the grime and dirt, especially those stubborn stains that require a bit of chemical scrubbing. However, it removes the loosened dust before one can starts wiping down the surface. It’s a convenient method, especially for large jobs.
Step 1: Prepare the Work Area
Move furniture and other objects away from the mopboards. Pick up any small objects that are too big for the machine. This includes things like paper clips, small toys, and pencils.
Step 2: Prepare the Vacuum
To start vacuuming, you can either use a regular or handheld vacuum cleaner that extends down to the floor molding and dust them off. So, you can clean by standing up without bending over. With a regular vacuum, you’ll need wand attachments and a brush.
Step 3: Start Cleaning
Start by cleaning the top of the baseboard as you move down and slowly pass over back and forth. This gives the vacuum enough time to pick up any dust and dirt on the surface. Clean the gap between the floor and the bottom. Repeat the vacuuming process as you move in the opposite direction. Doing so ensures a thorough and deep clean. For thorough vacuuming, use hose attachments, especially in hard-to-reach areas.
Method 4 – How to Steam Clean Baseboards
A steam clean uses ordinary tap water to produce dry steam. The produced steam has enough strength to remove grime, dirt, and more. They have internal water tanks/ boilers that heat water. This produces powerful steam that penetrates microscopic pores on various surfaces. This is yet another incredible way to clean various surfaces without using harsh chemicals. But, when exactly should you steam clean baseboards?
Steam cleaners are ideal for cleaning areas near the bottom of mopboards. They effectively sweep debris along the edge as you clean the floor. You can also use them on the heavily soiled areas that vacuum cleaners are unable to tackle. More importantly, you can use them if you’re after a deep clean.
Step 1: Prepare the Room
Remove clutter and pull furniture away from the mopboard. This will enable you to cover all the corners and tight spots around the room.
Step 2: Prepare the Surface
Vacuum or sweep the mopboards and corners to remove loose dust buildup. Consider sealing all baseboard cracks and crevices with caulk. This will prevent dirt and dust from accumulating in the near future.
Step 3: Set Up the Cleaner
Install a nylon brush head attachment for the steam cleaner. Cover the brush head with a towel. This enables the brush head to trap heat, thus making it hotter and easier to get steam to penetrate the surface.
Step 4: Start Cleaning
Now, glide the steam cleaner over the surface as you pump the steam. This will help to blast away grime, mildew, dirt, and stains. Move slowly and give the machine enough time to steam up the area until all stains are removed. Lastly, force-steam the brushless tip without the towel to clean the corners and crevices. And, there you have it!
Method 5 – Cleaning Baseboards with Duster
How to clean baseboards fast and easily without bending over, you ask? Duster mops will come in handy for you! But, do you know in what circumstance a duster will be the most suitable option for you? Well, it only works great for loose accumulated dust on the surface as it can’t give you that power scrub like the eraser sponges. If the surface isn’t too grimy, you just need to dust them off. A mopboard duster will undertake that task extremely well. It’s an amazing cleaning tool you can easily manipulate and clean baseboards without squatting or bending over. Now, let’s see how you can clean floor molding with a duster.
Step 1: Ensure Safety
When moving the duster over the surface back and forth, results in the fine dust float in the air. So, you must wear a dust mask and eye goggles if you have one. Also, cover your expensive furniture to protect them as well.
Step 2: Deep Clean
For more detailed dusting, use a dry paintbrush on the surface. Hence, the bristles must be flexible not hard as they might scratch on your painted floor molding.
Step 3: Dust Collection
Once done, follow up with a broom and dustpan to clean up the dirt. This is the only method to clean the baseboard fast and prevent dirt from accumulating over time. To get excellent results with this technique, make a weekly cleaning schedule.
Why Baseboard Cleaning Is Essential?
Cleaning the mopboards, window or door casing, crown molding or, any other wood trims in the house is really important. When cleaning the floor and walls, dirt is pushed towards it, thus resulting in the accumulation of these residues along the baseboards and others.
So, while the floor and walls will look clean, the entire room will not be as clean as it should be. Besides, neglecting to clean them will hamper your beautiful home appearance and arise some health impacts. To start with, dirt, debris, dust, and mold tend to accumulate on the corners and crevices. This can cause various illnesses among people who are prone to allergies.
Therefore, cleaning the trims will make the house safer and healthier. This will eventually affect the overall appearance of the room. In short, it’s important to clean your mopboards routinely. It will make your house look sparkly fresh and tidy.
Conclusion
Those are some of the most common techniques you can use to clean your skirting boards. Since you now understand how each method works, feel free to take your action based on a certain method. Also, don’t forget to let us know which one worked well for you.
FAQs
1. Can I remove vacuum marks from baseboards?
Yes, you can easily remove vacuum marks with a mixture of warm water and dish soap. Moist the area with the solution and wipe it gently with a scrubbing pad/ clean cloth.
2. Can I use vinegar to clean baseboards?
Apart from dish soap, you can also use a vinegar solution. However, we recommend you rely on commercial products unless you’re familiar with the process.
3. Does a dryer sheet help to clean my baseboards?
Dryer sheets are used to prevent dust from accumulating on the surface. So, it’s rather a maintenance kit we call! Although you’ll have to bend over to use a dryer sheet on the floor molding, it’s worth it! One big reason is that once you apply a coat, it’ll keep the surface dust protective for a certain time.
Note – All our comprehensive tutorials are in-depth internet research based where we try to help you sort out the difficulties. We certainly acknowledge the validity and authenticity of the information. Subject matter experts are highly welcome for their valuable suggestions.