Learn how to clean your baseboards in five easy steps. Get tips and tricks on how to clean your baseboards without kneeling or bending. You'll also get some baseboard cleaning tools for making the job easier.
Best Way to Clean Baseboards
The best way to clean baseboards isn't something you think about often. But while doing yoga, you might happen to notice the crust that has formed on those little decorative ledges. And once you see it, you can't unsee it. So now it's time to grab your cleaning gear and get to work.
-
Vacuum with hose attachment
-
Broom and dustpan
-
Microfiber cloth
-
Dish soap (recommend Dawn)
-
Dryer sheet
-
Bucket
-
Toothbrush
-
Cotton swabs
-
Cotton balls
-
Toothpick
Step 1: Move Furniture Away From Baseboards
Before you can start attaching baseboards with your cleaning prowess, you need to be able to get to the dirt. If the furniture is heavy, don't do this by yourself. Get a friend or family member to help you. Plus, they might even stick around for the cleaning portion.
Step 2: Using a Vacuum to Clean Baseboards
While you can just attack the baseboards with a vacuum to get rid of all that dust and yuck, it can be helpful to hit them first with a broom. Just swipe the broom back and forth over the baseboards along the entire wall. You can then follow up with the vacuum, ensuring all that dust and debris are gone. If you have a high-powered vacuum, the broom step isn't needed. On the alternative, if you don't have a vacuum, a broom and dustpan work great to loosen up all the dirt.
Step 3: How to Wipe Down Baseboards Properly
With most dirt gone, it's time to wipe down the baseboards and remove any grime or stains.
-
In a bucket or bowl, mix warm water, a few drops of Dawn, and a ½ cup of white vinegar.
-
Dip your microfiber cloth in and wring it out well.
-
Begin wiping down the baseboards.
-
Hit any stubborn stains lightly with a toothbrush.
Step 4: How to Clean Baseboard Crevices
When it comes to those tight crevices and corners, you need something smaller to help you get in there. This is where the toothpick and cotton swabs come in handy.
-
Use the toothpick to get any dirt caught in gaps in corners.
-
Dip the cotton swab in the solution and use it to get the dirt out of tight spaces.
Step 5: Use Dryer Sheets to Protect Baseboards
With your baseboards sparkling like the day you bought your house, you might think you're done. But, it's essential to protect your baseboards from future dust. For this, grab your favorite dryer sheet and run it along the baseboard.
How to Clean Baseboards Without Bending or Kneeling
Cleaning your baseboards doesn't mean you need to bend or kneel. To learn how to clean your baseboards with a bad back, you'll need:
-
Microfiber cloth
-
Rubber band
-
Clean toilet brush or yardstick
-
Swiffer body
-
Dryer sheet
Steps for Bend-Free Baseboard Cleaning
-
Use a broom to sweep off the baseboards or a long vacuum attachment.
-
Dip the cloth in the solution and wring it out.
-
Wrap the cloth around a yardstick, toilet brush, or Swiffer body.
-
Rubber band it in place.
-
Run the cloth along your baseboards.
-
Attach a dryer sheet to the bottom of a Swiffer body with a rubber band.
-
Run it along the boards.
To save your back, you might also get a family member to clean your baseboards for you!
Best Baseboard Cleaning Tools
Cleaning your baseboards isn't hard. But it is time-consuming. Save yourself a little time by using these baseboard cleaning tools.
Using a Magic Eraser
Magic erasers are amazing. You can use them in so many situations. The same is true about cleaning baseboards. Cut out the dusting step by running a damp magic eraser along the length of the board. Not only does it get rid of grit, but it takes the dust too.
Baseboard Cleaning Hacks: Disinfecting Wipes
Just like with a magic eraser, disinfecting wipes can save you time. Just grab a few wipes to clean and disinfect your baseboards in an instant. While this is a good baseboard cleaning hack, it can get expensive if you have a large house.
How Often Should You Clean Baseboards?
Baseboards are pretty low maintenance in a house. However, you might find you need to clean baseboards every few weeks or once a month in high traffic areas. Typically, these are only something you clean when they are dirty or every few months. Therefore, you might want to slip this into your deep cleaning routines. You can also work dusting baseboards into your floor cleaning routine.
How to Clean Baseboards
There you have it. Operation cleaning baseboards is complete. Since you have the cleaning know-how, it's up to you to decide the method that works best for you.
