When was the last time you took a thorough look at your house's baseboards? Baseboards are wood, vinyl, or composite pieces that span the space between walls and floors, filling gaps and creating an attractive finish. Close scrutiny may reveal that they are filthy, scuffed, and in desperate need of cleaning.
Except for access and having to kneel, cleaning baseboards is simple but can be time-consuming. Learn how to clean different types of baseboards properly, how often to clean them, and tips to help keep them clean.
How Often to Clean Your Baseboards
The frequency with which you should clean your baseboards depends on a few factors, such as the amount of foot traffic in your home, the type of flooring you have, and whether you have pets. As a general rule, it's a good idea to clean your baseboards at least once every three to six months.
However, if you have pets that shed a lot, or if you live in an area with a lot of dust or pollen, you may need to clean your baseboards more frequently. Additionally, if you notice that your baseboards are particularly dirty or dusty, you should clean them immediately rather than wait for your next cleaning.
Regularly cleaning your baseboards can help keep your home looking and feeling clean, and can also help prevent the buildup of dirt and grime that can be difficult to remove if left unaddressed for too long.
What You'll Need
Equipment / Tools
Vacuum
Small bucket or basin
Materials/ Supplies
Microfiber dust cloths or disposable dusters
Sponge
Dishwashing liquid
Wood cleaner
Melamine sponge
Dryer sheets
Cotton swabs
Art gum or pencil eraser
WD-40 lubricant
Instructions
1. Move Furniture to Access Baseboards Before you move any furniture, make sure to empty it of any items such as books, knick-knacks, or decorations that could fall or break during the move. You may also want to use furniture sliders or a furniture dolly to make the process easier and avoid scratching your floors.
2. Remove Surface Dust Once you've moved the furniture, use a vacuum and a Microfiber to remove any dust or debris from the baseboards. For stubborn stains or dirt, you may need to use a damp cloth and a mild cleaning solution.
3. Mix a Cleaning Solution For Painted and Vinyl Baseboards: Mix 1/2 teaspoon of dishwashing liquid in two quarts of warm water in a small bucket or basin. For Finished Wood Baseboards: Follow the product instructions for a commercial wood cleaner. Some are used directly from the bottle, others are mixed with water.
4. Wipe Away Soil Dip a microfiber cloth into the cleaning solution. Wring out any excess water until the cloth is slightly moist. Too much water might cause stains or drips on your floor or carpet. This is especially important for unpainted timber baseboards. Clean them in the same manner as you would wood blinds or furniture.
Wipe away debris, grease, and food splatters starting at the top of the baseboard and working your way down. Rinse your clothes often and replace the cleaning water as needed.
5. Tackle Dirty Corners and Heavy Soil Getting soil out of tight corners with a cloth can be almost impossible. Dip a cotton swab in the cleaning solution to reach crevices and corners. If kitchen baseboards feel sticky, it is a build-up of grease. Add a 1/2 teaspoon of a degreaser to the cleaning solution to help cut through the build-up. For stuck-on food and scuff marks on painted baseboards, use a melamine eraser sponge to light rub these stains away. Do not scrub too hard, or the paint may be damaged. For scuff marks on finished wood baseboards, use an art gum or school pencil eraser to remove the marks from the wood. Just make sure the surface of the eraser is clean. Rub the scuff mark and then vacuum away any shavings that may be on the floor. A quick spritz of WD-40 will remove scuff marks from vinyl baseboards. Spray on the lubricant and buff it with a microfiber cloth.
6. Air-Dry
Let the baseboards dry fully before reinstalling the furniture and room accessories.
Tips to Keep Baseboards Clean Longer
Regularly vacuum or sweep your floors to remove dirt and dust before it has a chance to accumulate on your baseboards.
Use doormats at all entrances to your home to trap dirt and debris before it gets tracked onto your floors and eventually onto your baseboards.
Avoid using oil-based cleaning products on your floors as they can attract and hold onto dirt and dust, which can then accumulate on your baseboards.
Consider applying a protective coating or sealant to your baseboards to make them easier to clean and more resistant to stains and dirt.
Wipe down your baseboards with a dryer sheet or fabric softener sheet after cleaning to help repel dust and keep them looking clean for longer.
Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning tools on your baseboards, as they can damage the finish and make them more susceptible to collecting dirt and dust.
Commentaires