What’s one chore you always dread? Surely, cleaning your dirty baseboards is at the top of your list of dreaded household tasks.

But there’s no reason getting clean baseboards needs to be a difficult task. In fact, there are a few ways you can clean your baseboards so efficiently that you’ll be getting them shining like new in no time.

Read on to learn how to conquer baseboard cleaning, no matter what style you’re rocking.

Clean Baseboards for Every Style

The best way to clean your baseboards depends on various factors. These include:

  • Type of material
  • Paint or stain
  • Age and/or condition

However, there are still a few basic cleaning tips that you can use for every baseboard, no matter the style. 

First, you want to be sure you remove any loose dust or dirt before you do anything else. You can use a duster, paper towel, or even a dryer sheet for this step. 

Next, you need to wipe off any dirt that is stuck to the surface. You should also get rid of any scuff marks you might have left behind. There are a few ways to do this depending on personal preference and your baseboards themselves.

How to Clean Baseboards

Maybe you learned how to clean your baseboards with sanitized wipes or sprays. Well, it turns out that you might not need anything that strong to get your baseboards in good condition. In fact, soapy water is really all you need.

To make the ideal soapy water, simply mix one teaspoon of dish soap into a gallon of water. Use a rag or microfiber cloth to wipe any stubborn dust and grime off the baseboard.

Depending on the materials and finish of your baseboards, you can also use certain chemical solutions. For example, vinegar solutions tend to be a popular choice. 

However, the safest method of cleaning is going with the sudsy water. Virtually any style of baseboard will find it gentle enough to prevent damage.

The only exception is when your boards have been wood stained. In this case, you’ll want to use a wood-stain-specific soap in your soapy water mixture.

How to Clean Painted Baseboards

First, remove loose dirt and dust with a vacuum cleaner, broom, or duster. Then, create your cleaning solution. A gallon of warm water with a few teaspoons of dish soap works best.

Use a microfiber cloth or sponge dipped in the solution to wipe the baseboards. This will remove the remaining dirt and discoloration. 

If you notice any scuff marks or stubborn stains, you can use a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser to clear them. For crevices and hard-to-reach spots, try using a cotton swab dipped in your cleaning solution.

How to Clean Stained Wood Baseboards

You can remove dust and loose dirt on stained wood baseboards the same way as painted baseboards. However, your cleaning solutions needs to be a bit different. Mix a gallon of water with about a quarter cup of wood-stain-specific soap, such as Murphy’s Oil Soap.

Dip a rag or cloth into the solution. Be sure to ring out the cloth so you do not drip it all over your carpet, tile, or wood floors. Then, simply wipe it along your baseboards.

Once you’ve finished, rinse your cloth and wipe the baseboards again. This will ensure you haven’t left any damaging residue behind.

Finally, wipe one more time with a dry microfiber cloth. This will remove excess moisture, protecting your wooden baseboards.  

Do You Have to Kneel to Clean Baseboards?

Cleaning baseboards seems like a difficult task because of the strain it can put on your back and knees. Luckily, there are some simple tools that can help you clean standing up. 

If you want to remove dust, a long-handled Swiffer duster or your vacuum’s bristle attachment can be a great way to start. Then, when you’re ready for the suds, use a soapy microfiber mop to clear away stuck-on dirt.

A Baseboard Buddy is also a great way to clean your baseboards without the back strain. Baseboard Buddies are similar to a mop. They have a long handle and sponge-like end designed specifically for cleaning your baseboards. 

How Often Should You Clean Your Baseboards?

Knowing when to clean your house can be difficult, especially for often forgotten tasks such as cleaning the baseboards. Luckily, cleaning your baseboards isn’t a task that you need to do every day. 

In general, you only need to do baseboard and window ledge cleaning every two to three months. For pet owners, you may want to consider cleaning them more frequently than this. 

Essentially, you really only need to clean your baseboards when you start to see a noticeable layer of dirt, dust, and hair collecting on their surface. You should clean them immediately, however, if something happens to make them prematurely dirty.

To eliminate your chances of being stuck with whole-house cleaning, try cleaning your house one room at a time. For example, deep clean your bedroom one week and your kitchen the next week. You can use these deep cleanses to clean your baseboards so you won’t have to do the whole house all at once. 

A residential cleaning service will also tackle baseboard cleanings during their scheduled visits. You can discuss more with them if you have specific concerns. 

Baseboards That Shine Like New

Now that you know some of the best tips for getting clean baseboards, you’re ready to tackle what was once an intimidating task. In reality, cleaning your baseboards doesn’t have to be difficult, and might even feel great.

But, if you don’t have time to clean your baseboards, give us a call. Our team can tackle your baseboards, and any other concerns you may have, in no time.