How To Clean Baseboards
Gather the Necessary Cleaning Supplies
An integral part of any cleaning strategy is making a list of cleaning supplies. When you gather everything you'll need beforehand, you'll save time and energy cleaning your baseboards. Here's what you'll need:
Vacuum cleaner
Soft-bristled brush
Bucket
Warm water
Dish soap
Sponge
Dishcloth
Stiff scrub brush
Bath towels
Melamine sponge
Distilled white vinegar
Baking soda
Small stool
If you're cleaning baseboards in multiple rooms, a supply caddie will make the job easier. Load a clean bucket or caddie with soap, sponges, dishcloths, brushes, and other cleaning supplies.
Prepare Your Work Area
Before you begin, move furniture, rugs, or other items that are in the way. Because cleaning baseboards is awkward for all of us, and even painful for some, try cleaning one room at a time. Use a stool or a bucket to sit while you clean. Use a folded towel for extra cushion for your knees. Your towel also comes in handy for cleaning up spills.
Remove Dust and Debris
Plug in your vacuum and attach the brush attachment to the wand.
Slowly and steadily vacuum the baseboards to loosen and capture dust. If your vacuum has a long wand, you can just walk around the house and vacuum the baseboards without bending over. Use a soft-bristled brush to sweep away any dust remaining in the grooves.
Wipe Down the Baseboards With Soap and Water
Fill a bucket with a gallon of hot water and a few squirts of dish soap or a cup of vinegar. Use microfiber cloth and soapy water to wipe down the baseboards. Only work on one small section at a time. Once that section is clean, dry it with a new cloth, and then continue cleaning along the wall. As you clean, avoid letting your cleaning cloth get too wet, and wipe up any water immediately. This is especially important for a room that has a wood floor. Leaving excess water on a wood or laminate floor can cause it to bulge and buckle.
Scrub Stubborn Stains
Mix baking soda with enough water to make a runny paste, and use a stiff-bristled brush to remove scuff marks, buildup, and stubborn stains. Use a damp cleaning cloth to wipe off the baking soda residue before moving on to the next stain.
Buff Your Baseboards
Give your baseboards a beautiful finishing touch by buffing them with a microfiber cloth. For water stains and streaks, dampen the corner of the cloth and rub the area, then buff dry. Add some shine and keep your clean baseboards looking their best by rubbing them with a dryer sheet. The anti-static sheet prevents dust and pet hair from building up and leaves a nice crisp sheen.
Use these techniques to work your way around the room slowly. While cleaning baseboards that have decorative millwork, you may need to scrunch up the cloth and use firm pressure to wipe the creases and grooves.
Bonus Tip: The Best Way to Clean White Baseboards
In the U.S., white baseboards are the norm, but there is a downside. Thanks to the stark contrast, even the slightest stain or scuff mark is magnified. A brilliant white baseboard looks modern, clean, and sharp—unless it's dirty. Here's how to clean baseboards that are ultra-white to bring back the shine:
Mix warm water, dish soap, and white vinegrar in a bucket.
Dip a soft cloth in the cleaning solution and wipe away dust and surface dirt.
Use a melamine sponge dipped in the mixture to scrub away stubborn buildup or stains. Be careful, and only rub with enough pressure to remove the stain because melamine can remove paint, too.
Get into the grooves with a toothbrush dipped in your cleaner.
Wipe down the baseboard with a clean, damp microfiber cloth, then dry it with a towel.
