Wondering how to clean baseboards? Without breaking your back? Don’t worry, we have you covered in this detailed guide where we will teach you the best way to clean baseboards.
The Ultimate Baseboard Cleaning Hacks
Cleaning baseboards are probably as much fun as washing laundry. In fact, cleaning at home on your off day is never fun. Think of the many fun activities you could be doing like buying unnecessary things on Amazon Prime or watching Netflix?
Yes, there has to be an easier way to clean baseboards. Dirty baseboards are a bad visual in your home. It is necessary to find a good solution to clean them thoroughly.
No more dirty baseboards
No matter if you vacuum, iron, clean, or wash the dishes those dirty baseboards still show when you walk through the door. Why is it important to clean?
Unfortunately, the sight of dirty baseboards can be a sign of unkemptness to your guests. It is certainly not the impression you want your guests or family to see while visiting.
How often should you clean your baseboards?
Cleaning your baseboards regularly is essential to maintain a clean and tidy home.
The frequency at which you should clean your baseboards depends on various factors, such as the amount of foot traffic in your home, the presence of pets or children, and the overall cleanliness of your living space.
As a general rule of thumb, it is recommended to clean your baseboards at least once every few months. This will help prevent a buildup of dust, dirt, and grime, which can accumulate over time and make your baseboards appear dull and dirty.
However, if you have a busy household with high foot traffic or if you have pets that shed a lot of fur and pet hair, you may need to clean your baseboards more frequently.
In such cases, it is advisable to clean them once a month or even every couple of weeks to ensure they stay looking their best.
Remember, keeping your baseboards clean not only enhances the overall appearance of your home but also contributes to a healthier living environment. So, make it a part of your regular cleaning routine to maintain spotless and inviting baseboards.
The Best Way to Clean Baseboards
The truth is there isn’t one single best way to clean baseboards. When it comes down to it, there a ton of baseboard hacks out there. Let’s take a closer look.
Cleaning Baseboards with the Magic Eraser
One way to clean the baseboards is using a Magic Eraser.
For example, use a bucket of soapy water or a mixture of vinegar and water to dip your Mr. Clean Magic eraser in to clean with. It cleans baseboards easily, and will quickly take off all of the junk that has accumulated on your baseboards.
Dust Your Baseboards to Easily Clean Them
Grab a Swifter or a broom to clean the baseboards.
Simply use the broom to reach in hard places to clean as well. Also, you can use or a dryer sheet to capture dust.
Using a handheld broom is easier to maneuver when wiping them down, although it usually requires you to get on all 4’s, which isn’t always the easiest things for some people.
You can get extra super bonus points if you put a dryer sheet on the end of the stiffer to save your back!
Using dryer sheets not only helps since the sheet acts as a clinging agent to get the dust to cling to the sheet, similar to how the dry Swiffer pads work, but it also adds a nice clean scent to the room.
Another thing to use to dust your baseboards would be an old mismatched sock!
Let’s face it- we all have a few unmatched loner socks in the laundry room. One that we can’t find the match to that we eventually throw away, only to find the matching one a few weeks later.
Well, now, grab one of those lonely socks and wipe down the boards with it. You can put it on your hand and run it down the board, put it on the end of a toilet bowl brush or other long handled brush or hand broom to make sure you can easily reach the boards to remove dust and loose dirt.
Vacuum Your Baseboards
Yup you read that right, just vacuum your baseboards. be sure to take advantage of the vacuum’s attachments (especially the ones with bristles on them) when it comes to cleaning your baseboards.
If you have a powerful enough handheld vacuum cleaner, that may do the trick, but most of the time, a full size vacuum cleaner will have the attachments that make cleaning the baseboards a heck of a lot easier.
Use Wipes to Clean Your White Baseboards
You can use various different wipes to wipe down your wood baseboards. Baby wipes are a cheaper option. If you have young children, chances are you have a pack of baby wipes somewhere that you can use.
It’s an easy way to get things clean without having to run to the store to get some new cleaners.
You could also use Clorox wipes to run along the baseboards to clean them up. Just make sure to remove any loose dirt from the boards before wiping them down with anything wet so you don’t smear the dirt across them.
Then grab a clean microfiber cloth or clean rag to wipe them dry with.
Using wipes of some sort is the easiest way, in my opinion, to get them nice and clean.
Wipe the Corners
Are those corners stubborn or what? You may just need to wipe the corners to get them really clean. You can use just about anything like a microfibre cloth or even a baby wipe or an old toothbrush with a good cleaning solution.
The Best Baseboard Cleaner
If your baseboards need a bit more than just a gentle wipe down, don’t worry, we have the best baseboard cleaners around. I managed to spill a cup of coffee on my baseboards. Don’t ask how!
Castile Soap as Baseboard Cleaner
Castile soap is a mainstay when it comes to natural cleaning products. This is the ultimate cleanser that is water free of chemicals and dyes.
Dr. Bronner’s castile soap is a great option that can be purchased on Amazon, and comes in a wide variety of scents.
To use castile soap to clean baseboards, follow these simple steps:
1. Dilute the castile soap: Start by diluting the castile soap with water. Mix equal parts of castile soap and water in a spray bottle or a bucket.
2. Prepare the baseboards: Before applying the soap mixture, make sure to remove any loose dust or debris from the baseboards by gently wiping down the surface.
3. Apply the soap mixture: Spray the diluted castile soap onto the baseboards or dip a clean cloth or sponge into the soapy water. Make sure to cover the entire surface area of the baseboards.
4. Scrub gently: Using a soft brush or sponge, gently scrub the baseboards to remove any dirt or grime. Pay extra attention to any stubborn stains or scuff marks.
5. Wipe clean: Once you have scrubbed the baseboards, take a clean cloth or paper towel and wipe off the soap residue. This will leave your baseboards looking clean and shiny.
6. Rinse if needed: In some cases, you may need to rinse the baseboards with clean water to remove any remaining soap residue. Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe away the soap, and then dry the baseboards thoroughly.
Remember, castile soap is a natural and non-toxic cleaner, making it safe for use on baseboards. It not only cleans effectively but also leaves a pleasant scent behind. So give it a try and enjoy sparkling clean baseboards!
Old Fashioned White Vinegar and Hot Water
Anytime I’m doing a deep cleaning, I will always have this non-toxic, classic all purpose cleaner on hand.
Using a gallon of warm water with some white vinegar is a safe, cheap way to get a nice good clean done around the house.
Use a cleaning cloth, dunk in mixture, wring out excess water, and wipe down the length of the baseboards, and anything else for that matter. I also like to wipe down the door frames while I’m doing baseboards and this is a great way to get everything nice and clean.
I follow by wiping them down with a dry cloth to remove any excess moisture. But if I’m in a pinch for time, I will turn on the ceiling fans to help dry things faster.
Dawn Dish Soap as Baseboard Cleaner
This is another great cleaner that works really well with a little elbow grease. Although it’s not non-toxic like Castile Soap, it is a common thing that many people have in their household already.
At Organized Mom it’s a toss up as to what we love more, Castile soap or Blue Dawn Dish Soap.
Pour 3 – 4 drops of Dawn dish soap along with warm water to create a good lather.
It is a great way to clean any baseboard back to its original glory.
Lastly, don’t forget to use a microfiber cloth to clean. With these suggestions, you you will have clean baseboards in no time at all!