Vacuum the carpet, sweep the floors—many of us tackle these chores on a weekly basis, but how often to do you clean your baseboards? Baseboards are often neglected in our cleaning regimens, but the truth is our baseboards collect dust, debris, and stains just like any other area of the home.
Fortunately, baseboards are relatively easy to clean. There are even ways to prevent build-up on baseboards, so you can spend more time tidying other areas of your home, or not cleaning at all. Here are 10 simple baseboard cleaning hacks to help you keep your baseboards clean for the long haul.
Save the Baseboard Until the End
Before you begin dusting and scrubbing your baseboards, make sure you’ve finished the bulk of your cleaning routine. Sweeping and even vacuuming can kick up dust, which often settles on the top of baseboards. Tackle those chores first, then you can finish up with your baseboards.
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Start With a Vacuum
Baseboards are notorious for collecting dust. So before you reach for a stronger cleaning product to tackle any grease or dirt, use a vacuum to address the dust. We recommend using a brush attachment to prevent any scratches on your baseboards.
Choose the Method Based on the Material
There are painted baseboards as well as wood baseboards, and each requires unique cleaning solutions to protect the material. You can also use a combination of vinegar and water, but if you have wood baseboards, choose a cleaning solution that won’t damage the wood stain. When in doubt, use a bowl of warm water mixed with a little dish soap.
Grab Soap, Water, and a Clean Cloth
Once you’ve rid your baseboards of dust, it’s time to clean. Grab a clean cloth and a bowl of warm, soapy water, or your alternative cleaning solution. Dip your cloth in the cleaning solution and gently wipe down the baseboards. Be sure to ring out the rag well each time, so you don’t leave too much water on your baseboards, especially wood baseboards.
Try Cotton Swabs and Q-Tips
Baseboards are generally much easier to clean than gas stovetops or toilet bowls, but their tight corners and narrow grooves can make the task of cleaning somewhat challenging. Fortunately, we have hack for you: grab some cotton swabs and Q-tips to access these hard-to-reach places. You can also use canned air to be extra sure you’ve cleaned every nook and cranny.
Use a Degreaser for Tough Kitchen Stains
For baseboards in your kitchen, a little soap and water may not do the trick. Use a degreaser to tackle tough stains and lift up any oil splatters and residue. If you need a little extra scrubbing power, pair the cleaning solution with a toothbrush, but be careful not to brush too hard to avoid scratching the surfaces.
Use Wipes When You’re in a Rush
When your guests are on their way over and you’re scrambling to clean up before they arrive, this is the quick tip to try. Grab a box of cleaning wipes, or even baby wipes, and get to work. You can use these to pick up any dust covering your baseboards and address stubborn stains.
Try a Melamine Sponge
Another popular cleaning tool for baseboards is melamine sponge. These durable cleaners are better known as Mr. Clean Magic Erasers, but the generic version, melamine sponges, are just as effective.
Dry With a Microfiber Cloth
When you’ve finished cleaning with soap, wipes, or any other cleaning solution, make sure you sop up all the leftover water and liquid with a microfiber cloth. Microfiber is a gentle and effective material, so you can keep your baseboards free of scratches, scuffs, and of course, dust.
