What Are Baseboards And Why Should I Clean Them?
- The wood or fiberboard trim that runs along the seam where the wall meets the floor is known as a baseboard. A baseboard gives a space a defined, tidy appearance, much like the frames that surround your doors and windows or the crown molding that links the wall and ceiling.
- A baseboard protects the bottom of the wall from furniture, shoes, and other objects that could bump or scratch this delicate area in addition to being beautiful. Nevertheless, because of their positioning, they are also vulnerable to scratches, scuffs, and—the worst baseboard headache—falling dust.
- Understanding how to clean baseboards will maintain the aesthetic appeal of your home and care for the crucial divider between your floorboards and walls.
Prep Your Baseboards For Cleaning
- Start by examining the baseboards to see if they are painted or stained. Check the baseboards for the sort of paint sheen that the previous painters used if they have been painted. Popular alternatives for baseboard paint include semi-gloss or high-gloss paints. Depending on the paint kind on your baseboards, you'll need to pick the appropriate cleaning supplies. Similarly, if you're working with a stained variety of wood, it's advisable to use a wood-safe cleaning.
- Always start at the top and work your way down when cleaning. Otherwise, you'll have to repeatedly clean the bottom of the room as debris falls from the ceiling. The same rule applies to your baseboards. Before tackling the floor and baseboard, be sure to thoroughly clean all ceiling fans, ceilings, walls, and shelves.
Different Ways Of Cleaning Baseboards Without Damaging Paint
Between removing a thin coating of dust and thoroughly cleaning your baseboards, there is a considerable difference. Dust your baseboards as frequently as you vacuum each area to keep them looking fresh. Thorough cleanings typically only need to be done once every few months.
Way 1: Vacuum With A Brush Attachment
Start by getting rid of the big dust bunnies, grit from your shoes, and occasionally appearing cobwebs on baseboards. A little brush attachment is a common element of vacuum cleaners, and it attaches to the main rod at the bottom. Use the vacuum brush to clean any cracks in the pattern as well as the top and bottom of your baseboards.
Way 2: Dust With A Long Microfiber Mop
If you don't have a vacuum on hand or the vacuum misses the sheen of dry dust on its surface, flat microfiber mops are an excellent way to pick up any loose dust. Go down at eye level with the baseboard before using the microfiber cloth for a closer clean if the mop can't reach all the cracks.
Way 3: Dust With A Dryer Sheet
Here's a clever tip to use throughout your cleaning rounds: Dryer sheets can take the place of microfiber dust-free cloths and prevent future dust accumulation. Your baseboard is left with a static-repelling residue from the dryer sheet that prevents dust from accumulating straight away. After cleaning the baseboard with the vacuum, run the sheet down it by hand. You can also attach it to the end of a flat mop to minimize bending.
Way 4: Wipe Down With Dish Soap
Both stained wood and painted baseboards can be cleaned using a dish soap and warm water mixture (a few drops in a gallon of water will do). Use the cleaning cloth and the moist solution to remove any sticky buildup, scuff marks, or tenacious grit that persisted after dusting. If your baseboards are supported by hardwood floors, using the gentle solution is also secure; just be careful to prevent water from collecting on the floor.
Way 5: Make A Vinegar Solution
Vinegar may be used in many inventive ways around the house, and baseboards benefit greatly from a vinegar-water combination. It works best to combine one gallon of warm water with half a cup of white distilled vinegar. Even a few drops of dish soap can be added to help remove tough stains. Before washing the entire baseboard, try a small amount of the solution in a discreet location because vinegar can be harsh on unsealed wood. Like previously, keep the water from running down and collecting on the flooring, especially if they are made of hardwood.
Way 6: Use A Clean Sock
There are lots of entertaining methods to attempt if you lack cleaning supplies. Put a clean sock on the end of a broomstick that you're willing to sacrifice in your cleaning cabinet, for instance. Rubber bands should be sufficient. If you have a thin dish towel or cleaning cloth on available, you can also use those. For a quick dusting, simply run the sock down the baseboards. For a deeper clean, dampen it with a cleaning solution. The purpose behind the sock trick? If you don't have a mop, it helps you avoid stooping or crawling on the ground.
Way 7: Using Commercial Cleaners
Only if the bottle says it is safe on porous materials are all-purpose and oil-based wood cleaners suitable for painted and stained wood baseboards. Frequently, the cleaner will instruct you to use a moist cloth or to dilute the solution. Before cleaning the entire board, test each new product in a small area, just like you did with the vinegar solution.