How to Clean Baseboards the Right Way

Baseboards are meant to protect your walls from damage, meaning these panels build up with their fair share of scuffs, dust, stains, and other debris. When your baseboards get dirty, they don't just make the rooms in your home look less tidy, but dirt and grime can also damage baseboards over time. Regular cleaning helps preserve the integrity of the baseboards and prolong their lifespan.

How Often to Clean Your Baseboards

How often you clean your baseboards depends on the level of foot traffic in your home. As a general rule, it's recommended to clean your baseboards once a month to prevent dust and dirt buildup. If you have allergies or pets that shed a lot, you may want to clean them more regularly.

To make this chore easier, incorporate baseboard cleaning into your regular cleaning routine. "For example, you could clean them whenever you vacuum or mop the floors in your home," says Alicia Sokolowski, the president and co-CEO of AspenClean. "It will help ensure they stay relatively clean and do not accumulate too much dirt and grime between more thorough cleanings."

Materials Needed

Make sure you have these materials on hand when cleaning your baseboards

• Vacuum with the brush attachment
• Microfiber cloths
• Sink or bucket
• Bowl
• Warm water
• Dish soap
• Distilled white vinegar
• Baking soda
• Oil-based product (coconut, olive, vegetable oil)

How to Clean Baseboards

Depending on the size of your home, it will take you about one to two hours to clean your baseboards. Dish soap is highly recommended due to its grease-cutting and gentle properties, making it effective for removing dirt without damaging the paint or wood, says Marla Mock, president of Molly Maid, a Neighborly company.

1. Use a vacuum with a brush attachment or a dry microfiber cloth to remove dust from your baseboards.
2. Mix warm water and a few squirts of dish soap in a bucket.
3. Dip a sponge or cloth into the solution and gently wipe down baseboards. Work in sections and dry each area immediately to avoid water damage, especially near wood floors.
4. After washing, use a clean cloth to dry and buff the baseboards for a nice finish.

How to Remove Stains From Baseboards

If your baseboards have stubborn dirt or stains, clean them with a vinegar solution and scrub any problem areas with baking soda, says Sokolowski. 

1. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle or bucket.
2. In a bowl, mix baking soda with a small amount of water until it forms a thick paste.
3. Spray the vinegar solution directly onto a microfiber cloth.
4. Apply the baking soda paste to any dirty or stained areas. 
5. Wipe down the baseboards and gently scrub the stains;
6. Rinse your microfiber cloth and go over the baseboards again, removing any remaining residue.
7. Use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe down the baseboards one last time.

How to Remove Scuffs From Baseboards

Oil-based products are a great way to remove scuffs from baseboards, says Sokolowski.

1. Apply a small amount of oil-based product such as coconut, olive, or vegetable oil onto the scuff marks.
2. Let it sit for a few minutes to penetrate the scuffs.
3. Gently rub the scuffs with a microfiber cloth or sponge.
4. Wipe away any excess oil and scuff marks with a damp cloth.

Tips for Maintaining Your Baseboards

To maintain the beauty of your baseboards, regular maintenance is a must. "Always make baseboard cleaning part of your routine housekeeping to keep your home looking its best," says Mock. Paint can also go a long way when it comes to the condition of your baseboards. "When choosing paints for baseboards, consider oil-based or alkyd-acrylic for durability and ease of cleaning," she says. To keep dust at bay, buff your baseboards with a dryer sheet.