Baseboards should be cleaned after you have dusted areas above them, such as a ceiling fan, because any dust and hair disturbed above them will eventually land on them. If your floor is dirty and hairy, you should vacuum before washing your baseboards since all that hair and debris will stick to your cleaning cloth and end up back on your baseboards when you’re washing them.
Dust off Your Baseboards
Use a dry microfiber cloth to remove larger visible debris, such as dust, hair, and dead bug carcasses from your baseboards. In case you weren't aware, microfiber carries a positive charge, thus it attracts negatively charged dust like a magnet!
Tip: Make sure your microfiber cloth has split microfibers! This means they'll cling to dirt and debris, making them way better for cleaning. A quick way to know your microfiber cloths is split is if it feels like the cloth is sticking to your hand., then it is split microfiber.
Deep Cleaning Your Baseboards
After you have dusted and removed the looser debris, you'll need to remove harder and more stuck on dirt and grime that has built up over time.
- Use a simple solution of ¼ cup Pinesol or other all-purpose cleaner, mixed in a bucket with a gallon of water.
- Now simply wipe the baseboard with a damp microfiber cloth.
- For extra grimier baseboards, such as those in your kitchen or living rooms, you may need some extra scrubbing power. Use a small brush, such as an old toothbrush, along the edges and in the corners with your cleaning solution.
- Use a wet magic eraser to remove stuck on grime that doesn’t wipe off easily with your wet cloth.
Tip: Fold your microfiber cloth into fourths, this will give you eight cleaning sides when wiping down your baseboards.
If Your Baseboards Have Mold
This issue would be most common in the bathroom, near the tub or shower.
- Create a mold killing solution of the below ingredients. You can mix this in a bucket or use a spray bottle.
- 1/2 Cup Borax
- 1/2 Cup Plain White Vinegar
- 2 Cups Warm Water
- Apply it over the affected area with a microfiber cloth or saturate by spraying from the spray bottle.
- Let it sit for 10 minutes.
- Scrub the baseboard with your magic eraser using the brush to get the mold out of the crevices and corners.
- Repeat the process if necessary.
After application, the mold spores have been killed and the Borax will retard any spores growth on the surface.
Now that they’re clean, you can keep them looking that way by adding a few simple steps to your regular maintenance cleaning. Every time you clean your home, you should dust the baseboards with a Microfiber Cloth or Duster. Dampen a microfiber cloth with just water for any debris that does not come off with the dry microfiber cloth or duster. Knowing how to clean baseboards takes only a few minutes and keeps them looking like new.
Why We Do it This Way
