You Should be Cleaning Your Baseboards More Often

Sara Rodrigues
·1 min read

Spring cleaning season is officially here and this oft-forgotten spot is key to a sparkling home: baseboards. While we focus on decluttering and buying that new auto-emptying vacuum to keep floors shining, sneaky floor-level moldings collect dust and stains to keep you from a fresh start. Luckily cleaning baseboards is as easy as giving them a quick wash and we've got the tips you need to keep them stain-free.

Materials

  • Vacuum

  • Water

  • Dish soap

  • Sponge

  • Microfiber cloth

  • Melamine sponge

Wipe down your space

Using a narrow vacuum attachment, vacuum up all the lingering dust and build-up from the baseboards. Wipe down with a cloth for any sticky dust bunnies that may get trapped.

Mix 1 tablespoon of dish soap with 1 cup of water in a bowl or measuring cup. Use a sponge to scrub the soap mixture into the boards. Then, dampen a microfiber cloth to rinse off the excess soap. Dry with a clean cloth and wipe down any extra water off of floors.

Treat stains

If soap and water won't erase all the damage, use a melamine sponge. Magic Eraser–style sponges help to buff out tougher stains and scuff marks. Wash with soap and water, rinsing with a microfiber cloth again. Dry with a clean cloth.

For baseboards that are discolored or chipped, wood filler and a fresh coat of paint can bring them back to life. Follow our handy guide to painting seamless color on any kind of wall surface.

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