How to Clean Baseboards: 7 Easy Hacks

Let’s face it—cleaning baseboards is one of those tasks that’s easy to forget about but makes a huge difference when done. In my years of running a house cleaning business, I’ve seen baseboards in every condition you can imagine, from dusty and grimy to full-on scuffed and stained. Whether you notice them or not, dirty baseboards can drag down the look of your entire room. Luckily, cleaning them isn’t as hard as it seems when you know the right hacks!

In this article, I’m sharing my top seven easy and effective hacks to get your baseboards spotless without breaking a sweat. Whether you’re prepping for guests or just trying to give your home a fresh look, these tips will make your baseboards look brand new.

1. Dust First with a Microfiber Cloth or Duster

Before you do anything else, dust those baseboards! Dust tends to accumulate quickly on baseboards, especially in high-traffic areas like hallways or near doorways. You might not notice it right away, but it’s definitely there, and if you try to clean them with water or a cleaning solution without dusting first, you’ll end up with a muddy mess.

How to Do It:

• Use a microfiber cloth or duster. These are perfect for picking up dust and preventing it from just being pushed around. If you have a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment, that works too.
• Get low. I like to sit on the floor or use a long-handled duster if you don’t want to bend down.

2. Use Warm, Soapy Water for a Simple Deep Clean

For baseboards that need a deeper clean after dusting, warm, soapy water is one of the best methods. It’s simple, effective, and won’t damage your baseboards like harsh chemicals might. You’d be surprised how much grime builds up on baseboards, especially in kitchens and bathrooms.
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How to Do It:

1. Mix warm water with a few drops of dish soap. You don’t need much—just a mild, gentle cleaner to lift the dirt.
2. Use a sponge or cloth. Dip it in the soapy water, wring it out so it’s damp (not soaking wet), and wipe down the baseboards.
3. Rinse and dry. Wipe away any soap residue with a clean, damp cloth and then dry the baseboards with a towel.

Pro Tip: I recommend doing this every few months, especially in high-traffic areas.

3. Tackle Stubborn Scuffs with a Magic Eraser

Scuffs on baseboards are super common, especially if you have kids or pets. Fortunately, Magic Erasers are perfect for gently scrubbing away scuffs and marks without damaging the paint. They’re my go-to for tougher spots that don’t come off with just soapy water.

How to Do It:

1. Wet the Magic Eraser. Dampen it with water and squeeze out the excess.
2. Scrub gently. Rub the scuffed area using light pressure. You’ll see the marks start to disappear right away.
3. Wipe down. After using the Magic Eraser, wipe the baseboard with a clean, damp cloth to remove any leftover residue.

4. Use Dryer Sheets to Repel Dust

Here’s a trick that will not only clean your baseboards but also help keep them dust-free for longer: dryer sheets! The antistatic properties in dryer sheets repel dust, so once you’ve cleaned your baseboards, give them a quick wipe with a dryer sheet to prevent dust from settling as quickly.

How to Do It:

• Wipe down clean baseboards with a dryer sheet. Just rub the sheet along the length of the baseboard after you’ve cleaned it. The bonus? Your room will smell fresh, too!

Pro Tip: I always recommend this to my clients with pets or in homes where dust accumulates quickly. I’ve used this trick in my own home, and it really does help keep those baseboards cleaner for longer.

5. Use a Paintbrush to Get Into Tight Corners

Baseboards have a lot of nooks and crannies that can be tricky to clean, especially where they meet the floor or corners. A small paintbrush can be a lifesaver for getting into those hard-to-reach spots where dust and grime love to hide.

How to Do It:

• Use a clean, dry paintbrush. A 1- to 2-inch paintbrush works best. Sweep the bristles along the corners and edges to dislodge any dirt or dust.
• Follow up with a cloth. After using the paintbrush, wipe down the area with a microfiber cloth to pick up the loosened dirt.

Personal Experience: I learned this trick while cleaning a home with very intricate baseboards. A client had crown molding that extended all the way to the floor, and a paintbrush was the only thing that could get into all the little grooves. It’s a game-changer for detailed work!

6. Vacuum with a Brush Attachment for Quick Cleaning

Sometimes, you just want a quick clean, especially if your baseboards aren’t too dirty but need a little freshening up. That’s when I pull out the vacuum! Most vacuums have a brush attachment that’s perfect for baseboards.

How to Do It:

1. Attach the brush tool. Most vacuums come with a brush attachment specifically designed for surfaces like baseboards.
2. Vacuum along the baseboards. Gently run the vacuum along the baseboards to suck up dust and dirt.

Pro Tip: If you’re short on time or just doing a quick touch-up before guests arrive, this is one of the fastest ways to freshen up your baseboards without getting on your hands and knees.

7. Use a Vinegar and Water Solution for a Green Clean

For those who love natural cleaning solutions, a simple vinegar and water mix can do wonders on baseboards. Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and works well to cut through grime and grease, especially in areas like the kitchen.

How to Do It:

1. Mix equal parts water and white vinegar. Pour the solution into a spray bottle for easy application.
2. Spray and wipe. Lightly spray the solution on the baseboards and wipe down with a microfiber cloth or sponge.
3. Dry the baseboards. Use a clean cloth to wipe away any excess moisture.

Personal Tip: I used this method in my own kitchen recently, where the baseboards were a bit greasy from cooking. The vinegar cut right through the grime, and it left the area smelling fresh without any harsh chemicals. Plus, it’s a budget-friendly option!

Final Thoughts

Cleaning your baseboards doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With these seven easy hacks, you can keep them looking fresh and dirt-free with minimal effort. Whether you're dusting regularly, scrubbing away stubborn scuffs, or using natural cleaning solutions, a little maintenance goes a long way in making your home feel polished and tidy.

But if life gets busy and you need an extra hand, Scrubishly is here to help! Our professional cleaning service can tackle the areas you don’t have time for, from baseboards to the rest of your home. Let us handle the hard-to-reach spots so you can enjoy a clean, clutter-free space without the hassle. Contact us today for a deep clean that leaves your home sparkling!

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