6 Simple Tricks to Make Your Baseboards Sparkle
Look down, yes, all the way down to your walls. Have you treated your baseboards to a little cleaning love lately? Those inconspicuous horizontal lines are more likely than you think to accumulate dust, dirt, smudges, or even pet hair. Walk into an immaculate room and notice a dirty border? Complete vibe killer!
The upside? Headboards don’t necessarily going to have to be scoured with back pain inducing moves or fancy cleaning tools. In fact, with some smart ideas and other household cleaning supplies, achieving a fresh-from-the-factory look for your baseboards is just a matter of minutes. Whether getting set for company, ending a deep cleaning, or just not being able to bear those corners filled with dust any longer-will get you on track to cleaning baseboards like the pros! Ready to take your cleaning game to the next level and finally give the baseboards some love? Let’s jump right into the easy solutions!
1. A Thorough Dry Dusting Is the First Step
The first thing to clean in any cleaning process is to get rid of any loose dust or dirt using dry dusting techniques as per Bond Cleaning Brisbane. From here, the rest of the cleaning process becomes more manageable and efficient. Gently gliding a microfiber cloth across the baseboards or vacuuming dust and pet hair with the brush attachment works wonders. In hard-to-reach areas, a long-handled duster or a small paintbrush could come in really handy. Dusting should be done from top to bottom, and it should always be completed before mopping floors-just so you don’t need to mop again.
2. Clean Thoroughly with Soapy Water
When dusting is over, kick off the smudges and sticky grime using warm, soapy water. Drop a couple of pieces of dish soap into a bucket full of warm water. Whilst having your microfiber cloth or rag soaking in the cleaning solution, wring out the excess so it doesn’t drip and wipe off your baseboards clean. This is to say that cleaning calls for a little bit of gentle pressure; any scouring or scrubbing will only damage the surface. Also, softly weathering brush action with a soft bristle toothbrush could be employed to treat those stubborn areas, never really touching the good paint. Have a clean, dry cloth ready to wipe off whichever solution remains so the baseboards avoid any water damage, especially if they are painted or have wooden finishes.
3. Say Goodbye to Stubborn Stains with a Magic Eraser
Matching with scuffs, shoe prints, or stains impervious to soap and water, the scenario demands a magic eraser to be your best friend. These sponge-like tools possess just enough abrasiveness to wipe out tough stains while being fairly safe on most paint finishes. Just moisten your eraser with a little water, then lightly rub the stained area until the mark disappears. Try an inconspicuous area first to be sure it doesn’t dull the paint or finish in any way. Keep the pressure light and do not abuse them with heavy scrubbing.
- Keep Dust Away with Dryer Sheets
If the cleaner had been placed on the baseboards, followed by a light rub with a dryer sheet, then that would keep the baseboards cleaner for a longer period. Dryer sheets contain substances that repel dust, pet hairs, and other particles because of the anti-static properties, and as such, they will not require as often cleaning. Bonus: It’ll leave behind a really nice scent. For those sensitive to fragrances, go for fragrance-free dryer sheets so they can reap the dust-repelling perks without all the aroma.
5. Vinegar to Cut Through Grease
Baseboards in kitchens or near vents accumulate greasy buildup that soapy water just not get away with. In such a situation, a vinegar solution does the magic. Mix one part white vinegar with one part warm water in a spray bottle. Now, directly spray on the greasy locations on the baseboard, let the mix sit for a few minutes and then take a dry cloth or sponge and wipe it clean. The vinegar cuts through grease on its own and is a disinfectant too. If the odour is a bit too much for you, drop a few drops of lemon or lavender essential oil for a great aroma and enhanced cleaning.
6. Steam Cleaning for a Professional Touch
A steam cleaner is a worthy investment, especially if you want high-power cleaning without chemicals, in an environment with people prone to allergies or young children. It deep cleans dirt while killing bacteria and allergens sans any. Fasten the small brush head or fabric tool onto your steam cleaner and run it slowly all over the baseboards. Follow very quickly with a dry microfiber cloth to soak up any loosened dirt or moisture. But exercise caution; proceed only if baseboards are sealed or painted, to avoid damage from moisture to the wood underneath.
Bonus Tips to Keep Baseboards Cleaner, Longer
Want to stop the daily or weekly cleaning of those baseboards? Here are a couple of bonus tips. Include cleaning baseboards every month in your cleaning schedule, so no dirt will be able to settle in for months. At least while cleaning, use a small stool or a cushioned garden knee pad for some relief for your back and knees. Well done! Finally, turn it into a family cleaning race. The kiddos can sure bring plenty of encouragement and offer a cloth!
Conclusion: A Small Procedure With a Big Influence
Oftentimes overlooked, having clean baseboards can make a world of difference in the outer appearance of your home. Given these are minor details, they impart a message of cleanliness and care-whether expecting guests, handling routine chores, or preparing for the end of lease inspection. On that note, by simply practising these six easy methods on a regular basis, your baseboards will look fresh and professionally clean with little effort.
So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and give the elongated plinths some care. Your walls and floors will appreciate being tied together with a clean edge.
