How to Clean Baseboards

When I first started caring for my own place, I thought cleaning baseboards was an unnecessary task. It didn’t take long to discover that neglected baseboards are pretty gross. The dusty baseboards started to make my whole house feel dirty. That dusty gray film is not a good look.

I’m sorry to be the one to break the news, but baseboards do need to be cleaned regularly. How to clean baseboards and how often you clean them is up to you. I recommend at least once a month, but some people run the vacuum over them every time they clean the floors (admittedly, I’m not that committed).

There are a few different techniques and baseboard cleaning hacks to make this task a little easier, and I’ve tried em’ all. I’ll walk you through the best methods to clean your baseboards and make them sparkle. It’s time to scrub!

How to Clean Baseboards with Vinegar

Tools You’ll Need

• Bucket
• Microfiber cloth
• Vinegar
• Dish soap

Method

Once again, vinegar and dish soap to the rescue. This tried-and-true combination works on floors, walls and yep—baseboards. Fill a small bucket with hot water, then add about 1 cup vinegar and 1/2 teaspoon dish soap. This combination will cut grease and grime without damaging the paint. Dip a microfiber cloth in the cleaning solution, wring out excess water, then wipe down baseboards from top to bottom. Change out the cleaning water as it gets dirty.

This method works, but requires you to scrub while down on your hands and knees. If your baseboards are extra dusty, run a vacuum over them before using the cleaning solution or the excessive dust will soil the water too quickly.

How to Clean Baseboards with Dryer Sheets

Tools You’ll Need

• Vacuum with crevice attachment
• Dryer sheets
• Rubber band

Method

VIA @NICOLE_THENOMAD/TIKTOK

This baseboard cleaning hack, as demonstrated here by @nicole_thenomad is a quick and easy way to dust baseboards. Install the crevice attachment on your vacuum. (It looks like a long hollow tube with an angled tip.) Then, secure a dryer sheet around the end with a rubber band or hair tie. Vacuum the baseboards by running the dryer sheet-topped attachment along the ledge. Periodically check the dryer sheet as you work; when it becomes dirty or tears, adjust the sheet on the vacuum so you’re always using a clean section.

The magic of this method is the dryer sheet not only picks up dust and smells great, it also leaves behind a thin layer of film that repels dust, protecting your baseboards in between cleanings. Keep in mind, this method works best on baseboards with a light layer of dust. It’s not going to help with heavy buildup.

How to Clean Really Dirty Baseboards

If your baseboards are extra dirty with sticky, stubborn grime, use a steam cleaner. It doesn’t matter what type of steam cleaner you use, as long as it has a handheld nozzle attachment that can direct a steady spray of steam onto your baseboards. I recommend this multipurpose steam cleaner, or a steam mop like this with a handheld attachment.

Spray the steam onto your baseboards, then wipe away the dirt and water with a cloth. Work in small sections at a time, taking care not to soak baseboards with too much moisture. The hot steam loosens all that built-up gunk, making it easy to wipe away without scrubbing.