Skirting boards are a love home interior element, which provides our walls with a stylish finish and can mask different imperfections along the wall bottoms. Skirting cleaning is essential to maintaining a clean, tidy and hygienic home. Follow the steps below to get the job done effectively.
Step-by-step instructions on cleaning skirting boards
Step 1: Gather the necessary items. A vacuum with a soft bristle brush or brush attachment, a microfiber cloth or sponge, a pail of warm water, a light detergent or other suitable cleaning solution, and a dry cloth or towel are all required.
Step 2: Prepare the area. Remove furniture and objects near the skirting board to make cleaning easier.
Step 3: Dust the skirting board. First, remove dust and debris from the baseboard. Use a soft-bristled brush or gently sweep with a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment. Reach corners and crevices.
Step 4: Stain cleaning. If there are stubborn stains or marks on the skirting board, dampen a microfiber cloth or sponge with warm water, moisten with a small amount of mild detergent or cleaning solution and rub gently to remove the stain. Avoid excessive moisture during this process to avoid damaging the baseboard.
Step 5: All skirting boards should be cleaned. Fill a bucket halfway with warm water and add a little detergent or cleaning solution. Squeeze excess liquid off a microfiber cloth or sponge and carefully clean the baseboard from top to bottom. Take extra care in areas where dirt collects, such as around doors.
Step 6: Rinse and dry. When cleaning is complete, rinse the cloth or sponge with clean water and wring it thoroughly. Clean the baseboards again to remove any residual detergent or cleaning solution. Finally, wipe the baseboards with a dry cloth or towel to remove excess water.
In addition to regular and proper cleaning, preventive maintenance is also essential. To keep skirting boards clean, you should dust them regularly and wipe them with a microfiber cloth or sponge. This will prevent dirt build-up and make future cleaning easier.
The best way to clean skirting boards
The best way to clean skirting boards depends on the material. Some general tips for cleaning the most common skirting materials are listed below.
Wooden skirting boards
Use a soft bristle brush to dust thoroughly. Avoid excessive use of water as this can damage the wood. Use a microfiber cloth or sponge slightly dampened with water or a mixture of water and a mild wood cleaner.
Painted skirting boards
Remove dust and debris with a soft bristle brush or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment. A mixture of warm water and mild detergent is adequate for routine cleaning.
Vinyl or PVC skirting boards
These materials are more durable and can withstand light moisture. Remove dust from the baseboard, then wipe with a microfiber cloth or sponge dampened with the solution.
Metal skirting boards
Dust baseboards using a brush or a vacuum cleaner. Use a mild all-purpose cleaner or a mixture of warm water and mild detergent to remove fingerprints, dirt and stains. Apply the solution to a microfiber cloth or sponge and gently wipe the skirting boards.
Before cleaning these skirting boards, always test the cleaning solution and method on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure it will not cause damage or discolouration.
Skirting cleaning frequency
The frequency of baseboard cleaning depends on several factors, such as people coming and going, indoor air quality and preferences. However, it is generally recommended by move out cleaning companies to include baseboard cleaning in your regular cleaning routine.
Light cleaning
Dust baseboards once or twice a week, especially in areas with low foot traffic or where dirt and debris are unlikely to accumulate on baseboards.
Regular cleaning
More thorough cleaning of skirting boards, such as wiping with a damp cloth or sponge, can be done once a month or every two months.
Areas with high footfall or pets
Households with high footfall or pet dander will require more frequent baseboard cleaning. Weekly or bi-weekly cleaning is necessary to prevent dust, hair and dirt build-up.
Seasonal deep cleaning
You should clean your skirtings as part of a seasonal deep clean. This involves a more intensive cleaning, including removing stains, dirt and grime accumulated over time.
How to clean your baseboards?
To save yourself a lot of time and effort, try some of these methods:
- Extension tools. Buy a telescopic duster or a baseboard cleaner with a long handle. These tools allow you to reach and clean baseboards without bending down or kneeling.
- Microfiber mop or mop pad. Attach a microfiber mop or pad with a long handle to a mop or broom.
- Vacuum cleaner with attachment. Use a brush attachment or narrow crevice tool on the vacuum cleaner to remove dust and debris from the baseboards.
- Magic Eraser or Sponge Mop. Attach the head of the Magic Eraser or Sponge Mop to a long-handled mop or broom. Dampen the eraser or sponge mop with a suitable cleaning solution and gently wipe the baseboards while standing.
Even when using these methods, it is advisable to check the skirting boards regularly to ensure they are free of stubborn dirt and stains. Use more targeted approaches, such as spot cleaning with a cloth or sponge if necessary.
What is the best way to clean MDF skirting boards?
You should clean medium-density fiberboard skirting boards gently to avoid damaging the material. The best way to achieve this is to follow these steps.
Step 1: Dusting. Remove dust and debris from the MDF skirting board. Use a brush or a vacuum cleaner to sweep away dirt gently. Reach corners and crevices.
Step 2: Wipe with water. Prepare a mixture of warm water and mild washing-up liquid or mild all-purpose cleaner for routine cleaning. Dampen a microfiber cloth or sponge with the solution, squeeze out excess liquid and gently wipe the MDF baseboard.
Step 3: Spot cleaning. Make a paste by mixing baking soda and water for stubborn stains or marks. Apply to the affected area, leave for a few minutes and then rub gently with a soft cloth or sponge.
Step 4: Dry thoroughly. After cleaning, dry the MDF skirting boards thoroughly with a clean cloth or towel.
Can you use sugar soap on baseboards and skirting boards?
Yes, you can use sugar soap to clean baseboards and skirting boards. It is a cleaning solution usually used for pre-painting, but it can effectively remove dirt, grease and grime from various surfaces, including baseboards and skirting boards.
To use sugar soap for this task, you should dilute it in a bucket of warm water based on the brand-specific recommendations. Once the mixture is ready, apply it to the skirting boards using a soft sponge and brush gently. Rinse the sponge with clean water and use it again to remove the remaining solution. Use a towel or cloth to dry the surface properly.
Conclusion
Cleaning skirting boards requires a small number of equipment and detergents and is usually a straightforward cleaning process. Remember to regularly maintain your kickboards to keep them in pristine condition for longer.