How to Clean White Baseboards?

Hey, you have white baseboards too? I am sure, you might be having a heck of a time keeping them safe from dust and dirt. Compared to any other baseboard, the white one tends to become dirty soon and is very much visible. You might not be a big fan of cleaning but cleaning white baseboard is one task that needs to be scheduled and done every month. Sounds daunting, isn’t it?

No worries, it just sounds daunting but cleaning can be fun. You can keep your white baseboard pretty spic and span with quick cleaning methods. So are you ready for the options? Here are some handy tips for keeping white baseboards as clean as possible

Remove the dry dirt

Using Vacuum – The easy and the effective way of cleaning white baseboards is using a vacuum. You need to attach the vacuum with a brush to remove the dirt and dust from the surface. Use the suction along the baseboard length. Do not forget to clean the crevice (the bottom of the baseboard that meets the floor). 

Using Broom – In case you don’t have a vacuum, don’t worry, even a broom can do a pretty good job. You can rely on the small whisk broom or mini handheld broom to remove the debris. 

Using Paint brush – Even using paint brush is a painless method to remove the dry dust and debris settled on the white baseboard. It will also get the dust out of those tough spots. 

Using Microfiber cloth – You can use some trusty microfiber cloth to wipe down the dust from the baseboard.

Using the sock method  

Clean using an old sock. It may sound a little weird but this is surely an effective way if cleaning the baseboard. What you need to do is:

• Get an old sock
• Now fit in the sock into a disposable toilet wand (even a yardstick can do) 
• You can create a cleaning solution with gentle liquid soap, vinegar and water
• Now dip the sock in the cleaning solution and swipe on the baseboard 

For best results use a cotton sock.

Using baby wipes 

Again a weird cleaning option but yet effective.  If your white baseboard isn’t that filthy, then you can go for cleaning it with a baby wipe. It is actually the best way to clean the baseboard when you are in a hurry.  Even laminate floor can be cleaned with baby wipes.

You only need to ensure that you have enough baby wipes on hand for the cleaning purpose. You can save a lot of water with this cleaning method.

Cleaning with soapy water 

Ingredients – Dishwashing liquid, warm water, lemon (optional)

When it comes to an easy home cleaning solution nothing works better than the old trick of cleaning with soapy water. Dishwashing liquid works excellent on dirty baseboards. 

You just need to blend a little dishwashing liquid with water to clean the scuffed and filthy baseboards. The combination works like a miracle. Only with a little cleaning, you’ll see the difference. Instead of cold or normal water, you can opt for warm water for better results. For an extra boost, just add two drops of lemon. It will work as a cleanser as well as scent.

Clean using vinegar 

Ingredients – Warm water, vinegar

The acetic acid present in vinegar acts as a powerful cleansing substance. And that is why vinegar is a crucial ingredient in home cleaning. Even baseboards can be excellently cleaned using vinegar. 

• Mix 1 cup of vinegar with 5 cups warm water
• Put the blend in a spray bottle or in a bucket (whichever is convenient)
• Spray the mixture on the stains
• Allow the vinegar mixture to settle sometime (10-12 minutes)
• Wipe it off gently with a microfiber cloth or paper towel 
• Repeat the process until the baseboard appears completely clean

DIY cleaning solution 

Ingredients – Warm water, liquid soap, vinegar

Grimmy baseboards? You have no excuse but just follow rigorous cleaning. Sometimes the baseboard picks up a lot of grime and becomes oily and greasy, especially in the kitchen. For such tough, sticky stains prepare a cleaning solution.

• Take a bucket of warm water and mix it with gentle liquid dish soap
• Also, add vinegar to the mixture
• Now dip a melamine sponge or soft clean cloth in the mixture and start scrubbing the scuffs and stains
• Squeeze the excess water before you scrub 
• To remove the stains from the grooves of the trim, use a toothbrush
• Repeat until you completely get rid of the dirt and stains on the baseboards 

Using commercial products

If none of the home cleaning remedies works then it is better to switch to commercial and trusted products that come with a guarantee and doesn’t cause any damage. 

Magic eraser is a good choice for eliminating tough grime. It does a fantastic job of cleaning dirty white baseboards. Your baseboard can shine like before. 

You can also go for commercial cleaning solutions. Use the store bought cleaner as per the instructions given by the manufacturer. 

How to clean the crannies?

To clean the crannies, use a cotton swab. Dip it into any cleaning solution (soapy water or vinegar one). Clean the crevice between the bottom of the baseboards and your floor and also the top of the baseboards. Continue until the crannies appear super clean. 

How to keep the baseboards dirt-free?

Regular cleaning will work wonders. Protect the baseboard from dry dust by rubbing them with a dryer sheet. This will ensure your baseboards are protected and remain clean as long as possible. 

Simply dry brush the dust daily or at least twice in a week, so that the dust doesn’t get over sticky and it becomes difficult to clean. Make sure you clean all those nooks and crannies and stop the dust from spreading.   

Now that you have learned so many methods of cleaning the baseboards, you can effortlessly do it like a pro. However, you can get annual cleaning done by a professional if the stains become really stubborn or you are unable to clean the baseboards.