Cleaning our skirting boards can be one of those jobs that we easily overlook. ‘Because they are not an item we use often or a space we look at regularly, they tend to get forgotten about. However, if they you don't get cleaning for some time, they can gather quite a bit of dirt and dust, which isn’t the look you’re likely wanting to achieve in your home,’ notes Olivia Young, Cleaning Expert and Product Development Scientist at Astonish.
‘After all, if you’re spending time cleaning other areas throughout your home – you don’t want dusty skirting boards to ruin your hard work!’
If you have been wondering how to clean skirting boards, we asked the experts for their top tips and hacks to quickly and easily have your skirting boards looking their best in a matter of minutes.
So, if you haven’t given your skirting boards a clean in some time, here are some of the experts’ favourite ways to get them gleaming.
How to clean skirting boards
Before you start cleaning, you’ll first want to determine which cleaning method is best for the type of skirting boards that you have in your home.
For example, if you have metal or PVC skirting boards these will be able to ‘withstand a little more moisture,’ notes Fantastic Services’ house cleaning expert and supervisor Petya Holevich. While you want to avoid using too much water or liquids on wooden or painted skirting boards.
‘Before you clean any of these skirting board materials, always test any cleaning solution or method on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure it doesn't cause damage or discolouration,’ advises Petya.
1. Dust and vacuum skirting boards
'Dusting and vacuuming is a popular way to clean skirting boards efficiently. A feather duster and a long vacuum attachment are recommended – so there’s no need to bend down or kneel on the floor,' the experts at MyJobQuote.co.uk advise.
'To begin, use the vacuum to get rid of any large build-up of dust from the skirting boards, then grab the feather duster to clean any awkward spots and angles.'
It’s advised that you do this every few weeks to prevent a large build-up of dust and cut down on cleaning times.
2. Wash with soap and warm water
'This is the standard way to clean your skirting boards, and it works!' say the MyJobQuote.co.uk experts. 'You can scrub off any built-up dirt and grime, and get rid of any scuff marks too, leaving your skirting boards looking shiny and new.'
Make sure to wring out your cleaning cloth or sponge, ensuring it’s slightly damp rather than soaking wet, to avoid damaging your skirting boards.
'If getting on your hands and knees to scrub the skirting boards is putting you off cleaning them, it’s worth investing in a baseboard mop. It’s perfect for reaching those difficult angles while standing.'
3. Use sugar soap
‘You can use sugar soap to clean skirting boards,’ says Matthew Harrison, Cleaning Expert at PriceYourJob.co.uk. ‘Sugar soap works very well for cleaning grease, dirt, and grime. It’s also great for preparing your skirting boards when you want to paint over or refinish them.’
‘Follow the instructions on the sugar soap packaging and dilute the soap in warm water as required,’ Matthew continues. Again, make sure to wring out any excess liquid once you’ve dipped your sponge or clean cloth into the solution.
‘Pay extra attention to any areas with visible stains, dirt, or grease. Apply some pressure on these areas and gently scrub to remove stubborn stains.’ But don’t scrub too vigorously, as this could cause damage to your skirting boards. Then wipe over with ‘a clean, dry cloth or towel to remove any excess moisture from the skirting boards,’ Matthew concludes.
You want to ensure that they are completely dry after using this method, or any which involve applying liquids to them.
4. Try a vinegar solution
‘Vinegar can be a safe but particularly effective household product for removing oil-based marks,’ says Anna Elkington, Home Expert from Melody Maison. ‘Combine one part warm water with one part white vinegar and use a sponge to lightly scrub any stains’.
‘This method not only cleans but also acts as a natural disinfectant,’ says Unclutterer’s Chief Editor Ava Wilson.
5. Create a baking soda paste
‘Baking soda is another natural cleaning agent that can effectively clean skirting boards,’ reveals Brenna Ryan, Senior Marketing Executive at Victorian Plumbing.
‘Make a paste by mixing one part baking soda with two parts water. Apply this paste to your skirting boards, allowing it to sit for about 30 minutes. Afterwards, scrub the skirting boards clean with a damp cloth.’
6. Use damp rubber gloves
‘You may have heard the handy hack of using damp rubber gloves to remove pet hair from furniture, but did you know the same trick works on dust on the tops of your skirting boards?’ asks Laura Marsden, cleaning expert at Marigold.
Simply fill a bowl or bucket with warm soapy water and pop on a pair of rubber gloves. Then ‘dip your gloved fingers into the water, shake off any excess and run your finger along the top of the skirting board,’ Laura instructs. ‘The damp gloves attract the dust, so it sticks to them- then simply rinse the gloves in the warm soapy water. And repeat.’
7. Wipe with tumble dryer sheets
The experts suggest this alternative method. Saying, 'This cleaning method isn’t so conventional as soap and water, but it’ll leave your skirting board with an amazing, shiny finish. Rubbing down clean skirting boards with a tumble dryer sheet will prevent dust and debris from sticking thanks to the static it creates.'
It’s recommended you do this every couple of months to help reduce the build-up of dust.
8. Grab a Magic Eraser
'If your skirting boards have tough to remove scuff marks Magic Erasers are your perfect tool, and they can be used all around your house too. This ingenious cleaning invention is used to remove grime and scuff marks and will leave your boards looking shiny,’ according to the experts at MyJobQuote.co.uk.
9. Pick up a paintbrush
A paintbrush is not just for painting, it turns out. 'A small, thin, dry paintbrush can get rid of dust in any intricate spots as well as the top of the skirting boards. It gets deep into any folds or grooves to ensure your skirting boards are entirely dust-free!' say the experts.
'It’s always best to use a mixture of wet and dry methods to completely clean your skirting boards. Making sure your skirting boards are dust-free before you scrub them with soap and water will really give them an immaculate finish.'
10. Get into every nook and crevice with cotton buds
'Cotton buds are perfect for getting into those deep corners, folds, and tight spots. They pick up a lot more grime than you expect and can make a difference to the overall finish' the experts at MyJobQuote.co.uk continue.
11. Finish with baby oil
Another item that you may already have in your home that can be used in your cleaning routine is one you may not have thought of using in that manner. ‘After cleaning, apply a small amount of baby oil to a soft cloth and buff the skirting boards,’ Ava advises.
‘This will give them a nice shine and also act as a dust repellent.’
FAQs
How often should we be cleaning our skirting boards?
‘We usually recommend giving them a dust every other week to keep on top of any build-up, and doing a deeper clean once a month to remove any scuffs or grease marks,’ Sue Caldwell, Clean Living International’s Ambassador, declares.
Anna agrees with this. ‘It is recommended to dust or hoover your skirting boards at least once every two weeks,’ she announces. ‘This is a quick task that will help prevent a build up of dirt in the long run. If you start noticing stains on your skirting boards it is important to try to remove these as quickly as possible as the longer they are left the harder they may be to remove.’