Skirting boards are a critical part of home decor as they frame the bottom of your wall. In addition to protecting your walls from scuff marks and cracks, they can also accentuate your living space’s appearance. Skirting boards come in all sorts of shapes and styles, and with the right tools and know-how are easy to install.
However, when skirting boards are dirty, they can become a real eyesore and detract the overall look of your interior. The good news is cleaning them is relatively straight-forward and shouldn’t take you a lot of time.
But what is the best way to clean skirting boards? This How-to Guide will help you clean your skirting boards effectively and efficiently, whether they’re covered in dust or grime. By the time you’re finished, they’ll not only look brand new but smell great too!
Is your Canberra unit in dire need of a deep clean before the new tenant moves in? Let Calibre Cleaning’s end of lease service step in so you can get your bond back!
1)How to Clean Skirting Boards with Dusting Methods
If your skirting boards are more prone to collecting dust than being covered with grime and dirt, there are a few methods you can use for its quick removal.
Using a Feather Duster for Surface Dust
Perhaps the most convenient and common way to remove dust from skirting boards is by using a feather duster. You can do this by applying a steady, consistent stroke across the board’s surface, taking care not to push any debris into the cracks.
When buying a feather duster, choose one with an extendable handle. This way you don’t have to bend down too far to reach the boards.
Other alternatives include a Soft bristle Broom or Paintbrush. Both are effective at reaching deep into the board’s crevices to remove any stubborn dust particles. Just be careful not to gouge the skirting board with your bristles as going too hard can chip off the paint.
How to Clean Your Skirting Board Using Your Vacuum
Another way to remove dust from skirting boards is by using a vacuum cleaner. You can do this either by using the soft brush attachment to go over the board’s surface or suck up any dirt with the vacuum’s hose.
If your vacuum has a crevice tool, you can use this to get into the tight spaces in between boards. Just be sure to go around the skirting board several times so no stubborn dirt is left behind.
2) Cleaning Skirting Boards with the Wet Cleaning Method
When it comes to grease, and grime, there is no better solution than wet cleaning. However, before you start, we recommend dusting them using the methods mention above. This will make the cleaning process more efficient and ensure you don’t push the dirt and grime back into the boards.
Wet Wipes for a Cost-Effective Skirt board Clean
If your skirting has multiple stubborn stains, using wet wipes is a budget-friendly and convenient way to spot clean the boards. You can easily purchase wet wipes at most supermarkets or convenience stores.
Spot clean by wiping over the stained area, then dispose of the wipe. Scented baby wipes can also be used, which leave your boards looking clean and smelling fresh.
All-Purpose Spray Cleaner to Clean Your Skirting Board
If tough stains still persist, an all-purpose spray cleaner can be used as a skirting board cleaner. With your spray, grab a sponge and paper towels to start the job. Spray the cleaner onto the sponge, then wipe it over the skirting board.
Wipe away excess liquid and repeat the process until your boards are immaculate. Once finished, use a dry cloth to remove excess liquid and ensure skirting boards are completely dried. The sponge shouldn’t be soaked, as yout cleaner can seep into cracks and crevices and damage the material. This is even more prevalent with boards that haven’t been sealed with primer.
How to Clean Your Skirting Board using Water and Soap
Don’t want to run to the store with no all-purpose spray at home? A water and soap solution can work wonders on most surfaces, including skirting boards.
Mix water and soap in a bucket, then dip the sponge into the mixture and wring it out thoroughly. Wipe across the board’s surface and repeat the process until your boards are completely clean. When finished, wipe away any foam left behind by your sponge with a slightly damp cloth, and use a microfibre cloth to dry the boards.
White Vinegar to Clean Your Skirting Boards
If natural ingredients are your go-to when cleaning, you can use white vinegar to clean your skirting boards. Vinegar has powerful cleaning properties that can help remove dirt and even limescale.
Begin by mixing 1 cup of white vinegar with warm water, then dip your sponge or cloth into the solution. Wipe the boards, then use a damp cloth to remove any excess liquid. Finish by drying the boards with a microfibre cloth. Although this method is highly effective in cleaning, it does have a strong vinegar smell that may not be desirable. If you are using this method, open a window for ventilation.
Bleach and Polish Your Skirting Board for a Shiny Finish
Sometimes, simply using soap and water is not enough for the toughest stains. If this is the case, you can use bleach and polish as a last resort to get your skirting boards clean.
Because bleach is such a potent cleaning agent, be sure to protect your skin by wearing gloves and a face mask to avoid breathing in their fumes. You’ll also want to read and follow all safety instructions on the bleach and polish containers, along with guidelines to prevent damage to your skirting boards or flooring.
The bleach works to break down the grime on your skirting boards, while the polish works as a gloss enhancer that brings out its shine. However, if done incorrectly, you may end up with dull and damaged skirting boards, so please use caution when using bleach and polish.
How to Clean Your Skirting Boards with A Steam Cleaner
If you happen to have a steam cleaner lying around, you’re in luck! Steam cleaners are highly effective for removing smudges and dirt from various surfaces. They also don’t rely on chemicals like harsh cleaning agents, which cause fumes and are hazardous.
However, to be safe, we recommend testing the steam cleaner on a small, inconspicuous area of your skirting board to ensure no damage is done to your paint.
To use a steam cleaner, simply turn it on and let it heat up, then attach the nozzle to the cleaner and steam away! The steam works to soften stains, which can be wiped away effortlessly.
Professional Cleaning Detergents
For a deep clean that brings out the shine, you might want to consider using a professional cleaning detergent. Although these are more expensive than household cleaners, they can make quick work of muck, grime, and built-up grease. Just read the instructions carefully and follow all safety precautions, as many professional detergents are hazardous.
If you have wooden skirting boards, you can buy a special wood cleaner and polisher that will help to protect the wood and keep it looking new. For skirtings with acrylic based paint, clean with a household grade degreaser.
How Often Should You Clean Your Skirting Board?
Skirting boards typically get overlooked when cleaning as they’re often at floor level and can be easily missed. As such, you should dust and clean skirting boards several times a year. Once every 3 to 6 months is ideal for most households.
However, for skirting boards prone to dust and for residents suffering from allergies, you should clean them more regularly. Households with pets and smokers are also advised to clean their skirting boards more often, as the build-up of pet hair and smoke residue can be challenging to remove.
Quick Tips on Cleaning Skirting Boards
In addition to using the methods above, consider these quick tips when it comes to cleaning your skirting boards:
Try Using Tumble Dryer Sheets
If your skirting boards are clean but have a lingering smell, try using a tumble dryer sheet. Tumble dryer sheets are packed with antibacterial properties and are perfect for repelling odours and dust, so you don’t need to clean as frequently. They also leave a fresh scent behind and make your room smell great.
Sure, using a tumble dryer sheet isn’t conventional, but it will give your skirting boards a shiny and new look!
How to Clean Skirting Boards without Bending Down?
There’s a common misconception that cleaning skirting boards can only be cleaned by bending down, which can be a real pain if you have back problems or joint pain. While this is true for deep cleaning methods, you can use a baseboard mop to remove all the dust.
A baseboard mop is a great skirting board cleaner tool, featuring a long handle with a flexible pad attached. You can run this pad across the skirting boards, and the handle of the mop will allow you to clean without actually having to bend down.
Clean with Cotton Buds
Using cotton buds to clean your skirting boards may not be efficient, but they’re great at getting into corners, folds and tight spaces. They’re surprisingly effective and can quickly gather dust and dirt for a cleaner finish.
Looking to make your home pet-friendly? Read this!
Cleaning Made Easy with Calibre Cleaning
If your skirting boards could do with a good scrub or your home in general needs a deep clean, let Calibre Cleaning’s experts step in and handle the chores. We use the latest cleaning technology to thoroughly remove dirt and grime, ensuring your surfaces, skirting boards and everything in between is left looking and smelling amazing.
To book a free, no-obligation consultation, call us on 1300 991 368 or book a session on our booking page. We offer various services, such as carpet cleaning, bathroom cleaning and oven cleaning, so you can be sure to find the most suited one for you and your home. We provide professional services for house cleaning in Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Gold Coast, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney. We also offer End of lease or bond cleaning in Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Gold Coast, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney.