March 7, 2023

How to Clean & Protect Your Baseboards

Your standard cleaning list probably includes obvious spots like your floors, counters, and tables. But when was the last time you cleaned your baseboards? Even if the rest of your home is spotless, dirty baseboards can make your space seem dingy and unloved. Plus, if you’re in a small New York apartment, your baseboards are even more noticeable!

Luckily, keeping your baseboards looking spiffy only takes a few minutes and a couple of supplies you likely already have on hand. 

Dust or Vacuum

Start by dusting or vacuuming your baseboards to take care of loose dirt. If it’s been a while since you last cleaned your baseboards, you’ll probably see a difference right away! The brush attachment on your vacuum is ideal for getting in corners and crevices where the baseboards meet the walls and floor.

If you don’t have a vacuum, you can use a broom, handheld mini broom and dustpan set, or a microfiber duster instead. You could even use a new paintbrush to sweep away the dirt between the baseboard and the floor. Any of these tools will be effective at trapping loose dirt and preparing you for the next step: a thorough wipe-down.

Wipe Down

Once the first layer of dirt is gone, you can tackle the stuck-on dirt and grime. To remove stubborn stains or dirt, grab some Lysol wipes. Pay particular attention to baseboards in high-traffic areas like your kitchen and entryway. You’ll likely see grease and food splatters in the kitchen, while in the entry, you’ll be cleaning mud and dirt from outside.

If you want to go the extra mile, you can also wash your baseboards with warm water and dish soap. (Additionally, you can add a bit of vinegar to your solution, but soap and water work just as well.) Wring out your rag to prevent excess water on your baseboards and dry the baseboards with a clean towel afterward.

If your baseboards are stained (rather than painted), look into a store-bought wood cleaner to protect your surfaces. Mix the cleaner according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and if you rent your space, consult with your landlord if you’re not sure about a certain product.

Alternatively, stained wood baseboards can be cleaned with a DIY mixture of ¼ cup of dish soap and a tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add your soap and oil to a bucket of warm water, then use a sponge to apply the mixture to your baseboards. Go slowly and use a small amount of cleaner at a time to reduce messes.

Erase Scuffs

Stubborn scuffs might not come off with regular cleaning. Not to worry! There are ways to get them off without a ton of effort and without risking damage to your baseboards.

Try a Magic Eraser (also called a melamine sponge) for stains that won’t come off with standard cleaning. Magic Erasers require little water and won’t damage the baseboards or remove the paint, so they’re safe to use in rented spaces.

Clean Crannies

Even if the main surface of your baseboards is clean, they might still look dingy if the nooks and crannies haven’t been cleaned.

Remove any dirt remaining in the crevices with a cotton swab dipped in your soap-and-water cleaning solution. You can also use a toothbrush to scrub the trim and grooves along your baseboards. Consider using a kid’s toothbrush; it has soft bristles and is smaller than an adult’s toothbrush, letting you get deep into those crevices.

Protect

All the dirt should now be gone from your baseboards. But you’re not done yet! Adding an extra layer of protection is a quick final step that will save you tons of time in the long run.

To keep your baseboards dust- and dirt-free for as long as possible, run a dryer sheet over them. Dryer sheets prevent static buildup, which can help your baseboards essentially repel dust that would normally stick. This step is especially important if you have pets in your New York home or apartment since it will reduce the amount of hair and fur that sticks to your baseboards!

Upkeep

Now that your baseboards are nice and clean, you want them to stay that way! Thankfully, they don’t take a ton of maintenance once you’ve done your initial deep clean. When cared for properly, your baseboards shouldn’t need to be cleaned more than twice a year.

While you’re cleaning your home regularly, save your baseboards for last. Otherwise, they’ll get dirty again after you dust, sweep, or vacuum. To make sure your baseboards stay clean, give them a quick wipe with a Lysol wipe or damp cloth as part of your regular cleaning routine. It may take an extra 5-10 minutes out of your day, but the results are more than worth it!

If you need to clean one section of your baseboards between your regular cleaning sessions, you don’t have to make an entire bucket of cleaning solution. You can simply grab a disinfectant wipe or even a baby wipe to get the job done.

Finally, if you can’t (or simply don’t want to!) get down on your hands and knees, you can still clean your baseboards effectively. Grab an old sock and put a disposable toilet wand inside. Spray or submerge your sock into your cleaning solution, then simply swipe your makeshift brush along your baseboards. If you dip your sock into the solution, just be sure to wring it out before use.

Let White Glove Cleaner Help

Cleaning your baseboards is a great way to breathe new life into your space, whether you live in a Manhattan apartment or a large home on the outskirts of the city. But the idea of continually cleaning your residence from top to bottom is hardly appealing. Let us help!

Working with an NYC cleaning service saves you time and money. Not only do you have someone else to clean your space, but you also don’t have to purchase cleaning supplies! Plus, when your space is properly cared for, you’re likely to save money on maintenance and repair costs. You’ll also be able to sleep easier at night knowing that you and your family are enjoying a clean home with fewer germs and bacteria.

White Glove Cleaner is proud to serve clients all over New York City, providing comprehensive cleaning services for any room in your home. We offer regular services on a weekly or biweekly basis, as well as special cleanings for events like parties, move-in/move-out services, and more. If you have a sensitivity to standard cleaning solutions, we offer a “green” cleaning service using gentle yet effective products that are safe for kids, pets, and the environment.

All of our cleaners are thoroughly vetted and background checked, and if you wish, you can keep the same cleaner for every visit. We only use the highest-quality cleaning products and are continually looking for ways to improve our services. We’re proud to say that most of our business comes from return clients who trust us with their homes week after week, and we can’t wait for you to become one of them. Contact the team at White Glove Cleaner today to learn more about all of our cleaning services in New York City!