
Expert shares best ways to clean skirting boards – using tumble dryer sheets is one!
- 1. Dusting and vacuuming skirting boards 'Dusting and vacuuming is a popular way to clean skirting boards efficiently. ...
- 2. Washing with soap & warm water (Image credit: Future PLC/Polly Eltes) ...
- 3. Wipe with tumble dryer sheets The experts suggest this alternative method. ...
- 4. Use a baseboard mop for ease ...
How do you clean skirting boards with a vacuum?
To get the most out of the vacuum, first dust off the skirting boards manually by brushing them with a cloth or a dust brush. Afterwards, vacuum the skirting board to help clean out all the dust possibly missed by the cloth.
Can you bleach skirting boards?
Before you use bleach, make sure you check the manufactures recommendations as you do not want to damage the skirting board and ruin its looks. If all is well, wear gloves and proceed to dunk the cloth into soapy water, mixed in with the bleach.
How often should you clean your skirting boards?
It’s recommended you do this every couple of months to help reduce the build-up of dust. 4. Use a baseboard mop for ease '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.
Are dirty skirting boards bad for Your House?
Dirty skirting boards can make the cleanest of houses look grubby. I have to admit that it’s one of the first places I look in someone’s home if I want to know exactly how clean it is. A house can appear tidy and clean, but it’s areas like the skirting boards that will tell you if a home is well maintained.

What is the fastest way to clean skirting boards?
0:201:47How To Clean Your Skirting Boards | Skirting World - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf you're looking to clean your skirting boards quickly the fastest way to do. So is get some warmMoreIf you're looking to clean your skirting boards quickly the fastest way to do. So is get some warm soapy water and a cloth don't the cloth into the water and squeeze out the excess water.
How can I make my skirting boards white again?
Skirting Boards - Cleaning them the right way Dust your skirting boards with a cloth first. Use the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner. Wipe down surfaces with soap and water. Tackle tough stains with an acidic solution like vinegar, a magic eraser sponge, bleach or polish -just for extreme dirt.
How do you clean grimy skirting boards?
Fill a bucket with warm water and add fabric softener as 'soap'. Dunk a cloth or sponge into it, wring so it's slightly damp rather than wet, then use to wipe away dirt, grime and scuff marks until the skirting is clean and shiny. It'll smell fresh, too.
How do you clean skirting boards without bending down?
'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 advise.
How does Mrs Hinch clean her skirting boards?
Skirting boards can be prone to dust, which is sometimes hard to remove. Dusting and hoovering are popular ways to clean skirting boards, but Mrs Hinch fans recommended using a damp mop. Marie Richardson said: “I use my hoover for the dust and a mop for cleaning.” Claire Woodhams wrote: “Use a damp mop!”
How do you make skirting boards look new?
Step 1: Clear the Floor. Ideally, you want to be painting all the skirting boards in a room at the same time. ... Step 2: Protect the Floor Before Painting Skirting Boards. ... Step 3: Clean, Treat and Sand the Skirting Boards. ... Step 4: Prime and Paint the Skirting Boards. ... Step 5: Remove the Masking Tape.
How often should skirting boards be cleaned?
every 3-6 monthsThe general rule of thumb is give your skirting boards a thorough clean every 3-6 months, however if you live in a very dusty area or an area with alot of construction work around you, you may find they need more regular dusting.
What is the best way to clean paintwork?
Always use soft sponges and cloths to avoid scratching the paintwork. Next, use warm, soapy water (using your mildest cleaning detergent) and a soft sponge to gently clean your walls. Don't oversoak your sponge, as too much liquid could result in water stains being left on your walls.
Can you clean skirting boards with Zoflora?
Mopping and hoovering are popular ways to clean skirting boards, but Mrs Hinch fans recommended using a microfibre cloth and Zoflora. Joanna Griffins said: “I use a microfibre cloth doused in Zoflora. It's the best way dusty skirting boards as it makes the dust stick to the cloth.”
How do you keep skirting boards dust free?
Use a mop dipped in a solution of hot water, dishwashing liquid and white vinegar to gently lift stubborn dust from skirting boards. Kill two birds with one stone and mop the skirting boards every time you mop your floors. This will ensure your skirting boards are permanently dust free!
Should I vacuum or dust first?
When doing your thorough cleaning, dust the room before vacuuming so you can vacuum up the particles that float into the air as you work and settle on the floor.
Can you use bleach on skirting boards?
Cleaning Agents and Bleach It is best to avoid using harsh chemicals on your skirting boards on a regular basis but using sprays or bleaches on more stubborn stains and markings can help when doing a deep clean.
How do you remove yellow from skirting boards?
Unfortunately, yellowing due to oxidation is irreversible and we would recommend sanding, priming and repainting your mouldings with a water-based acrylic paint, which is much less sensitive to discolouration because of the use of a different binder (acrylic).
How do you clean white gloss skirting boards?
0:431:40How To Clean Skirting Boards - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWater add a generous squirt of detergent froth with your hand to create a good soapy mix.MoreWater add a generous squirt of detergent froth with your hand to create a good soapy mix.
What is the best way to clean white paintwork?
Mix three parts of baking or bicarbonate of soda with one part water to create a paste, then apply (gently) with a soft dampened sponge. Wipe clean with a lint-free cloth.
What is white vinegar for cleaning?
Vinegar is a natural disinfectant, which makes it a magical cleaning agent. White vinegar is a magical cleaning agent, praised for its ability to dissolve mineral deposit, bacteria, dirt, grease, and grime.
What is the best way to clean skirting boards?
If simple soap and water fails, a vinegar solution can be the best way to clean skirting boards. The acidic nature of the vinegar will help break down any stubborn residue, and get rid of nasty marks. Here’s how to clean baseboards with vinegar:
What to use to clean baseboards?
Once you’ve got rid of all of the dust, you’ll need to decide what to use to clean the baseboards. As with a lot of cleaning solutions, the best skirting board ideas are simple, and often all you’ll need is a little soapy water:
Do you always test cleaning solution?
Always test any new cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area to check for any adverse reactions before proceeding.
Can you clean a skirting board?
They might not be at the top of your cleaning priority list, but when left alone, skirting boards can gather a lot of grime and dust. But it’s alright: once you know how to clean skirting boards properly, it’s easy to bring them back to their best. Whether you’re looking for very stained skirting board ideas for lifting stubborn marks, or regular maintenance tips, we’ll show you what to do.
How to get rid of vinegar smell on skirting board?
If you want to avoid the vinegar smell altogether, use bleach or polish instead, but make sure you read the manufacturer’s guidelines to prevent any harm to your skirting board.
What to use to clean skirts before vacuuming?
If your skirting is prone to high levels of dust, wiping with a dusting cloth prior to vacuuming will improve the chances of removing all the dirt.
What is the best way to remove dirt from a carpet?
Tackle tough stains with an acidic solution like vinegar, a magic eraser sponge, bleach or polish -just for extreme dirt.
What to use if soap wash fails?
If a soap wash fails to remove the stains, we recommend using a more acidic solution.
Is a skirting board a magnet?
Unfortunately, your skirting board will always be a dust and hair magnet, -especially if you have pets around the house- but keeping on top of this is easy, especially if you make it a part of your regular cleaning routine.
Do skirting boards need to be cleaned?
Whether you’ve got these made from mahogany, solid oak or any other type of material, they will all need to be cleaned regularly to ensure they continue to look great and stay in good condition.
Do you need chemicals to clean a car?
As you can see, you won't need chemicals or heavy-duty cleaning products, especially if it's a maintenance clean up! If necessary, you can use a multi-surface cleaner -always read the manufacturer's guidelines.
Dusting & Vaccuming
First and foremost, if you’re looking to minimise signs of wear and tear to your skirting or baseboards, a weekly dusting and vacuuming is definitely in order. “There’s no doubt that skirting boards can sometimes be a real nightmare to clean,” admit the experts at Skirting4U.
Bleach & Sprays
For stubborn dirt or marks, it’s tempting to reach for the bleach and strong sprays to improve the look of your woodwork. But not only do they have a strong odour, they could also have a damaging effect on your paint work.
A Baseboard Mop
If the look of pristine skirting boards is really important to you, it might be worth investing in a baseboard mop. “This specialist cleaning tool for skirting boards is a great way of reaching difficult angles and prevents the use of multiple different cleaning elements in the process, all while standing up,” add the Skirting4U pros.
Tumble Dryer Sheets
The experts admit it might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but tumble dryer sheets can work wonders to keep skirting boards looking clean and shiny. “Laundry dryer sheets can work really well at preventing a large dust build up,” says Skirting4U.
A Magic Eraser
For scuffs or marks you don’t think deserve a more intense paint touch-up treatment, it’s worth tracking down an in-demand ‘Magic Eraser’. It does, however, contain chemicals, so be wary of using it on painted skirting boards – particularly if they have a high-gloss or varnish finish.
Cotton Buds
Finally, for intricately designed skirting boards (think wooden varieties with complicated carvings) a cotton bud can be a lifesaver.
Why do skirting boards need to be cleaned?
Like any other piece of furniture in your home, your skirting boards require regular cleaning to avoid them becoming too dirty or have dust ingrained into the valleys of the profile.
How often should I clean my skirting boards?
The general rule of thumb is give your skirting boards a thorough clean every 3-6 months, however if you live in a very dusty area or an area with alot of construction work around you, you may find they need more regular dusting. Wipe up spills as they happen, and you will avoid sticky areas which are harder to clean later.
How to keep skirting boards from smelling?
Keep your Skirting Boards dust free with Dryer Sheets – This one might come as a surprise! Dryer sheets are the little sheets you put in the clothes dryer to remove the static and make your clothes smell great. Once you have cleaned your skirting boards run a dryer sheet along your boards. This will help repel dust, so you don’t have to dust them as frequently, while also making your rooms smell like fresh linen! A similar thing can be done with fabric softener sheets as well.
What do cotton buds do to skirting boards?
Cleaning Skirting Boards with Cotton Buds – These handy little tools do an amazing job at getting deep in those nooks, crannies, folds and edges of your skirting board profile. Pair these with one of the other wet cleaning methods above for a totally thorough clean. They’re the ideal size to scrub any tricky to reach places, and by the end you’ll know every spot has been taken care of.
Can you dry dust skirting boards?
If your skirting boards are just dusty as opposed to being dirty or grimy, then you can just do a dry dust.
How to clean a skirting board?
Starting at the door again, spot clean any scuffs and marks on your skirting boards, I prefer to use soapy water with a bit of disinfectant for this job, but most other products will work just as well. Use a yoga mat or a soft cushion to kneel on to protect your knees. I usually keep a pair of gel knee padsin my cleaning kit, especially for this job!
How to get rid of water stains on skirting boards?
Rinse and dry immediately with a dry cloth. If you allow any dirty water to dry on your skirting boards, you will have to start the cleaning process again! For extra stubborn stains, use a magic eraser and gently apply pressure until the stain disappears.
How to avoid dust falling on skirting boards?
Remember if you are dusting picture rails or window sills do them first to avoid any dust falling onto your clean skirting boards. Dusting your skirting boards. Pull all furniture away from the skirting boards, allowing ample space to work behind.
How do you know if your house is clean?
A house can appear tidyand clean, but it’s areas like the skirting boards that will tell you if a home is well maintained.
How to get rid of dirt in a bathroom?
Fill a bowl with soapy water and use a damp cloth. Make sure you wring your cloth out well, a damp cloth will remove the dirt much more effectively than a wet rag and will prevent the dirty water from running into other areas.
How to get rid of dust in feathers?
If you use a feather duster, it will trap all the dirt in the feathers; you can then step outside and bang your feather duster against your leg to get rid of all the dust and grime.
How to get rid of stubborn stains?
For extra stubborn stains, use a magic eraser and gently apply pressure until the stain disappears. Bear in mind that magic erasers are abrasive, so always test on an inconspicuous area before use.
How to remove dirt from skirting board?
If all is well, wear gloves and proceed to dunk the cloth into soapy water, mixed in with the bleach. This solution will eat away at the dirt as you clean, thus making it possible to completely remove all the dirt from a heavily stained skirting board.
Why is it important to keep skirting boards in good condition?
Otherwise keeping your skirting boards in good condition will ensure that the home will still look as good as you intended it to be in the first place.
Do skirting boards get dirty?
However, most people neglect their skirting boards. Overtime these simple pieces get so dirty, it gets to the point where they may have to be completely replaced altogether. This blog will help with preventing this from happening.
Can vacuum cleaners be used on skirting boards?
Vacuum cleaners are great tools for cleaning floors and hard to reach places throughout the house. They even get into gaps most people cannot reach. Thankfully you can use these devices on your skirting boards.
Can bleach set on skirting boards?
Make sure to dry off the skirting afterwards so that the bleach doesn’t set on your skirting boards.
