How to Clean Stained Wood Baseboards
The stained wood surfaces and trim in your home add a warm elegance and character. Stained wood baseboards do require some special care to maintain the wood's natural glow, but don’t just reach for a commercial cleaner. There are safe, inexpensive baseboard cleaner alternatives that are just as effective, right in your own home.
STEP 1
Vacuum just like you would with painted baseboards, and then wipe down your stained wood baseboards with a clean, dry microfiber cloth to lift stray dust and dirt. Be careful not to leave any fibers that could get caught in splintered wood.
STEP 2
Your baseboard cleaner for unpainted wood is a little different. Mix 1/4 cup of dish soap with a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a bucket of warm water. This formula is an excellent DIY cleaner for many types of wood. The soap is mild enough that it doesn't cause damage, and the vegetable oil renews and polishes the wood. Dip your cleaning sponge into your baseboard cleaning solution and start scrubbing. Only use a little cleaner at a time to prevent things from getting messy.
STEP 3
A cotton swab is a great little cleaning tool because it can get into small spaces and absorb dirt and moisture. Dip a swab into your cleaner and work the cotton ends into corners and other tight spots to remove dirt.
STEP 4
Rinse your cleaning sponge thoroughly with hot water, wring it out, and wipe down your baseboards to remove any cleaning residue. This way, you can remove the soap and leave the vegetable oil to protect the wood.
STEP 5
Buff your stained wood baseboards dry with a clean, dry microfiber cloth and then wipe them down with a dryer sheet. This will help repel dirt and dust.
If you want to learn how to clean your hardwood floors and keep them looking as great as your baseboards, check out our
post on cleaning all types of wood floors.
The Best Way to Clean Baseboards Is the Easy Way
We know it's a cliche, but it's true. Once you get your baseboards back in shape using the cleaning guidelines above, keeping them clean is a breeze. If you try the baseboard cleaning methods above and your baseboards still don't look beautiful, it may be time to re-stain and seal or repaint. We all know what a fresh coat of paint can do, but find out
which trim paint is best for your baseboards before you do all that work.
Here are five easy ways to clean baseboards, chair rails, molding, and other trim:
1. Mr. Clean Magic Eraser
These versatile and hardworking cleaning sponges can
clean many things around the house, and they may be the easiest way to clean baseboards regularly. All you need is a handful of Magic Erasers and a bucket of warm water. If you’re working on painted baseboards, add dish soap. If you have stained wood baseboards, add
distilled white vinegar. Dip your eraser into the bucket, wring it out, and wipe down the baseboards.
2. Brooms and Brushes
Sweeping dust and dirt from your baseboards with a broom is easy, and it keeps you from having to bend down or squat. Sweep the dust from your baseboards and then sweep or vacuum the floor beneath. For more detailed dusting, you can use a new paintbrush on baseboards and other trim.
3. Vacuum Cleaner
A handheld vacuum cleaner you can extend down to your baseboards is convenient and quick, but a regular vacuum cleaner with brush and wand attachments will pick up more dirt and dust. Start with your vacuum's brush attachment and work from the top of the baseboards down. Get into nooks and crannies with your vacuum's wand attachment.
4. Baby Wipes
Baby wipes are not only one of the greatest baby care inventions ever, they are also a quick and easy way to clean up. When you need to clean up in a hurry, disposable wipes may be the solution. While there are more eco-friendly alternatives, in a pinch you can use these disposable wipes on baseboards, picture frames, and more.
5. Dryer Sheets
Fabric softener sheets smell great and easily lift dirt, dust, and pet hair from your baseboards. They also leave behind a dust repelling layer to protect your baseboards from further buildup. This easy baseboard cleaning method is a good option for regular cleaning maintenance, especially if you have pets.
Now that you know the best way to clean baseboards and other trim, why not check out our extensive library of
cleaning tips, tricks, and hacks? The Maids is on a mission to help you create a cleaner, more beautiful home. Want to learn more about how The Maids can help you out around the house? Find out more about our popular and
convenient cleaning services and get a
free estimate online.
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