Because of their practicality and tidy appearance, baseboards are a common feature in many commercial spaces. Baseboards are the simplest way to cover uneven edges of flooring, protect walls from damage, and are in practically every color so you can find the perfect style for your space.
While they’re a good decision aesthetically and practically, baseboards can be quite the task to clean. But go the extra mile to ensure they look like new - it’s that kind of attention to detail that makes your commercial space really pop, and proper maintenance and care can lower your long-term costs.
This is easier said than done - cleaning baseboards can be a bit of a pain. However, effectively cleaning these boards can be done much quicker and easier by following a few simple methods.
Use a Baseboard Cleaner
If you can, it’s a good idea to invest in a baseboard cleaner. This cleaning tool ensures that your baseboards are sanitized properly if you use it correctly. It also makes for a quicker job.
Baseboard cleaners are multi-use tools that can effectively clean baseboards without the use of other supplies. Typically coming with an adjustable head, these tools are great for getting every angle of your boards and can be found at Bed Bath & Beyond and Amazon.
Vacuum the Surfaces
If you don’t have a baseboard cleaner, you can still effectively clean your boards. Use the brush tool on a vacuum to remove the dirt and dust from the surface of the baseboards. This will prevent dirt from scratching the surface when you scrub the baseboards.
Vacuuming won’t remove all of the dirt and grime, but it will get the dust up before you start to wipe everything down.
Wipe
Use a bucket of warm, soapy water with a little bit of vinegar to get those dirt and grime stains off. A sponge should be able to remove any stains or dirt that wasn’t caught with the vacuum. Dip the sponge in the bucket and wring it out well so your boards aren’t too damp.
When scrubbing the boards make sure you wring out your sponge thoroughly so there is no excess water. This excess water could damage the wood or leave water spots, so it’s important to dry off the boards with a towel afterward.
Clean the Crevices
Use a toothbrush get the hard-to-reach places that the vacuum couldn’t get. Sometimes more dirt can fall into these crevices while you’re cleaning.
After you’ve wiped down the baseboard with a sponge, dip a cotton swab in a cleaning solution to finish the top and the crevice at the bottom (between the wall and floor). This finishing touch will kill any bacteria left behind.
Other Cleaning Tips
- Once you’ve cleaned and dried the baseboards, take a dryer sheet and wipe down the boards. It may sound useless, but the dryer sheet removes any static that might attract more dust.
- Clean your baseboards last—mopping and dusting the rest of the room will cause dirt to get on the baseboards. Saving the boards for last will get off all of this dirt and grime from the floor and furniture.
- Some stains just don’t come out with soap and water. In this case, you’ll want to touch up the baseboards with some paint. Make sure you apply the correct amount and color of paint. When you first paint and install baseboards, make note of the exact paint you use.
Baseboards add just the right amount of design flair to your space, so it’s important to keep them as clean as possible. They’re a bit of work to maintain, but dirty, stained baseboards can detract from a room’s appearance.
Invest in a few cleaning supplies for your baseboards and set aside time to properly clean them on a regular basis. Your hard work and attention to detail will keep them looking fresh and your space as inviting as possible.
