How to Clean Skirting Boards Without Bending Down

Skirting boards sit close to the floor and are dirt magnets! Anything from dust, hair, pollen, and food splatters land on them. The grottiness is super obvious, and the unloved boards age a room and make it look drab.

Clean and glowing skirting boards, on the other hand, light up a room and give it a perfect border. But how do you clean skirting boards if you can’t get down on your hands and knees to maintain them?

Read on to learn more about cleaning skirting boards when you can’t bend down.

 

How Do You Clean Skirting Boards When You Can’t Bend Down?

If you’re unable to bend down or can’t be on your knees for long periods, you may forgo cleaning your skirting boards.

However, it doesn’t have to be like this. There are ways you can wash your skirting boards while standing up and sitting down.

The answer: you use telescopic cleaning tools.

Telescopic tools are essentially the same tools you’d use to clean skirting boards if you could bend down, except they’re attached to a long pole. The telescopic handle allows you to reach low down, high up and into small gaps that you couldn’t clean out otherwise.

Within this ‘telescopic’ range, you could buy specially designed skirting board cleaners that come in adjustable lengths, make your own cleaner using long-handled tools and microfibre cloths, get creative with a mop and long-handled dusting tools or use your hoover.

Let’s look at these in more detail.

 

Option 2: Create your own cleaner using long-handled tools

If you don’t want to buy your own telescopic cleaning tool, you can don your creative hat and make a version of the tools above at home.

Simply source a long-handled tool, something like a brush or mop handle. Then, tie a microfibre cloth onto the end of the handle and use this to dust your skirting boards.

If necessary, you can dip the cloth into some water, wring it out, and wet clean your skirting boards.

In addition, if you already have some long-handled tools at home, like a duster, you could secure this tool onto a longer pole so you end up with an extra-long cleaning tool.

This may be fiddly initially, but it’s a cheap alternative to buying specialised tools.

 

Option 3: Use of mops with adjustable heads and long-handled dusting tools

If you don’t want to make your own cleaning tools, utilise the tools you have at home and clean your skirting boards using them.

For example, you can use a traditional mop to clean skirting boards. Just dip the mop in a soapy solution, wring it out and wipe the skirtings down. Then rinse the boards clean using fresh water and allow them to dry.

Similarly, you can use a long-handled duster to wipe the general grime off your skirting boards while you’re sitting down. A quick dust will transform the look of your skirting boards and ensure they’re not caked in dirt.

 

Option 4: Use long vacuuming tools

You should use the attachments and extendable tools that come with your hoover. Most vacuum cleaners come with some sort of telescopic handle, so utilise it.

Simply attach the upholstery brush to the end of the pole and carefully hoover your skirting boards. The job won’t take long, but the result will be worth it.

 

Option 5: Ask for help

You could ask someone to help you clean your skirting boards as a backup. Reach out to a family member, friend or neighbour, for example.

Another individual will either be able to use the tools above, or they can go on their hands and knees to do a deep clean of your skirting boards for you.

 

Option 6: Hire a cleaner

If none of the above suit you, you could always look into hiring a cleaner.

Not sure where to start with hiring a cleaner? Take a look at our step-by-step guide before you reach out to a potential cleaner.

Get a handle on the dos and don’ts and learn what you should and shouldn’t expect from a cleaner – there are certain jobs a professional won’t do for you!

Here are my top tips:

• Work with a reputable individual or company. There are benefits and drawbacks to doing both. Do your research and go with the option that’s best for you.
• Check reviews and references before you hire a cleaner. Ensure the cleaner is experienced, trained, reliable and trustworthy. You’re allowing this stranger into your house; you need to be able to trust them.
• Do your research. Don’t rush into getting a cleaner; do your homework and weigh up your options.
• Assess the costs. The cost of a cleaner will vary based on where you live, how long the cleaning session is, and whether you’re using an agency or not. You may also have to buy the cleaning products yourself – this is an additional cost.
• Manage your expectations. A cleaner isn’t going to get stuff right on their first go – you’ll have to provide them with constructive feedback. Similarly, you can’t expect miracles to happen during a specific timeslot – if you’ve paid for two hours, don’t expect the whole house to be cleaned from top to bottom. It isn’t realistic.
• Remember that communication is key. Your cleaner won’t learn how you like things done if you don’t discuss stuff with them. So, find a suitable time to sit down and have a discussion with them. However, this doesn’t mean you can waste your cleaner’s time by hanging around and constantly chatting with them – this eats into their working time. Plus, you may be an off-putting distraction.

 

How to Clean Skirting Boards

Tip: Always do a patch test with your chosen cleaning solution.

Follow the steps below to clean your skirting boards:

1. Gather your cleaning equipment. Use the cleaning tool(s) discussed above.
2. Move your furniture out of the way. Having a clear workspace is better.
3. Dust your skirting boards with a microfibre cloth.
4. Hoover your skirting boards to remove fine dust particles. Make sure you use the upholstery brush attachment. You don’t want to scratch your skirting boards.
5. Damp clean your skirting boards using a microfibre cloth and a multipurpose cleaner/soapy water.
6. Rinse any product residue off the surface using a second damp cloth. 
7. Treat stains by rubbing the skirting boards a little harder, and use a Magic Eraser on scuffs (tie it onto the end of a long handle).
8. Allow the skirting boards to dry. 

To remove troubling stains, use diluted white vinegar. Mix one part white vinegar with three parts water in a bowl, dip a cloth into the solution, wring it out, then clean the skirting boards. You’ll need to open the windows to leave the smell out.

Note: Use wood cleaner for wooden or very old skirting boards; avoid using liquids. You must dry these skirting boards immediately with a second cloth. If the skirting boards absorb too much water, this can lead to warping.

 

How Often Should You Clean Skirting Boards?

You should aim to deep clean your skirting boards every three months. But you should dust them every two to three weeks to keep the general grime at bay.

However, you must remove obvious dirt and treat stains immediately so they don’t age and damage the skirting boards. For example, don’t leave food, mud and liquid to dry out and stain the skirting boards. Clear the gunk away.

Of course, you may need to adjust this cleaning schedule if you live in a busy home with children and pets because the skirting boards may get hammered with more dirt and grime than normal.