Something as simple as cleaning the skirting boards can bring a new lease of life to a room. Just like any other part of the home, skirting boards can quickly become visibly dirty without regular care.
However, skirting boards are often ignored as people assume that the chore will involve lots of crouching (and backache) and lots of scrubbing. As a result, dirt and dust just build up.
Despite popular belief, skirting boards are easy to clean, and you can do it without expensive equipment, harsh chemicals, or straining your back.
Brooms and Paintbrushes
For general cleaning, skirting boards can be maintained with the simple use of brooms, paintbrushes, and vacuum cleaners.
These methods are ideal if the skirting boards are simply dusty rather than dirty or grimy. Every now and again, simply brush over the surface with a broom.
If you use a long-handled broom, you can even do this without bending down. If your skirting board has intricate detailing, you can use a paintbrush to get into the crevices.
Soap and Water
For dirtier skirting boards, soap and water could be all the help that you need. Fill a bucket with warm and soapy water. You could add a splash of disinfectant or fragrance if you’d like.
Dip a sponge into the mixture, and squeeze the sponge well so that it isn’t dripping. Wipe over the affected area, then wipe away the soap and residue with another clean, damp sponge.
Finish up with a microfibre cloth to dry the skirting board and get rid of any dust, and it’s all done!
Bleach
Bleach can help deal with stubborn staining, however, if you want to try this, you need to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines carefully and take adequate precautions to make sure you don’t harm the skirting boards, paint, or the flooring.
Mix up a solution of bleach and water as recommended by the manufacturer and use this with a clean sponge or cloth to tackle tough stains.
If you do decide to try bleach, test the solution on a small, out-of-sight area of the skirting board first to make sure the solution will not cause damage or discolouring.
Magic Eraser
Magic Erasers are a wonderful creation that can tackle just about every cleaning chore.
Simply dip the corner in clean water and rub at the skirting boards. This will remove any dirt or scuffing and leave your skirting boards looking brand new again.
Vinegar and Water
White vinegar is the ideal solution if you would rather clean without all the harsh chemicals.
Mix a few capfuls of white vinegar with warm water and use a clean cloth or sponge to polish the skirting boards.
You might find that your home has a bit of a vinegar smell afterward, so try to air the rooms out after you have finished cleaning.
Professional Detergents
If your skirting boards are very dirty, or this is the first time you’ve cleaned them, it might be worth investing in some professional cleaning detergents.
If your skirting boards are wooden, you could use purpose-made cleaners and polishers. If the boards are finished with an acrylic-based paint, you could use a regular household degreaser.
Dryer Sheets
It may come as a surprise, but dryer sheets are an effective tool for repelling dust and dirt.
Run a fresh dryer sheet along the skirting boards, and not only will they repel dirt and dust, but it will leave the room smelling fresh too.
The act of rubbing a dryer sheet along a skirting board builds up a static charge, which will prevent dust from sticking.
Wiping the boards down a couple of times a month will reduce the build-up of dust over time, keeping the boards looking brand new.
Lover of coffee, painting, and all things cute and fluffy. I’m always on the lookout for easier, more gentle ways to tackle awful household chores.
