Baseboards can be a hassle to keep clean, especially if you have a sore back.
Just like any other surface in your home, they can accumulate dust, dirt, and grime. But luckily, there are several ways to clean them without having to kneel down and strain your back!
There’s also a brilliant way to keep them dust free for longer, so make sure you read to the end of this post to find out!
Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy way to maintain your baseboards or need to give them a deep clean, I’ve got you covered.
So, let’s put away your knee pads and get started on cleaning those baseboards!
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Start by vacuuming
I always start by dusting with my vacuum cleaner or a dry microfiber cloth.
To make it easier to reach, use the long pole on your vacuum cleaner with the dusting tool, or attach a dry microfiber cloth to the end of a mop.
Another option is to use a broom. If you’re using a broom, make sure it has lots of soft bristles to help get off the most dust and avoid scratching the baseboards.
Ways to clean baseboards when you have a sore back
Baseboard Buddy
If you want to save your back, give Baseboard Buddy a try. Baseboard Buddy is a cleaning tool designed specifically for cleaning baseboards from a standing position.
It has a long handle with a cleaning pad that can be adjusted to different angles.
The pad is removable and washable, making it reusable and eco-friendly.
Swiffer sweeper
Using a Swiffer Sweeper is my favorite way to clean baseboards without having to kneel down.
I like to attach a washable microfiber cloth to the end, but you can also use a disposable Swiffer cleaning cloth.
The cleaning pad is designed to trap and lock dirt, dust, and hair, making it an effective tool for cleaning baseboards.
Which ever type of mop head you go for, use it dry for dusting and then damp for cleaning. Either use plain water or use a mix of water, dish soap and vinegar for a deeper clean.
Deep cleaning your baseboards
If your baseboards have scuff marks on them, or dirty spots, here are some effective methods to remove them. You may have noticed from the pictures that mine certainly do!
Of course, removing stubborn stains from baseboards often means bending down.
However, if you can get most of the marks off when standing up to clean, you’ll find you won’t spend so much time deep cleaning. Or maybe you can delegate the stain removal job!
Here are some effective ways to remove stubborn stains from baseboards:
Magic Eraser
A Magic Eraser is a great tool for getting rid of unsightly marks on baseboards.
Simply wet the Magic Eraser and use it to wipe away dirt and grime. The Magic Eraser is especially effective at removing scuff marks and other stubborn stains.
Vinegar
A vinegar solution is another effective way to clean baseboards. Mix one part distilled white vinegar and one part water in a spray bottle and spray the solution onto the baseboards.
Use a microfiber cloth to wipe away dirt and grime.
The vinegar solution not only cleans the baseboards, but also helps to disinfect them.
Baking soda
A baking soda paste is a natural and effective way to clean baseboards without damaging them.
Mix baking soda and water to create a paste and apply it to the baseboards. Use a sponge or cloth to scrub away dirt and grime. The baking soda paste not only cleans the baseboards but also helps to remove odors.
How to keep baseboards dust free for longer (pro-tip)
An excellent way to keep the dust away, so you don’t have to bend down again any time soon, is to run a dryer sheet along them. This will repel the dust for a good while.
Another tip is to use a solution of fabric softener and water on a cloth. Then put the cloth on the end of a Swiffer mop or a broom. Glide it along the baseboard and then allow to dry. Just like the dryer sheet, this method should keep your baseboards dust free for much longer.
Final words
Cleaning baseboards can be a painful task if you don’t have the mobility to bend or kneel down.
The best way to avoid having to clean baseboards on your hands and knees is to clean them regularly standing up.
If you clean your baseboards once a week or every other week, you’ll be able to keep them looking clean and dust free without having to spend a lot of time on your knees.
Use a microfiber cloth or a soft-bristled brush to remove dust and dirt from the baseboards. You can also use a vacuum cleaner with a dusting attachment to remove dirt and debris from hard-to-reach areas.
