How To Clean Skirting Boards

Skirting boards are often overlooked when it comes to cleaning our homes, but they play an important role in maintaining a clean and healthy living space. Skirting boards can accumulate dust, dirt, and pet hair over time, making them an ideal breeding ground for germs and bacteria. Additionally, spills and stains from food, drinks, and other liquids can leave unsightly marks on the skirting boards if not cleaned promptly.

By regularly cleaning your skirting boards, you can help prevent the build-up of dust and dirt, and ensure that your home remains hygienic and fresh-smelling. Clean skirting boards can also add a finishing touch to a room, giving it a polished and well-maintained appearance. 

Why Do Skirting Boards Get Dusty?

Skirting boards sit at the lowest point of a room, and as such, they are often overlooked when it comes to cleaning. One reason why your skirting boards get dusty so often is that they are located close to the ground, where dust and dirt tend to settle in rooms with little to no ventilation. In addition, skirting boards can also attract dust from other sources, such as air vents, windows, and doors. Dust can easily become trapped in the tiny crevices and ridges of skirting boards, making it difficult to remove with a simple wipe down.

Your pets can also contribute to the dust, dog and cat hairs are coated with oils and stick to surfaces and other particles, which exacerbate the amount of dust that accumulates. This is especially true for pets that shed frequently or spend a lot of time in the same room as the skirting boards.

What Is Dust Made Of In Homes?

Dust is the term we use for a collection of tiny particles of literally everything: Pollen, ash, smoke, ocean salt crystals, bits of rock - you get the gist. But household dust is a little different, made of a mix of dead skin cells, hair, insect waste, bacteria, dust mites, microplastics and clothing fibres. Indoor dust can also contain chemicals from cleaning products and building materials. While some dust is normal and harmless, excessive dust can lead to respiratory problems, allergies, and other health issues. Making it vital to clean all surfaces of your home regularly.

Dust is everywhere, skirting boards are especially prone to collecting various types of dirt, dust, and debris. Some of the most common types of dust that accumulate on skirting boards include:

1. Dust and dirt: As dust and dirt settle on the floor, they often collect along the bottom edge of skirting boards. This can make skirting boards appear dull and dirty over time.
2. Pet hair: If you have pets, their hair can easily collect along the bottom of skirting boards. This can be especially problematic for those with allergies or asthma. Pet hairs also attract other dust particles and can make skirting boards appear dull over time, especially if you have a gloss finish.
3. Spills and stains: Spills and stains from food, drinks, and other liquids can easily drip down onto skirting boards. If not cleaned up promptly, these spills can leave unsightly marks and stains.
4. Scuff marks: Skirting boards are often bumped or scuffed when furniture is moved or vacuumed around them and in areas with high foot-traffic. This can leave marks that are difficult to remove without proper cleaning techniques.

Best Way To Clean Skirting Boards

Skirting boards are so often overlooked when it comes to cleaning. The intricate grooves and the thickness of traditional skirting boards are difficult to clean, so many opt for modern styles with a slimmer and more minimalist profile.

Here are a few techniques and cleaning hacks to keep your skirting boards like new:

1. Brush and then Mop: If you mop your skirting boards first, you risk the dust collecting in the water and creating streaks. By brushing first, you remove all the loose dust before it can become a sludge from the moisture of the mop.
2. Start from the top and work your way down: To avoid spreading dirt and dust back into the air, it's best to start cleaning your skirting boards from the top and work your way down. This ensures that any dust or debris that falls down can be easily wiped away.
3. Use a circular motion to remove dirt: When wiping down your skirting boards, try using a circular motion. This helps to loosen dirt and grime and ensures that you're cleaning every nook and cranny.
4. Use a toothbrush or crevice tool for tight spaces: For hard-to-reach areas or tight spaces, such as corners or edges, try using a toothbrush or crevice tool. These tools can help you get into those hard-to-reach areas and ensure a thorough clean.

Bonus cleaning hacks:

• Use a dry sponge to remove scuff marks or stubborn stains on skirting boards.
• Mix a solution of warm water and vinegar for a natural, effective cleaning solution for oil-based stains on your skirting boards.
• For extra shiny and glossy skirting boards, buff your skirting boards with a dry microfibre cloth after cleaning.
• Remember to wear gloves to protect your hands from any harsh chemicals.

By following these tips and tricks, you can ensure that your skirting boards are clean and free of dirt and grime. A little bit of regular cleaning can go a long way in keeping your home looking fresh and tidy.

How to Clean Skirting Boards Without Bending Down

You don’t need to bend down and put strain on your back to clean skirting boards, here are some tips and tricks to help you clean your skirting boards comfortably.

1. Use long-handled tools: Invest in long-handled tools such as dusters, mops or brushes, which can be used to reach high or low areas without bending down. These tools allow you to clean skirting boards while standing, reducing the strain on your back and knees.
2. Use mops with flexible heads: Mops with flexible heads are also useful for cleaning skirting boards without bending down. The flexible head allows you to clean around corners and edges easily, while the long handle lets you clean comfortably and quickly.
3. Tie a cloth over a brush to use as a mop: To make cleaning skirting boards even easier, try tying a microfiber cloth over the end of a brush to use as a mop. This allows you to cover a larger area and ensures that you're picking up dirt and dust effectively.
4. The 88p Method: One Mrs Hinch fan has a unique method for cleaning skirting boards without having to be down on your knees - By dipping a mop in disinfectant and using it to wipe your skirting boards, you cut the cost of expensive cleaning tools and have a long-handled tool to comfortably remove dust and grime from your skirting boards.

Best Tools For Cleaning Skirting Boards

Microfiber cloths: Microfiber cloths are a great option for cleaning skirting boards. They are soft, absorbent, and can be used dry or dampened with water or a cleaning solution. They are also reusable and machine washable, making them an eco-friendly choice.

Pros: Microfiber cloths are gentle on surfaces and can effectively remove dust, dirt, and grime without leaving streaks.

Cons: They may not be effective on stubborn stains or spills.

Dry sponges: Dry sponges are another excellent option for cleaning skirting boards. They are made of a porous material that attracts and absorbs dirt and dust. They are also reusable and can be cleaned by simply rinsing them with water.

Pros: Dry sponges are effective at removing scuff marks, stains, and other stubborn marks on skirting boards.

Cons: They may not be effective on wet spills or greasy stains.

All-purpose cleaners: All-purpose cleaners are cleaning solutions that can be used on multiple surfaces, including skirting boards. They are usually made of a combination of chemicals and can effectively remove dirt, stains, and grime.

Pros: All-purpose cleaners are effective at removing all types of dirt and stains, making them a versatile choice for cleaning skirting boards. Cons: Some all-purpose cleaners may contain harsh chemicals that can damage certain types of surfaces. It's important to read the label and follow the instructions carefully.

Which Tool Works Best For Different Types Of Dirt Or Stains?

• Microfiber cloths work well for regular dusting and light cleaning.
• Dry sponges are best for removing scuff marks, stains, and other stubborn marks.
• All-purpose cleaners are ideal for heavy-duty cleaning, including spills and stains that require a stronger cleaning solution.
• Use a toothbrush or a clean paintbrush to clean crevices and hard to reach corners.
• Pro Tip: Moisture-Resistant MDF is the best grade of MDF for cleaning purposes as it is less likely to be affected by water based solutions.

Painted Skirting Boards

The choice of paint used on your skirting boards can impact how easily they can be cleaned. While regular dusting and wiping is important for any paint type, the durability and washability of different paint finishes should be considered. 

For example, a gloss enamel or varnish topcoat creates a smoother, nonporous surface that resists absorbing stains, moisture, and grime. This makes gloss enamels easier to clean than flat or matte paints. 

Primers also help seal the porous MDF or wood surface for enhanced stain resistance. So when selecting paint for your next skirting board project, keep ease of cleaning in mind. 

Opting for durable, moisture-resistant finishes like polyurethane varnish can reduce the effort needed to clean away dirt and debris down the road.

Summary

Cleaning skirting boards may not be the most exciting chore, but it's an essential part of maintaining a clean and tidy home. By regularly cleaning your skirting boards, you can prevent the accumulation of dust, dirt, pet hair, and spills, which can affect the air quality in your home and create an unhygienic environment.

Using the right tools and techniques can make cleaning your skirting boards more efficient and effective. Microfiber cloths, dry sponges, and all-purpose cleaners are all great options for cleaning skirting boards, depending on the type of dirt or stain you are dealing with. And if you have trouble bending down, there are plenty of long-handled tools, sponges on sticks, and mops with flexible heads that can make the job easier.

We hope these tips and tricks have been helpful in keeping your skirting boards looking their best. If you have any other cleaning hacks or strategies that work well for you, please share them in the comments below. Together, we can help each other maintain a clean and tidy home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lee Watkinson

Digital Marketing Director at Skirting World with 10 years of experience in Home Interiors & Manufacturing.