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The Best Way To Clean Skirting Boards

The following tried-and-tested routine makes old skirting boards look new by breaking down dirt, dust and grime in a methodological 3-stage process, starting by breaking down the biggest molecules and ending by polishing down the smallest. 

And if you can't bend down, don't worry, this method is 100% back-friendly!

1. Dusting / Vacuuming

A vacuum with a powerful suction rating and a brush attachment of at least 1-inch length is the best tool for this step.

• Simply run the vacuum head along the length of your skirting boards, periodically brushing back and forth with the nozzle to create overlapping strokes for optimum dust removal.
• Apply slightly more pressure to the upper section of the skirting board to target dust hiding in the grooves and crevices of the design. (Be careful not to press too hard, as this can bend the bristles out of shape and potentially damage your skirting boards by making contact between the plastic brush housing and the surface.)
• If a vacuum isn't available, a long-handled duster or a simple dry cloth works even better and gives you more control.

2. Wipe Down - Soapy Water or Sugar Soap Solution

With the loose dust and debris removed, you can now target surface-level spills, stubborn dirt, build-up, and scuffs.

Start by creating a simple, soapy water solution:

• Fill a small bucket with warm water (hot water can damage paint)
• Add a few drops of a mild dish soap. Using too much will make it difficult to remove the residue later. Avoid harsh detergents or abrasive cleaners.
• You can also choose to add some fabric softener and/or products such as Zoflora to increase the effectiveness against mould and mildew.
• Gently stir to create a mild, sudsy solution.

Or opt for a Sugar Soap solution for increased effectiveness, you can buy this premade or DIY it.

• Add 4.5 litres of warm water to a bucket
• Slowly stir in 125 grams of washing soda to the water
• Next stir in 125 grams of borax (or another 125 grams of washing soda)
• Finally, add 125 ml of dish soap.
• Dilute the solution for everyday cleaning (1:10 ratio of sugar soap solution to water)

(If you're unsure whether the solution is mild enough, perform a spot test on a hidden area.)

How To Wipe The Skirting Boards

• Dip and wring a mop with a microfibre head into the solution. (A cloth is fine too) 
• Work in manageable sections, wiping gently along the length of the skirting board while applying gentle pressure. 
• Pay extra attention to crevices, as in step 1, and tackle any particular spots of dirt with circular motions.
• Rinse your mop frequently in clean water to avoid spreading dirt as you work your way along. 
• When finished, repeat the process with clean water to rinse off the soap water solution.
• Don't wait for your skirting boards to dry; excess water can become absorbed or create water streaks. Use a dry microfibre head to dry the cleaned skirting boards.

3. Acidic Solution For Deep Stains

Some stains are too deep for soapy water alone. These can be tackled with a mild acid wash. Don't worry; it's not as scary as it sounds. You only need white vinegar, water, and baking soda (optional).

• Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a clean spray bottle or container. 
• Apply the vinegar solution to a corner of your microfibre mop head in small amounts as required. 
  (If you're unsure about the strength of the solution, perform a spot test in a hidden area on your skirting boards.)
• Use the wet corner of the microfibre head to rub the stain in circular motions. 
• Let it sit for 5 minutes, then wipe clean with the microfibre mop and clean water.

If the stain persists, create a paste of baking soda and water, apply it directly to the stain, and let it sit for 15 minutes. This should remove most stains. 

In the rare case of a persisting stain, your skirting boards may require sanding and repainting.

Pro Tips: Keep a window open for ventilation when using vinegar due to the strong odour. However, the odour will not persist on your skirting boards and will dissipate completely as it dries.

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Skirting Board Cleaning Hacks and Tips

Here are some clever hacks and tips to make cleaning your skirting boards even easier:

• Cleaning Putty: This gooey gel can be pressed into crevices and corners to lift out stubborn dirt and debris. It's reusable and can be rinsed or replaced as needed. It's often used for keyboards, but it performs great with skirting boards too! You can find it on Amazon for as low as £3.99!

• Skirting Board Cleaners: A wide variety of long handles skirting board cleaners have entered the market and they are quite useful for surface level cleaning, they can also be used on other trims such as architraves. A popular and cheap option is the Skirting Board Buddy.

• Microfibre Cloths: Microfibre cloths are excellent for dusting and cleaning skirting boards. They attract and trap dust and dirt particles, leaving a streak-free finish, use them to dry your skirting boards after cleaning for a polished look.
• Toothpicks and toothbrushes:Both of these tools can help you to clean deep crevices by manoeuvring them into tight spaces and removing build up.
• Vacuum Attachments: Use the crevice tool or a soft brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to reach tight spaces and corners along your skirting boards.

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Best Cleaning Solution Products For Skirting Boards

There are various cleaning products you can use on your skirting boards, each with its own strengths and suitable applications:

• White Vinegar: A mild acid that's excellent for tackling tough stains, grease, and grime. It's also a natural disinfectant and deodoriser.
• Sugar Soap: A heavy-duty cleaning solution that's ideal for preparing surfaces before painting or wallpapering. It cuts through built-up dirt and grease.
• Fabric Softener: Believe it or not, fabric softener can be used as a gentle cleaner for skirting boards. It helps to remove dirt and leaves a fresh scent.
• Zoflora: A popular disinfectant and deodoriser that can be diluted with water for cleaning skirting boards. It's effective against mould and mildew.

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Cleaning Different Skirting Board Materials

Skirting boards are made from a few different materials, and this can affect how you clean them.

• MDF (Medium-Density Fibreboard): MDF skirting boards can swell if exposed to too much moisture, so avoid using excessive water or harsh chemicals. Stick to mild soap and water solutions, and dry thoroughly after cleaning.
• Wood (Oak and Pine): Hardwood skirting boards can be cleaned with a variety of products, but avoid those containing bleach or ammonia, as they can damage the finish. Use gentle cleaners like vinegar or sugar soap.
• Plastic (PVC): PVC skirting boards are durable and easy to clean. You can use most household cleaners on them, including mild abrasives for tough stains.

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How Often to Clean Skirting Boards

The frequency of cleaning your skirting boards depends on several factors, such as foot traffic, pets, and general household activity. As a general guideline:

• High-traffic areas (e.g., hallways, living rooms): Light dust every 1-2 weeks | Deep clean every month
• Low-traffic areas (e.g., bedrooms, offices): Light dust every  2 - 4 weeks  | Deep clean every few months
• Kitchen skirting boards: Clean weekly due to grease and food splatters

If you don't want to track every room and rigorously clean skirting boards with a strict timetable, you'd be safe with dusting them weekly and deep cleaning every couple of months.

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Specific Cleaning Challenges

Sometimes, regular cleaning isn't enough to tackle stubborn stains or build-up on your skirting boards. Here are some tips for dealing with specific challenges:

• Mould and Fungus: Create a solution of one part bleach to four parts water. Apply it to the affected areas, let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then scrub and rinse thoroughly.
• Paint Splatters: Use a plastic putty knife or scraper to gently lift off dried paint splatters. For stubborn spots, apply a small amount of white vinegar and let it sit before scraping.
• Plaster Residue: To clean plaster off skirting boards, mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto the plaster residue, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub with a stiff-bristled brush. You may need to retouch your skirting board paint after this. Plaster is alkaline, so the acidic vinegar will help break it down.
• Yellowed Skirting Boards: Create a paste with baking soda and water, and gently rub it onto the yellowed areas using a soft-bristled brush or cloth. Rinse thoroughly with clean water. 
  If your  skirting boards are yellowed due to the oil-based paint, there is no fix and the yellowing is permanent, one solution is to sand them down and repaint with water-based paint which does not yellow.
• Smoke Stains: Try using a mixture of warm water and trisodium phosphate (TSP), a heavy-duty cleaner available at most hardware stores. Wear gloves and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.

Cleaning Different Paint Types: For glossy or semi-gloss painted skirting boards, use a mild soap and water solution to avoid dulling the finish. For matte or flat painted surfaces, you can use a slightly stronger cleaner like sugar soap or diluted vinegar.

Cleaning Behind Radiators: To clean skirting boards behind radiators, use a long-handled duster or vacuum attachment to remove dust and debris. You may need to use a small brush or cloth for hard-to-reach areas.If the space is very tight, carefully move the radiator away from the wall (if possible) or hire a professional.

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Cleaning for Painting and Redecorating

If you're planning to paint or redecorate, it's essential to clean your skirting boards thoroughly beforehand to ensure proper adhesion and a smooth finish.

Cleaning Before Painting: When you need to clean raw, unfinished skirting boards, simply dust and lightly sand without any solution.

Removing Existing Paint: If you're cleaning old paint off your skirting boards, we recommend sanding the existing paint off.