How to clean skirting boards: A complete guide

Skirting boards are often forgotten in our daily cleaning routines, slipping under the radar when tidying our homes or offices. Because they sit at the bottom of the wall, they don’t get noticed unless they’re really dirty or damaged.

In this post, we’ll talk about why you should clean your skirting boards and give you simple ways to keep them looking their best. From basic dusting to tackling stubborn stains, we’ll cover how to care for different types of skirting board material.

Not cleaning your skirting boards can lead to more than just dust building up. Over time, they can accumulate dirt, pet hair, scuffs and even cobwebs. Skirting boards act as a buffer between walls and floors, so they’re prone to collecting debris from both areas. Dirt from the floor can settle on the bottom, and dust from the walls or air can collect on top.

To make cleaning your skirting boards as easy and effective as possible, having the right tools is essential. You should grab the following tools: 

• Microfiber cloth ( for wiping down skirting boards after cleaning without streaks )
• Duster ( for removing loose dust and cobwebs from skirting boards )
• Sponge scourer ( for cleaning tough marks or stains )
• Multi-purpose cleaner ( for cleaning stubborn dirt or sticky spots )
• Vacuum cleaner ( use the soft brush attachment to vacuum along the top and bottom edges of your skirting boards )

Cleaning skirting boards might not be at the top of your cleaning list. In this step-by-step guide, we will show you the easiest way to clean your skirting boards.

1. Dust the skirting boards.

Use a soft duster or vacuum with a brush attachment to remove any surface dust from the skirting boards. Pay attention to corners and edges where dust tends to collect.

2. Wipe down the skirting boards.

Dip a soft cloth into soapy water, make sure to wring it out well, and wipe down the skirting boards. Make sure the cloth is damp and not soaking to avoid water damage to wooden skirting boards.

3. Cleaning tough spots

For sticky marks or stubborn stains, use a sponge or small brush to scrub the area gently. If the stains persist, try using a spot stain remover or sprinkle a little baking soda on the area. Let it sit for a few minutes, and then wipe away with a damp cloth.

4. Rinse the cloth and wipe again.

After the first wipe-down, rinse your cloth in clean water and wring it out. Then go over the skirting boards again with a dry cloth to remove any soap or cleaning residue.

Skirting boards can be made of wood, plastic, metal and painted coating. Depending on the material of your skirting board, it will need a specific cleaning method. Below, we’ve listed a few tips for cleaning skirting boards based on the material.

Wooden skirting boards

• Use wood-safe cleaners like ‘Clover Lemon HSC 5L’ to avoid damaging the finish
• Apply furniture wax to protect the wood and make it shine like ‘Bourne traffic liquid wax 5L’
• Don’t clean wooden skirting boards with too much water to prevent warping

Plastic skirting boards

• Always use non-abrasive sponges to avoid scratching the plastic.
• Keep hot items away from plastic skirting boards to prevent warping.

Painted skirting boards

• Don’t use harsh chemicals like bleach, as it will damage the paint
• Use soft sponges and clothes to avoid scratching the surface
• Keep touch up paint on hand for any scuffs that may occur over time

Metal skirting boards

• Use non-abrasive cleaners to keep the metal finish.
• Consider using metal polish or protective coating to prevent rust
• Use soft cloths to clean as metal surfaces can scratch easily

Keeping your skirting boards clean doesn’t have to be a chore. By incorporating a few simple habits into your cleaning routine, you can help keep them looking their best for longer. 

• Dust weekly: use a microfibre cloth or duster to wipe down skirting boards once a week to prevent dust buildup 
• Clean spills immediately: Address any spills or stains on skirting boards as soon as they occur to avoid stains. 
• Keep furniture away from walls: position furniture a few inches away from walls to reduce the chance of dust settling on skirting boards. 
• Regularly vacuum: use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment to remove dust and debris from skirting boards
• Seal gaps and cracks: Ensure that any gaps or cracks with caulk in order to prevent dust from settling in hard-to-reach areas.  

While cleaning skirting boards may not be at the top of your cleaning list, it’s important for a clean and welcoming home or office. Dusting and cleaning make your space look better and create a healthier environment by reducing allergens and dirt buildup.

Follow the steps and tips above, and your skirting boards will be in great condition no matter what they are made of. So grab your microfibre cloth and cleaning supplies and give your skirting boards the attention they deserve.