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How to Clean Baseboards

Lowe's Editorial Team

By Lowe's Editorial Team
Updated January 30, 2025

Baseboard cleaning is often an overlooked task when cleaning a home. Baseboards enhance the overall appearance of a room, but if they collect dust, dirt and grease over time, they make the room look dingy. We’ll show you a few practical tips on how to clean baseboards effectively.

Preparing for Baseboard Cleaning

First, get the area ready for cleaning. 

  • Remove the furniture around the area you want to clean. 
  • Vacuum the area around the baseboards. 
  • Vacuum the area around the baseboards. 
  • Wear gloves, a dust mask and eye protection.

Caution

When using any cleaning or polishing products, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use and safety, including instructions for safety gear.

Tips for Cleaning Baseboards

There are multiple ways to clean baseboards, depending on the amount of dust and other grime on it.

Clean Baseboards Using Dusters, Mops and Brushes

This light cleaning method is good for everyday baseboard cleaning and areas that don’t have grease deposits.

  •  A dry spray mop removes dust from the surface of baseboards.  
  • Use a duster to collect the dust and dirt. Try a pivoting dusting wand with a telescoping handle to reduce stress on your knees and back. Just sweep the baseboards as you walk past them. 
  • A wet/dry dust mop with a pivoting head can also be an effective way to dust baseboards and remove light grime. 
  • You can use a soft-bristled brush to remove pet hair. 
  • Once you’ve finished dusting the baseboards and the area is dry, vacuum the floor to collect the leftover dust.

Clean Baseboards Using a Vacuum

Here’s how to clean baseboards with a vacuum as a part of daily housecleaning tasks: 

  • Attach a soft-bristled vacuum attachment. Use the vacuum to clean the baseboard, including corners and edges. This method reduces bending and stooping. 
  • Then, vacuum the floor with standard vacuum attachments for a thorough clean.

Cleaning Grease from Baseboards

One of the best ways to clean baseboards that have grease spots or stuck-on dirt and dust is by using a degreaser, mild dish soap or other all-purpose household cleaner. Use one of these to clean baseboards in kitchens and any place where there’s a lot of grease and dirt. Clean at least once a week if grease is a regular problem. Follow the directions for the cleaning product you use, but here are a few general tips:

  • Choose the degreaser or cleaner that’s suitable for the type of baseboard you have. For example, an all-purpose cleaner or mild dish soap might be best for wood baseboards.
  • If you’re using a liquid degreaser concentrate, mix it with water according to the instructions and pour it into a spray bottle. If you’re using a spray degreaser, there’s no need to mix it with water.

Spray the degreaser on the baseboard and let it work according to the instructions, then wipe it with a terry cloth or microfiber cleaning cloth.

Tip

Use a melamine foam sponge to clean any scuff marks on the baseboards. These pads can clean baseboards with just a little water and scrubbing.

Corners and Edges

Corners and edges can be hard to reach, even with a cloth or a brush. You can use a soft-bristled toothbrush for this task. Dip the toothbrush in an all-purpose cleaning solution or a mixture of mild dish soap and water and then scrub gently along the edges and corners to remove the grime. Then, wipe the baseboards with a terry cloth or microfiber cleaning cloth.

Baseboard Maintenance

  • Clean your baseboards on a regular basis so that deep cleaning won’t be necessary. Deep cleaning all of your baseboards at once takes a lot of effort. 
  • After cleaning the baseboard with a degreaser or cleaning solution, be sure to wipe away the residue with a cleaning cloth or microfiber cloth. 
  • While cleaning your baseboards, inspect them for any damage, such as cracks or peeling paint. Touch up and repair or replace the baseboards if necessary. 
  • If the baseboards are unpainted wood, you can use wood polish after cleaning to add shine and protect them. Just follow the polish application instructions.