How to Clean Skirting Boards
Dust and scuffs build up fast on skirting boards. Vacuum first, then wash with soapy water and finish with a fabric softener sheet to repel future dust.
Quick answer
Vacuum along the skirting boards with a brush attachment. Wash them with warm soapy water and a microfibre cloth. Use cotton buds or a wooden skewer for detailed moulding. Dry with a clean cloth and run a fabric softener sheet over the surface to reduce static and dust build-up.
Skirting boards catch dust, pet hair and scuff marks from shoes and vacuum cleaners. A regular clean brightens the whole room and stops grime from staining the paint or wood.
What you’ll need
- vacuum with brush attachment
- warm soapy water
- microfibre cloth
- fabric softener sheet
- cotton buds
- wooden skewer
Step by step
- 1
Vacuum the boards
Run a vacuum with a brush attachment along the top and front of every skirting board. This removes dust, cobwebs and pet hair that will otherwise smear when wet.
- 2
Wash with soapy water
Dip a microfibre cloth in warm soapy water and wring it out well. Wipe along the length of each board, working from one end of the room to the other. Rinse the cloth in the soapy water whenever it looks dirty.
- 3
Clean detailed areas
Dip a cotton bud or the tip of a wooden skewer in soapy water and run it along decorative grooves, edges and corners where the cloth cannot reach. Wipe away the loosened dirt with the cloth.
- 4
Dry thoroughly
Go over each board with a dry microfibre cloth to remove any remaining moisture. This prevents water spots on paint or wood.
- 5
Repel dust with a fabric softener sheet
Take a fresh fabric softener sheet and run it lightly along the top and front of each skirting board. The anti-static coating helps dust settle elsewhere for a few weeks.
Do not use too much water on painted or unfinished wood skirting boards. Excess moisture can seep into the wood, causing swelling, paint peeling or mould.
Common mistakes
- Using a soaking wet cloth that damages paint or wood
- Forgetting to vacuum first and pushing wet dirt into the grain
- Using abrasive scourers that scratch the surface
- Missing the drying step and leaving water to sit on the boards
Frequently asked
How often should skirting boards be cleaned?
Dust them monthly and wash them every two to three months, or more often in high-traffic rooms.
Can I use a magic eraser on skirting boards?
Yes, on painted boards for stubborn scuffs, but use it gently. Magic erasers are mildly abrasive and can dull gloss paint if you scrub too hard.
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