Skirting boards are an essential part of a home, but they rapidly collect dust. A simple solution could leave them sparkling once more.
Skirting boards are magnets for all kinds of dust and dirt which means that cleaning them can be a massive pain if you don’t have the right tools. Luckily, there is a handy budget-friendly trick for getting rid of the grime – and the best part? You don’t even have to bend down to do it.
Popularised in the Victorian era, skirting boards today protect the base of the walls from scuffing while also adding a polished look to the room. However, the downside is that they tend to accumulate a lot of dust that can become ingrained in the material, leaving your home looking unclean to visitors.
The problem is that they are notoriously difficult to clean, especially for anyone with back issues. To work around this, a UK cleaning expert advises a fool proof three-step solution that doesn’t involve bending down. The first step is to vacuum the skirting board. This will remove the most surface level layer of dust, making it easier for when you go in with your other steps. When you get to the corners, it’s advised that you increase the pressure of the vacuum nozzle so that you can really get into the nooks and crannies.
Next, you need to create a mild, soapy solution. The best way to do this is to fill a bucket with warm water and add just a few drops of a mild washing up liquid. If you add too much, the mixture will become too harsh and will leave a residue on your boards. Equally, avoid adding any harsh detergents or abrasive cleaners, as these may damage your walls and floors.
Finally, you should then dip your mop into the solution and work your way over the skirting boards in circular motions to really dissolve the remaining dirt and dust. The trick here is to use a microfibre cloth head, as these pick up far more grime than regular wipes, while also absorbing more water. To make sure the water dries properly, you should then go in with a dry microfibre cloth, ensuring no streaks remain.
For those cleaning on a budget, or without a mop with a reusable head, you can use microfibre cloth on its own to clean the area and prevent streaks. A pack of three Spontex microfibre cloths from Amazon are just £2.21 – making them a bargain 73p each.
