Cleaning Vinyl Baseboards

Written by Lee Wyatt (last updated June 29, 2020)

It may surprise you, but cleaning the baseboards of a home is a cleaning chore that can be easily overlooked; it has something to do with that whole "out of sight, out of mind" thing that seems to strike most people every once in a while. Here are a few simple guidelines that anyone can use to help clean the most common of baseboards.

  • Sweep or vacuum. When cleaning your vinyl baseboards, as with cleaning anything, it is always best to begin with a "pre-treatment" phase. In this case, you need to sweep or vacuum along the baseboards as appropriate for the flooring type. By sweeping or vacuuming along the baseboards, you are removing all of the loose particulates that can create a sludgy mess when wet. If you skip this step, then you run the risk of creating a larger mess than what you are trying to clean up.
  • Mop. Vinyl is pretty easy to clean, and as such using a sponge mop can help reduce some back strain. Dip the mop into some warm soapy water, and then strain the mop till it is damp only. Run the mop along the baseboards, using a light pressure to scrub away any stain that may be in place. Repeat this as many times as necessary to remove the stains. Once you have removed the stains from the vinyl baseboards, allow the baseboards to air dry.
  • Sponge scrub. The traditional method for cleaning baseboards is to use a sponge, or some other kind of soft rag, and warm soapy water. This method allows you to place as much, or as little, pressure as is needed to remove any stains from the boards. Work your way around the room in one direction, and one direction only—this keeps the possibility of spreading the dirt around in an area that you have already cleaned. While cleaning your baseboards though, you may need to change the warm soapy water a few times so don't be afraid to change it as needed.

Author Bio

Lee Wyatt

Contributor of numerous Tips.Net articles, Lee Wyatt is quickly becoming a regular "Jack of all trades." He is currently an independent contractor specializing in writing and editing. Contact him today for all of your writing and editing needs! Click here to contact. ...

MORE FROM LEE

Hosting a Family Dinner

Are you the one in charge of hosting your family's next get together? If that's the case, then you know exactly how ...

Discover More

Delicious Ham-Fried Rice

If you are thinking about having Chinese for dinner some night, you may want to think about making some delicious ...

Discover More

Replacing Wood Shingles

Wood shingles are a great looking roofing material that has a tendency to get damaged during storms. Luckily replacing ...

Discover More

Remove Stubborn Stains Quickly Get everything looking clean again: Walls, floors, baseboards, counters, blinds, appliances, and more. Micro-scrubbers easily reach into surface grooves, lifting dirt away. This low-cost 8-pack is great for stubborn stains and touble areas. Check out Mr. Clean Magic Eraser 8-Pack today!

More Cleaning Tips

Cleaning Up Play-Doh

Play-Doh is one of the most popular children's play things in the world. After all, what child wouldn't like to sit and ...

Discover More

Commercial Floor Cleaning

Are you in charge of a commercial building? Remember that cleaning the floor is important to the image of your company.

Discover More

Removing Hard Water Stains from Linoleum

Since linoleum is made from natural ingredients, it is a porous material and can absorb watery substances, forming ...

Discover More
Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in Cleaning Tips from Tips.Net. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

View most recent newsletter.

Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is 5 + 2?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)


Newest Tips
Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in Cleaning Tips from Tips.Net. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

(Your e-mail address is not shared with anyone, ever.)

View the most recent newsletter.