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Skirting boards, called kickboards or baseboards in the US, are often overlooked during regular cleaning routines. However, they play a crucial role in maintaining your home's appeal. Over time, skirting boards can accumulate dust, dirt, and grime, which not only looks unsightly but can also affect the overall cleanliness of your living space. In this guide, we'll explore the best way to clean skirting boards, with step-by-step instructions and answers to all your skirting board-related questions.
In this guide:
Skirting boards are narrow boards that run along the bottom of walls inside homes. They act as a barrier between the wall and the floor, protecting against knocks, scuffs, and general wear and tear. They also add a smart, finished look to a room.
Over time, skirting boards can accumulate dust, dirt, pet hair, and other debris, leading to discolouration and grime build-up. Regular cleaning not only keeps them looking pristine but also contributes to a healthier home environment.
Clean skirting boards can keep your room looking tidy and well-cared for. If you’re looking to sell your property, clean skirting boards can help increase your home's value in the eyes of buyers, giving your design a stylish finish.
Cleaning skirting boards can be a messy task, especially if you’re dealing with stubborn grime or paint. To prevent any damage to your floors, particularly thick carpetsand wood-effect laminate, it's essential to take protective measures. Here’s a step-by-step guide to the preparation process:
1. Clear the area by moving furniture and decor away from the skirting boards, giving you clear access.
2. Lay protection on your floors to prevent damage from water, cleaning products, and loose debris. Old bedsheets and bath towels are a useful option if you don’t have specialist equipment.
3. Vacuum your skirting boards thoroughly to remove loose dust and dirt. Pay extra attention to the edges and hard-to-reach corners where dust is most likely to gather.
Now that you’ve prepared your skirting boards for cleaning, it’s time to take the next step and get stuck in. Here’s our advice on how to clean skirting boards:
1. Remove any loose dust and dirt with a soft microfibre cloth, making sure to reach into any grooves and decorative features. Then, gently use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to ensure no debris is missed.
2. Dip a clean cloth into soapy water, wring thoroughly, then wipe down your skirting boards in small sections. Once finished, rinse the cloth in clean water, wring it out again, and wipe away any residual soap.
3. Use a dry cloth to remove any excess moisture, then check the skirting boards for any missed spots or remaining stains. Touch them up with paint as needed.
4. (Optional) If you’re cleaning wooden skirting boards, consider using a wood polish or conditioner to restore shine and protect the wood.
Some tough stains, like grease and scuff marks, require a more targeted approach to removal. We’d recommend testing on a hidden area first, but here are some methods you can use to clean stubborn stains in a pinch:
Whether you have mobility issues or you just want to avoid bending down, there are plenty of ways to clean your skirting boards without straining your back. Here are a few techniques you can use to avoid back pain while cleaning:
Removing paint from skirting boards can be delicate, especially if you want to avoid damaging the underlying wood. If you’re looking to remove your skirting board paint while keeping the wood intact, follow these simple steps:
1. Start by testing your paint removal method on a small, hidden area first. This lets you check that your technique won’t cause damage or discolouration.
2. Gently use a paint scraper to lift off loose or peeling paint, taking care not to gouge the wood.
3. If your paint is proving difficult to scrape off, use a heat gun to soften it. Hold the gun a few inches away from the surface and move it back and forth, then scrape the paint off once it starts to bubble.
4. To remove stubborn paint, use a chemical stripper. Apply the chemical, let it sit for the recommended time, then scrape the softened paint. Always remember to follow your manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Once you’ve removed the paint from your skirting boards, clean the stripped surface with warm, soapy water to remove any residue.
If you’re looking to reapply a new coat of paint, our guide on how to paint your skirting boards can help.
If plaster has splattered on your skirting boards, it can leave an unsightly mark that affects your design. Here’s how you can remove plaster effectively for clean skirting boards:
Keeping your skirting boards clean is essential for giving your home a polished, tidy look, but it’s just as important to protect your floors in the process. If you’re looking for stylish, durable flooring that can stand the test of time, Tapi has you covered. We offer a wide range of flooring materials in a variety of designs, letting you create the home of your dreams without breaking the bank. Browse our latest offers today, or visit your nearest Tapi store to see how we can help transform your room.
Published: 26-01-2022
Last reviewed: 18-03-2026
