Do you look around the office and feel it looks great…and then look down and notice grubby baseboards lining the walls? Baseboards can be easily overlooked as an area of the office that needs to be part of a regular cleaning schedule. Built-up dust, dirt, and even scuff marks can seem like they’d be challenging to clean, but we have some steps to guide you. Let’s discuss ways to remove dust, dirt, and scuff marks from your office baseboards.
How to Remove Dust, Dirt, and Scuff Marks from Office Baseboards
Taking the time to clean baseboards in your office will complete your workplace cleaning and enhance the overall look of your space. When most areas are cleaned regularly but other areas are neglected, they can negatively stand out and become an eyesore.
Baseboard cleaning should also be done on a regular rotation just like the rest of the office cleaning. If they haven’t been cleaned in a while, follow the steps below to clean them with some tools and elbow grease.
Cleaning Very Dirty Baseboards
A few key supplies and some time will prove effective in cleaning white-painted or stained wood baseboards in an office. Being gentle will help preserve the finish of each style.
- Tools A vacuum, a long-handled duster, a toothbrush, clean clothes, water and a bucket, and gentle wood cleaners.
- Dusting Cleaning baseboards should start with a thorough dusting with either a long-handled soft duster or a vacuum with a brush attachment.
- Cleaning Both wood-stained baseboards and white-painted ones should be cleaned with a light process to prevent any damage to the surface. A mild soap can be diluted in water and wiping the baseboards with a damp cloth can remove any remaining dust, dirt, or scuff marks.
- Difficult Marks and Soil If dirt is sticking and some still remains after a gentle wiping of the baseboard, a soft toothbrush can be used to scrub the corners and cracks. This should also be wiped clean and dried to prevent marring the surface. If black scuff marks remain, a “magic eraser” can be used. They can be harsh on some surfaces, so test an area first. A pencil eraser or a lubricant like WD40 can help remove black marks on a baseboard finish as well.
- Drying Make sure to dry the baseboards as they are wiped to keep the material from absorbing any water or cleaning solutions. Follow the process with a clean cloth. If scuff marks on white baseboards won’t come off completely, a paint touch-up can make the area look clean and new.
Why Do Baseboards Look Dirty in the First Place?
Just like your floors get dirty due to the foot traffic, your baseboards will, too. Baseboards often don’t get the attention they need because they aren’t in the line of sight during the workday. But if baseboard cleaning isn’t addressed on a regular basis, it won’t take long before dust and dirt builds up.
If there is a lot of activity in an office or workplace like moving around furniture or supplies for events, deliveries, or foot traffic, baseboards will see more dirt and wear. Reviewing them routinely will help stay on top of their cleaning and ensure they stay looking nice for a long time to come. Preventing them from getting too dirty and scuffed is the key to nice looking baseboards in your office.
When You’re Ready for Clean Baseboards at Work
The easiest way to keep your baseboards clean on a regular basis is to hire a professional office cleaning team to clean. Let us do the cleaning work for you – either on a regular schedule or for your one-time cleans. Click here to learn more about the janitorial services we can help you with.
Our professional cleaning staff is bonded, insured, and maintains OSHA compliance. We are happy to clean all of your workplace. Please contact us online or call us at 571.451.0441 for answers to your cleaning questions and to schedule your personalized janitorial cleaning estimate today!
