Cleaning

3 ways to keep skirting boards dust free for good

Keeping skirting boards clean doesn't have to be a back-breaking task.
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There are a few maintenance jobs around the house that most of us just put off for as long as possible, at least until it gets to the point where we just can’t stand it anymore and we’re forced to buckle down and do it, at least for our own sanity.

Cleaning the fridge comes to mind, as well as getting in and clearing the dust bunnies from under the couch. The other absolute pain of a job is cleaning the skirting boards. Yep, those boards that line the space between the floor and the walls get amazingly dirty, especially for something that really never gets touched.

All sorts of grime, splashes, and dust end up on these, and if you’ve got a bit of damp, they get even filthier. Rather than having to really throw your back into this job once a year or so, there are three super simple tricks that will help you get them clean and keep them clean.

Hallway console with large curved mirror above it
(Credit: Photography: Simon Whitbread)

1. Use a vacuum brush attachment

If the skirting boards are covered in a light layer of recently acquired dust, the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner may do the trick.

Protect your back by clicking the attachment onto the vacuum’s telescopic handle and swiping gently across the skirting boards, taking care not to bump or scratch the wall as you go.

2. Dust while you mop

If the dust has already firmly settled on skirting boards and is held in place by a layer of moisture and grease, vacuuming alone may not get the job done. That’s where a mop comes in handy.

Use a mop dipped in a cleaning solution of hot water, dishwashing liquid and white vinegar to gently lift stubborn dust from skirting boards.

Kill two birds with one stone and mop the skirting boards every time you mop your floors. This will ensure your skirting boards are permanently dust free!

Dog sitting on floor in hallway
(Credit: Photography: John Downs | Styling: Kylie Jackes)

3. The dryer sheet hack

Dryer sheets are designed to soften, reduce static and impart fragrance to clothing, but there’s another way to use this nifty item to increase the amount of time your skirting boards stay dust free.

Note: this hack will require you to get down on hands and knees, but simply swipe a dryer sheet over clean skirting boards once a year to prevent dust build up. The dryer sheet will leave an imperceptible wax coating on the boards which will prevent dust sticking and settling on the boards.

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