Cleaning skirting boards can be a tedious task as they always seem to accumulate dust, no matter how often you wipe them. This is due to the static generated by wooden or plastic surfaces, which causes grime to stick firmly. However, an expert from Skirting4U, Kieron Miller, has revealed a simple cleaning hack to keep your skirting boards clean using a common laundry product – dryer sheets.
According to Kieron, rubbing clean skirting boards with a dryer sheet can help repel dust for a longer period due to its anti-static properties. He explained: “The idea is that if you rub a laundry dryer sheet over clean skirting boards, it will help prevent dust from sticking and building up due to staticity. This will be the final stage in your deep clean process and will hopefully prevent the need for regular scrub downs in the future.”
While it may sound unusual, dryer sheets are typically coated in fabric softener and other soapy products that leave behind a light residue when used on skirting boards.
This residue makes the surface extremely slippery, preventing dust from clinging to it and keeping your lower walls clean and fresh-smelling.
To use this method, first clean your skirting boards as usual, then vacuum the floor next to them to quickly remove any large dust build-up.
You can also mop the area if desired, but for a daily quick clean, this step can be skipped. A baseboard mop might be more effective than a standard mop as it can easily reach into tight spaces around the home.
Next, mix warm water and washing-up liquid in a bucket. As an alternative, fill the bucket with warm water and a small amount of fabric softener.
Kieron mentioned: “Instagram cleaning sensation Mrs Hinch recommends using fabric softener as a substitute for soap in this mixture. Not only will this help you remove dirt and grime, but it will also leave your boards smelling super fresh and nice.”
When washing the skirting boards, wring out the cloth after each use to ensure the surfaces are damp but not soaked. Finally, use the dryer sheet method. After cleaning, gently wipe the dryer sheets along the skirting boards, which should stay dust-free for a longer period.
The effectiveness of the dryer sheet method depends on the room’s air circulation but typically lasts a few months. To prolong its effectiveness, lightly wipe the skirting boards every few weeks to prevent dust from returning.
Kieron advised: “It is advised that you do this a couple of times a month to reduce any unnecessary and unwanted build-up of dust.”
