Easy and Effective Way to Clean Baseboards and Doors

Wren’s Little Nest
by Wren’s Little Nest
2 Materials
$1
20 Minutes
Easy

With spring just around the corner, I like to get a head start on all of my spring cleaning chores. This way I can get some of the more nitty gritty jobs out of the way, and have more time to spend outdoors in the beautiful warm weather.

One of my least favorite chores to tackle, is cleaning the baseboards and doors, but after a long winter with the majority of the family

being indoors for long periods of time, they definitely need a good cleaning. I have tried several different methods and products over the years, however sometimes the simplest methods work the best, and in this case that holds true.

Read below to find out my quick yet effective method for cleaning baseboards and doors!

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Here is a picture of what we are starting with. This is probably the worst door in the house, so I thought it would make a good example of how well this method works. This is my sons bedroom door, so not only does it have “regular” kid dirt on it, it’s also covered in sticky tape residue from where he likes to hang up and display his art work.

As you can see, the baseboards are also in need of a good cleaning.

Begin by filling up a bowl or bucket with about 8 cups of very hot water. To this you will add 1tsp of liquid (or powder) laundry detergent. I use the Tide brand and it works incredibly well, I am not sure how other brands will preform.

Gently agitate the water to dissolve and incorporate all of the detergent. I highly recommend wearing rubber gloves for this job to protect your hands.

Submerge a microfiber cloth into the cleaning solution and wring out any excess. Gently scrub the surfaces that need cleaning, and you will be amazed at how easily the dirt and gunk comes off.


Perfect!

Cleaning your baseboards and doors might not be something that you often think needs cleaning, however it’s these little details that really make your home look polished and taken care of.

I love this simple method for cleaning all of the painted wood work in my home. It’s easy, effecting and very budget friendly. Not to mention how fresh it leaves your home smelling.

So much better, and now I can check one big job off of my spring cleaning to-do list!

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Frequently asked questions
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3 of 17 questions
  • Lou22827839 Lou22827839 on Feb 24, 2023

    Do you have to rinse with clean water? Nothing about rinsing was mentioned??

  • New22826216 New22826216 on Feb 24, 2023

    How does it do on walls? Or do you have a different hack?

  • Karen Swing Karen Swing on Feb 24, 2023

    If you are planning on painting later in the season, will this need to be rinsed off?

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2 of 78 comments
  • Kathryn Kathryn on Mar 21, 2025

    Highly allergic to all the junk in tide. I use dawn. Works great.

  • Pam Pam on Mar 28, 2025

    I wash mine with washing up liquid and water.... Dry with a slightly damp new clean cloth.. Deflect dog hair with 3 parts water 1 part laundry conditioner... In spray bottle.. Leave to dry naturally, works like a charm, my great grandmother taught us this.. If repainting, clean with hot water, leave dry naturally & off you go

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