When it comes to vacate cleaning, the devil is in the details. Every nook and cranny of your home demands attention, and skirting boards are no exception. Yet, skirting boards often get overlooked amidst the chaos of packing and preparing to move out.
However, neglecting these essential elements of your home’s cleanliness can leave a lasting impression on your landlord or the next tenants. This comprehensive guide delves into the importance of cleaning skirting boards during vacate cleaning services Geelong and how often you should tackle this task to maintain a pristine living environment.
Understanding Skirting Boards
Skirting boards, or baseboards, serve functional and aesthetic purposes in homes. Functionally, they protect the base of walls from damage caused by furniture, vacuum cleaners, and foot traffic. Aesthetically, skirting boards provide a finishing touch to rooms, concealing gaps and transitions between floors and walls.
Over time, skirting boards accumulate dust, dirt, pet hair, and grime, detracting from a space’s overall cleanliness. Neglected skirting boards not only compromise a room’s appearance but can also harbour allergens and contribute to poor indoor air quality.
Let’s explore some guidelines to ensure your skirting boards stay in top condition.
Regular Dusting
Aim to dust your skirting boards at least once a week or as needed. Dusting should be a part of your routine cleaning regimen to prevent the accumulation of dust and debris. Use a microfiber cloth or a soft brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to gently remove dust from the surface of the skirting boards.
Spot Cleaning
In addition to regular dusting, be vigilant about spot-cleaning any stains or spills on your skirting boards as soon as they occur. Prompt attention to spills can prevent them from seeping into the wood or paint and causing permanent damage. Use a mild detergent or cleaning solution diluted in water and a soft cloth to gently wipe away stains.
Deep Cleaning
Depending on factors such as household traffic, indoor air quality, and the presence of pets, it’s recommended to deep clean your skirting boards every one to three months. Deep cleaning involves a more thorough approach to removing stubborn dirt, grease, and grime that may have accumulated over time.
Use a dedicated skirting board cleaner or a mild solution of warm water and vinegar to clean the surface thoroughly. Be sure to dry the skirting boards afterward to prevent moisture damage.
Seasonal Maintenance
Consider incorporating skirting board cleaning into your seasonal home maintenance routine. As the seasons change, so do the environmental conditions that can affect the cleanliness of your skirting boards. Spring cleaning, for example, presents an opportunity to give your skirting boards a thorough once-over after the winter months when indoor air tends to be more stagnant.
Professional Cleaning
For particularly stubborn stains or extensive build-up, you may want to enlist the help of professional cleaners. Professional cleaning services have the expertise and specialised equipment to tackle tough cleaning challenges effectively while minimising the risk of damage to your skirting boards.
By following these guidelines for skirting board maintenance, you can ensure that this often-neglected feature of your home remains clean and pristine and enhances the overall aesthetic appeal of your living space.
Factors Influencing Cleaning Frequency
Several factors influence how often you should clean skirting boards
Foot Traffic
High-traffic areas such as hallways and living rooms accumulate dirt and dust more rapidly than less frequented spaces. Therefore, skirting boards in these areas may require more frequent cleaning.
Pet Presence
If you have pets, especially those that shed fur, expect to find pet hair clinging to your skirting boards. Regular cleaning is essential to remove pet dander and maintain a hygienic environment.
Flooring Type
The type of flooring in your home can impact how quickly skirting boards accumulate dirt. Carpets trap more dust and debris than hardwood or laminate flooring, necessitating more frequent cleaning.
Cleaning Routine
Consistency is key when it comes to cleaning skirting boards. Incorporating skirting board cleaning into your regular cleaning routine can prevent the build-up of dirt and grime.
Recommended Cleaning Frequency
While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how often you should clean skirting boards, a general guideline for vacate cleaning services Geelong can help you stay on top of this task
Weekly
In high-traffic areas or homes with pets, consider wiping down skirting boards once a week. Light cleaning should be done once a week to prevent the build-up of dust on the skirting boards. If your schedule is difficult, you may stretch this to two or three weeks. Use a microfiber cloth or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove dust and pet hair.
Bi-weekly or Monthly
For areas with moderate foot traffic and no pets, cleaning skirting boards every two to four weeks should suffice. Fortunately, you can deep clean them once every few months to make them look shiny and new. Pay extra attention to corners and crevices where dust tends to accumulate.
Seasonally
Even if your home doesn’t experience heavy foot traffic or pet presence, giving skirting boards a thorough cleaning seasonally is still advisable. This ensures that any accumulated dirt or grime is removed before it becomes stubborn to clean.
Tips for Effective Skirting Board Cleaning
To achieve the best results when cleaning skirting boards, consider the following tips
Use the Right Tools
To avoid scratching or damaging the surface of skirting boards, opt for a soft-bristled brush, microfiber cloth, or vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment.
Choose the Right Cleaning Solution
A mild detergent diluted in warm water is usually sufficient for cleaning skirting boards. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that can strip paint or cause discolouration.
Work from Top to Bottom
Start cleaning from the top of the skirting board and work your way down to prevent dust and dirt from settling on already cleaned areas.
Don’t Forget the Corners
Pay special attention to corners and crevices where dust accumulates. Use a cotton swab or a small brush to reach tight spaces.
Dry Thoroughly
After cleaning, ensure that skirting boards are completely dry to prevent water damage or mould growth. Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe away any excess moisture.
Summing Up
Attention to detail is paramount in vacate cleaning, and skirting boards should be noticed. By understanding the factors influencing cleaning frequency and following recommended guidelines, you can maintain clean, well-maintained skirting boards throughout your tenancy. Remember, regular cleaning not only enhances the appearance of your home but also contributes to a healthier living environment for you and future occupants.
When it’s time to move out, leaving your rental property spotless is essential for securing your deposit and ensuring a smooth transition for the next occupants. At OZ Cleaning Geelong, we specialise in vacate cleaning services Geelong and beyond to meet your needs. Our experienced professionals understand the importance of thoroughly cleaning skirting boards. Contact us today to schedule your skirting board clean-up service and experience the difference our professional touch can make.
