The essentials in 30 seconds
Dust first, with a cloth-covered broom or mop, a soft cloth or a vacuum brush, so you do not smear dirt around. Then wash with warm water and a little mild detergent on a soft cloth or sponge, wrung out so it is not dripping. For stubborn marks, work on that spot, then wash the whole run so it does not look patchy, rinse with clean water and let it dry. Avoid abrasives, scouring pads, stiff brushes and caustic cleaners, which scratch the paint or leave shiny patches. Freshly painted baseboards need about a week to cure before they can be washed.
- Trim is usually gloss or semi-gloss, which cleans more easily than matt.
- Mop the floor afterwards, not before, if you are doing both.
- Keep leftover touch-up paint for chips.
How to clean baseboards
-
01
Dust them
Remove loose dust and hair with a cloth-covered broom or mop, a soft cloth or the soft brush on a vacuum. Dulux recommends dusting first so dirt is not smeared around.
-
02
Mix the solution
Warm water with a small amount of mild detergent.
-
03
Wash with a soft cloth
Use a soft sponge or cloth, wrung out well. Soft materials avoid scratching the paintwork.
-
04
Treat stubborn marks
Apply the solution to the mark with a soft cloth. On gloss and semi-gloss paint, Dulux suggests sugar soap wipes for stubborn stains.
-
05
Wash the whole run
After a spot clean, wash the whole length of baseboard so it does not look patchy.
-
06
Rinse and dry
Rinse with clean water and let it dry.
Gloss, semi-gloss and matt trim
| Finish | Use | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Gloss or semi-gloss (most trim) | Warm water with a little detergent; sugar soap wipes for stubborn stains; rinse | Abrasives and caustic cleaners |
| Matt or low sheen | Warm water with a little mild detergent on a soft cloth; rinse | Rough abrasives, solvent cleaners, stiff brushes, harsh caustic products and vigorous scrubbing, which causes shiny patches |
| Freshly painted | Wait about a week for full washability | Washing before the paint has cured |
Greasy marks on baseboards
For greasy marks, Dulux suggests one cup of white vinegar in a bucket of warm water, or washing-up liquid in warm water, applied with a soft sponge. Rinse afterwards.
What not to use on baseboards
- Scouring pads, steel wool, stiff scrubbing brushes and other abrasives.
- Caustic or solvent cleaners.
- A dripping cloth or sponge.
- Vigorous scrubbing, which polishes matt paint into shiny patches.
If the paint is chipped or the marks will not come off, touch up with leftover paint from the original job, or repaint.
How to clean baseboards: frequently asked questions
What is the best way to clean baseboards?
Dust them first, then wash with warm water and a little mild detergent on a soft, well-wrung cloth, rinse and let dry.
Can I use vinegar to clean baseboards?
For greasy marks, Dulux suggests a cup of white vinegar in a bucket of warm water, applied with a soft sponge.
How do I get scuff marks off baseboards?
Apply warm soapy water to the mark with a soft cloth; on gloss or semi-gloss trim, sugar soap wipes help with stubborn stains. Avoid abrasives.
How soon can I clean newly painted baseboards?
Allow about a week for the paint to cure and reach full washability.
Should I clean baseboards before or after mopping?
Clean them first, then mop, so dust and drips from the baseboards end up on the floor you are about to clean.
Why are there shiny patches after cleaning?
Vigorous scrubbing with chemicals, brushes or scourers burnishes the paint. Use a soft cloth and gentle pressure.
Sources
Paint manufacturer guidance, checked on 2 November 2026 (02/11/2026).
- Dulux UK · Dr Dulux: how to clean painted walls ↗Dusting first with a cloth-covered broom or mop; soft sponges and cloths; warm, soapy water with a mild detergent; not oversoaking the sponge to avoid water stains; rinsing; one cup of white vinegar in a bucket of warm water for greasy stains.
- Dulux Australia · How to care for Dulux paint in your home ↗About a week to reach full washability; trims usually in gloss or semi-gloss; warm water with a little detergent; sugar soap wipes for stubborn stains; no abrasives, caustic or solvent cleaners or stiff brushes; washing the whole surface to avoid patchiness; rinsing; vigorous scrubbing causes shiny patches; keeping touch-up paint. Read in the browser.
Paint chipped or stained for good?
Note the paint brand and finish if you know them before buying touch-up paint or calling a painter.