Baseboards are one of those parts of the house that often get forgotten about during regular cleaning. They’re always there, but we don’t always give them the attention they deserve.

If you’re like most people, you probably dust them off once in a while and call it a day.

But if you want to take your baseboards from "meh" to sparkling clean, steam cleaning is a great way to get it done!

In this guide, I’ll show you how to steam clean baseboards step-by-step.

Can You Steam Clean Baseboards?

Yes, you can steam clean baseboards, and it’s actually a great way to remove built-up dust, dirt, and grime without harsh chemicals.

Steam can get into all those nooks and crannies that dust and dirt love to hide in, and the heat from the steam breaks down dirt which makes it easier to wipe.

It also helps kill bacteria and allergens, which is a big plus if you have kids or pets.

How To Steam Clean Baseboards

Steam cleaning baseboards is a pretty straightforward process, and it won’t take you long at all. Here’s how to do it step by step:

#1 Dust The Baseboards

Before you do anything, you need to dust those baseboards. Trust me, you don’t want to start steaming on top of a pile of dust.

Use a microfiber cloth or a duster to get rid of the loose dust first.

Don’t forget the corners and those tricky spots where dust likes to gather. If it’s been a while since you last cleaned, you might want to vacuum the area to grab anything that’s really stuck down.

Dusting is quick, but it’s an important step. Steam can push dust around rather than pick it up if you don’t do this part first. It’ll just make the whole process more effective and less messy.

#2 Heat Up The Steam Cleaner

Now that your baseboards are dust-free, it’s time to break out the steam cleaner.

If you’ve never used one before, it’s super easy. Fill the water tank, plug it in, and turn it on. Let it heat up – this usually only takes a minute or two.

Most steam cleaners have a light that turns on or changes color once it's ready. So you’ll know when it’s go-time!

If you’re using a handheld steam cleaner or a mop-style one with an attachment for baseboards, just make sure it’s the right tool for the job. You want the steam to come out in a controlled way, not in a huge blast.

That way, you can focus on one section at a time without making a mess.

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#3 Steam In Sections

Once your cleaner is all set, start steaming the baseboards in small sections.

This helps you stay focused, and it’s a bit easier to handle than trying to steam the whole room at once.

Move the steam cleaner along the baseboard slowly, keeping it about 3-4 inches away from the surface. You don’t need to press hard; just let the steam do its thing.

You’ll notice that as you go along, the steam starts loosening up the dirt and grime.

The heat will also help kill any germs and bacteria that may have been hanging out on the baseboards.

If you come across a spot that’s extra dirty, feel free to go over it a couple of times.

#4 Wipe Away The Dirt Immediately

After you steam a section, grab a clean cloth and wipe it down right away.

The steam will have loosened up the dirt, but it won’t just fall off on its own. Wiping it off while it’s still damp will leave your baseboards looking spotless. You don’t want to let the moisture sit for too long, or it might cause streaks or even water spots.

Make sure the cloth you’re using is dry enough to absorb the moisture but not too wet. You’ll get the best results that way.

And if you’re working on a bigger area, you might need a few cloths to keep it fresh.

Also Read: How To Clean O-Cedar Mop Heads

#5 Use A Soft-Bristle Brush For Stubborn Spots

If you run into any spots that just won’t budge, don’t stress. This is where a soft-bristle brush can come in handy. A toothbrush works great for this.

Just dip it into the steam and gently scrub the stubborn spots.

The combination of steam and a little extra elbow grease will help lift up any dirt that’s been clinging to your baseboards for a while.

Be careful not to use a brush with hard bristles, though. You don’t want to scratch up the surface of your baseboards. Soft bristles are the way to go.

#6 Dry The Baseboards

Once you've finished steaming and wiping down the entire area, let the baseboards dry for a minute or two. You don’t want them to stay wet for too long though. It’s a good idea to use a dry towel to give them a final wipe.

This will help soak up any leftover moisture and leave your baseboards looking shiny and new. Plus, it helps prevent any water spots from forming.

Sometimes, the humidity from the steam can leave them a little damp, so it’s always nice to go over them once more with a dry cloth.

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Bottom Line

Steam cleaning your baseboards is super simple and doesn’t require a lot of fancy equipment. All you need is a steam cleaner, a bit of time, and a clean cloth or two.

By the time you're done, your baseboards will look cleaner, fresher, and even more inviting.

It’s a great way to keep your home clean and make your baseboards shine without using harsh chemicals.

And if you’ve been putting off cleaning your baseboards for a while, steam cleaning is a great way to finally get it done without much trouble.

Steam Clean Baseboards (How-To Guide)