Get Your Baseboards Sparkling Clean Using A Laundry Room Essential

When it comes to cleaning, most people focus on the big, visible areas: Countertops, sinks, floors, and windows. But one spot that almost always gets skipped is the baseboards. Honestly, most people don't even know how often they should be cleaning their baseboards. Baseboards sit low to the ground, quietly collecting dirt, dust, and pet hair until you suddenly notice they've dulled the look of your entire space. Even in a spotless home, grimy baseboards can make rooms feel dirty. 

The good news is that cleaning them doesn't require any special cleaner, scrub brush, or expensive product. In fact, you probably already have the perfect solution sitting in your laundry room. Dryer sheets, (yes, the same ones you toss in with your clothes), can double as a surprisingly effective cleaning tool for your baseboards. In fact, there's many reasons why you should be keeping a pack of dryer sheets in your home. Not only will they wipe away buildup with minimal effort, but they will also help prevent dust from coming back as quickly. That's a win-win. 

The best part is that this hack costs practically nothing and takes just a few minutes. Next time you do your weekly cleaning routine, save this step for last. After your surfaces, floors, and furniture are handled, grab a dryer sheet and get to work. It's a quick step that delivers a major payoff, leaving your home looking polished and cared for, without having to invest in a bunch of cleaners. 

To begin, take your dryer sheet and wipe it along your baseboards. You can attach it to the head of your vacuum for extra reach and suction. Make sure to pay attention to crevices where dust and pet hair like to gather (the dryer sheet comes in handy because you can fold it to get into those tiny spots.) Thanks to the anti-static properties, dryer sheets don't just remove debris — they also repel it and keep surfaces clean for longer. That means you'll spend less time dusting in the future. If you're worried about the dryer sheet not getting everything, you can do a once over your baseboards with a hand-held vacuum before you use the dryer sheet.

You can also attach a dryer sheet to the end of a Swiffer mop or similar floor tool and run it along the boards. If you don't have a mop, you can lay down a folded blanket, cushion, or yoga mat to protect your knees while you work. You could even slip a dryer sheet over a paint roller for extra reach in tight spaces. 

For added customization, grab a pack of scented dryer sheets to leave behind a light, fresh fragrance. Or, you can go for the unscented version if you're more sensitive to fragrance. Either way, this simple upgrade is customizable to your needs. By tacking on this small step to your cleaning routine, you'll restore brightness to your baseboards and keep your home cleaner. Plus, if you have any leftover dryer sheets, placing a few in your garage can help keep mice out.