Skirting boards can be time-consuming to clean as no matter how often you wipe them down, they always seem covered in dust. This happens because wooden or plastic surfaces can generate static electricity, which will cause any nearby grime to firmly stick to the surface.

However, there is a very simple way to keep your skirting boards clean, and all you need is a common laundry product. Kieron Miller, an expert from Skirting4U, has shared that the trick to cleaning skirting boards is to rub them with dryer sheets, as this will help repel dust for much longer.

Kieron explained: The idea is that if you rub a laundry dryer sheet over clean skirting boards, it will help prevent dust from sticking and building up due to staticity.

“This will be the final stage in your deep clean process and will hopefully prevent the need for regular scrub downs in the future.”

It may seem unusual, but dryer sheets are often coated in fabric softener and other soapy products that will leave behind a light residue if you use them on your skirting board.

This residue will make the skirting board extremely slippery, so dust cannot cling to it as easily. This will keep your lower walls clean and smelling lovely.

How to use dryer sheets to clean skirting boards

First, you need to clean your skirting boards like you normally would. Simply vacuum the floor next to them to remove any large dust buildup quickly.

If you wish, mop the area as well, but you can skip this step if you are doing an everyday quick clean. It may help to use a baseboard mop instead of a regular mop, as it can easily reach awkward corners and angles around the home.

Next, fill a bucket with warm water and washing-up liquid. Alternatively, you can fill a bucket with warm water and a little fabric softener.

Kieron said: “Instagram cleaning sensation Mrs Hinch recommends using fabric softener as a substitute for soap in this mixture. Not only will this help you remove dirt and grime but it will also leave your boards smelling super fresh and nice.”

As you wash your skirting boards, ring out the cloth after each use so the surfaces are damp but not soaked.

Finally, it is time to use the dryer sheet method. After cleaning, gently wipe the dryer sheets along your skirting boards, and they should stay dust-free for much longer.

The dryer sheet method’s effectiveness depends on the air circulation inside a room, but it should typically last a few weeks. If you want it to work for longer, lightly wipe your skirting boards every few days or once a week to prevent dust from coming back.

Kieron said: “It is advised that you do this a couple of times a month to reduce any unnecessary and unwanted build-up of dust.”