A cleaning expert has shared a simple method to keep skirting boards dust-free for weeks, using fabric softener, a common household item. Skirting boards often gather dust quickly because they carry a lot of static electricity, especially in autumn when radiators circulate hot air and stir up dust. This causes fluff, pet hair, dead skin cells and other debris to stick to the walls, creating a dark grey coating.
Why fabric softener works
Chloe, known online as Queen Clean Chloe, demonstrated the trick in a video. She said: “I haven’t given these skirts and boards a good scrubbing in a while, and they can start to gather a lot of dust. I’m going to use my magic solution which is basically fabric softener with a little bit of water and a Dishmatic.”
She added: “This cleans it really well and makes the room smell amazing, but also prevents dust from building up quickly as well.”
Fabric softener contains cationic surfactants that reduce static electricity, helping to keep dust from sticking. It also leaves a thin protective coating on the skirting boards, acting as a barrier to keep them clean for longer.
How to apply the solution
First, clean the skirting boards as usual to remove as much dust as possible. Clear any clutter such as shoes or rugs, and vacuum the area to loosen dust. Then wash the boards with warm water to remove buildup.
Mix 250ml of warm water with about 10ml of fabric softener. Chloe suggested using a dishmatic, but a mop bucket works too. If using a bucket, add a few squirts of washing-up liquid to the solution. Then wash or mop the skirting boards until they are gleaming and completely white.
The results can last for at least a few weeks, depending on how often the heating is on, whether pets are present, and whether the room has rugs or carpet, as these all attract dust. Vacuuming the area at least once a week should help keep skirting boards as clean as possible.
