The dirty streaks that can appear above your baseboards are mostly created by dirt, dust, or carbon soot from a number of sources like fireplaces, cigarette smoke, pets, cooking byproducts, etc.
Baseboards in the kitchen get particularly dirty because they catch food and grease splatters. Mudroom baseboards pick up a lot of grime, too, because you track dirt in from outside.
In addition to noticeable stains, general discoloration of your baseboards may suggest long-term exposure to moisture. As water causes the wood to deteriorate, it also changes in appearance. The resulting discoloration can range from slightly darkening to pronounced yellow, brown, or gray hues.
Running a dryer sheet over the baseboards after cleaning them is said to repel dust, keeping the baseboards dirt- and dust-free for longer than other methods. Time was short for me, as always, though, so I took a little shortcut.
Whether it's the baseboards, ceiling, walls, or floors, water damage usually appears the same way. Look for any discoloration, peeling, or stains. On unpainted wood, it may be a little more difficult to notice. However, issues such as stains or loose paint on your baseboards is a sign of water damage.
The texture of black mold is shiny and slimy when it's wet. This is usually the case because black mold requires a lot of moisture to grow and thrive. If the original source of moisture is eliminated (e.g. leak fixed, flooding cleaned up, etc.), the texture of black mold may appear more sooty and powdery.
How Often to Clean Baseboards. Food splatters and spills that land on baseboards should be cleaned away as soon as they happen. Then, each time you vacuum or mop, dust the baseboards to prevent dust and dirt from building up. If you don't have time to dust them each time you vacuum, try to do it at least twice a month.
Excessive moisture is one of the primary contributors to rotting. When wood is consistently exposed to moisture or high humidity levels, it soon infiltrates, reducing its structural composition and allowing fungi growth that leads to the decay of the wood.
'Dryer sheets repel dust, too'
What's even better about using dryer sheets to clean baseboards is that they'll stop the dust building up again. 'Dryer sheets are designed to reduce static on clothes, and it makes the baseboard repel dust, too,' my mom explained.
Baseboards that have been in place for any length of time can get quite dirty. Dirt, dust and other grime can build over time and prevent paint from adhering to the surface. So we always recommend cleaning baseboards with a tsp (trisodium phosphate) “no-rinse” substitute before painting or priming.
It's fairly common for mold to appear behind baseboards, but it's rare to discover it there without first being alerted by the presence of mold nearby in a more visible area. It can grow unnoticed for a long time, thriving on water from leaks or rainstorms.
Baseboard discoloration may be the result of mold growth. It usually appears in newly built houses, and is often caused by excessive moisture in the air.
They should be cleaned regularly, especially if you are living in a rental property. Most tenants scrub them off at the end of their tenancy and fail to achieve desired results. On the other hand, those who vacuum and wash white baseboards twice or thrice a week get sparkling outcomes.
High-traffic areas, like kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, and entryways, require weekly mopping. Infrequently used rooms, such as formal living areas or guest rooms, can be mopped every other week, or even once a month, so long as they're vacuumed once every seven days to remove dust and grit.
In a bowl, mix baking soda with a small amount of water until it forms a thick paste. Spray the vinegar solution directly onto a microfiber cloth. Apply the baking soda paste to any dirty or stained areas. Wipe down the baseboards and gently scrub the stains.
In some extreme cases you will need to replace the affected timbers. However, in most cases you can stop wet rot by treating the timber with a fungicide. The treatment of wet rot involves applying a fungicide during the drying out period.
Quality wood baseboards can last decades when properly maintained.
Research by the American Cleaning Institute found that many Americans spend nearly 6 hours every week cleaning, while a third wonder if they are cleaning enough and correctly. Most homeowners clean the floor, vacuum, clean the bathroom, and dust furniture once a week.
You can usually see or smell a mold problem. Mold can appear as slightly fuzzy, discolored, or slimy patches that increase in size as they grow. Most molds produce musty odors that are the first indication of a problem. Mold can grow anywhere there is adequate moisture or a water problem.
Mix a solution that's equal parts white vinegar and cold water in a spray bottle. Spray or apply the vinegar and water mixture directly to the moldy areas. Using a scrub brush with a long handle, scrub the moldy areas vigorously in a circular motion. Continue scrubbing until you remove the mold stains.
Aureobasidium
This yeast-type fungus can be mistaken for another more sinister and dangerous mold but is far less likely to make you sick. Aureobasidium can start as a slimy pink color, but it will turn brown or black and can look like black mold.