How to Make Oak Baseboards Shine

How to Make Oak Baseboards Shine
Written By
Mary Ylisela
Mary Ylisela
Published: Dec 16, 2011
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
1 minute read

Step 1

Remove surface dirt and dust from your oak baseboads with a dry dust mop. Run the dust mop over the top edge and upper half of the baseboards, moving down the entire length of each wall, one at a time. Repeat on the lower half of the baseboard.

Step 2

Oil-based wood soap cleans baseboards and moisturizes the wood.

Fill a bucket with 1 gallon of warm water. Add 1 capful of oil-based wood soap and mix well.

Step 3

Soak a clean cloth with the diluted oil soap solution. Wring out the cloth.

Step 4

Wipe down your oak baseboards with the oil-based soap. Use your fingertips encased in the cloth to get into any grooves or textures on the oak baseboards and remove dust and dirt.

Step 5

Rinse the cloth as dirt is picked up. Continue to wash your oak baseboards until all dirt and stain matter is removed.

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Step 6

Beer naturally adds shine to oak baseboards.

Moisten a clean cloth with flat beer. Wring out excess moisture.

Step 7

Wipe your oak baseboards with the beer-dampened cloth to rinse them and add shine.

Step 8

Buff the baseboards dry with another cloth.

Tips

Clean your baseboards weekly by wiping them off with a dust mop. Consistent removal of dust and dirt helps maintain a shiny appearance.

Warnings

Avoid using furniture wax polish on your oak baseboards because it can build up to create a yellow, dull-looking film on the surface.

Photo Credits

Hemera Technologies/Photos.com/Getty Images

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Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images

Mary Ylisela

Mary Ylisela is a former teacher with a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education and mathematics. She has been a writer since 1996, specializing in business, fitness and education. Prior to teaching, Ylisela worked as a certified fitness…

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