How to Make Oak Baseboards Shine

Oak baseboards add a finishing touch to your wall and flooring areas and complement many types of decor. Over time, the wood can become dull in appearance due to dirt, dust and stains. When these substances are left to build up, they detract from the attractiveness of your baseboards. You can keep your oak baseboards clean and shiny with regular maintenance and the proper cleaning supplies.

Keep oak baseboards clean to maintain shine.

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.

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.