Stop scrubbing – try this easy method for cleaning baseboards

Cleaning baseboards can be a tedious task, but a simple vacuum trick can make it effortless. Daily use areas like kitchen countertops, bathroom sinks, and tile floors often take precedence, leaving dust on baseboards that gets overlooked or forgotten behind furniture. This viral cleaning hack shows you how to clean baseboards and prevent dust buildup without bending or straining, simply by using a vacuum cleaner attachment and a common household item.

How to clean your baseboard with a vacuum cleaner attachment

We love when a cleaning technique is straightforward, and this one is as simple as it gets. Instagram creator @alifebetterorganized showed how to do it in a reel that has amassed more than 9 million views so far. She says all you need to do is grab an unused dryer sheet, place it directly over the crevice attachment of your vacuum, and secure it with a rubber band or hair tie.

Once the dryer sheet is in place, turn on the vacuum and run the attachment over all the baseboards throughout the house. Not only does the dryer sheet collect (and hold) all the dirt, hair, and dust particles that have accumulated on the baseboards, but the lightly lubricated coating also transfers to the wood, repelling future messes for longer. Additionally, scented dryer sheets leave a lingering, pleasant smell after cleaning.

Another benefit of this trick is that it helps prevent clogs in your vacuum cleaner. Depending on how dirty your baseboards are, vacuuming without the dryer sheet attached can cause unnecessary damage. Certain debris, such as sawdust or excessive amounts of dog hair, should not be vacuumed as they can clog the machine or burn out the motor. The dryer sheet creates a barrier between the baseboards (which also provides better protection for the baseboards) and the interior of the vacuum cleaner, preventing potential problems. Instead, simply throw away the dryer sheet and anything that has accumulated on it.

Factors you should consider before trying the cleaning trick

Before trying this method, there are a few precautions you should keep in mind. The first is especially important if you or a loved one is allergic to more than dust. A strongly scented dryer sheet can be irritating and cause breathing problems or trigger migraines in some people. With that in mind, some commenters on the viral videos pointed out that many dryer sheets contain chemicals that can be dangerous if you have pets in your home. The creator confirms that the brand she uses for this hack is non-toxic and therefore safe to use around people and animals.

Another common criticism is that disposable dryer sheets contain microplastics, meaning they are not environmentally friendly, and that dryer balls are a better alternative. However, there are sustainable options. As more and more people look for eco-friendly cleaning products, various brands are now offering vegan and biodegradable or compostable dryer sheets. These are also made with natural essential oils, so you can enjoy a clean scent without the risk of airborne irritants.

Aside from that, the dryer sheets are so good at repelling dust (we tested it ourselves!) that you only need to use them occasionally. If you've recently invested in a set of dryer balls and still have dryer sheets left over, this is a smart way to use them up without them going completely to waste.

Even if you don't benefit from the strong effects of the repellent, you can also try this trick using a microfiber towel or an old sock instead of a dryer sheet. This is a more environmentally friendly way to clean baseboards because you can wash and reuse them after vacuuming and no extra effort is required to get the job done.