In the US, it costs about $1,218 on average to install crown molding. But costs can get as high as $2,000 for larger homes. You paid a pretty penny for your crown molding, so don’t you want to make sure it stays clean?
In this guide, we will give you our pro tips for cleaning crown molding. We’ll explain how to clean crown molding baseboards, ceiling molding, and window molding.
You can DIY clean your crown molding if you have the right tools. But if you do not have the time or energy, we will also explain the top benefits of hiring a professional.
Cleaning Crown Molding 101
Cleaning crown molding is a lot like wall cleaning. You have to dust first, then follow up with a non-damaging cleaning solution.
The exact method you should use, though, depends on which type of crown molding you’re cleaning, whether it’s baseboard molding, ceiling molding, or window molding.
How to Clean Molding Baseboards
Start with a quick wipe-down of your baseboard molding. You can use a product specific to the material your crown molding is made of. Or try a DIY cleaning mixture of dish soap and vinegar.
Next, use a soft bristle brush (e.g., a toothbrush) and a cotton swab to get into your baseboard’s grooves. Also, make sure to get between the bottom of the molding and the floor if there is a gap.
Finally, get out your vacuum cleaner and vacuum your baseboards. Use the brush attachment (if you have one) to get into nooks and crannies. Then, vacuum the perimeter of your floors to remove any dust or dirt.
We recommend cleaning your crown molding before sweeping or vacuuming. That way, you can easily dispose of the debris that comes loose while you are cleaning.
How to Clean Ceiling Molding
Crown molding trim on your ceilings can be the most daunting to clean. Yet, all you need is a vacuum and a broom or long-handled duster to get started.
First, use your duster or a soft-bristled broom to brush dust and grime from your ceiling molding. Once you’ve done that, grab a soft rag and a cleaning solution. You will also need a ladder.
We recommend using a DIY cleaning solution for your ceiling molding. Try mixing up a cup of ammonia with half as much white vinegar and a quarter cup of baking soda. Dilute the solution with water before spraying.
Make sure you do not saturate the molding with your cleaning solution, especially if you have wood crown molding. Too much moisture can cause staining.
Once you finish cleaning the molding, come back with a clean, damp cloth. The last step is to dry any remaining moisture with a clean, dry cloth.
How to Clean Window Molding
Do you have crown molding around your windows? If so, you know how noticeable it is when your window molding gets dirty.
The process of cleaning your window molding depends on what kind of stains or build-up you’ve got going on. For dirty or dusty window molding, all you need is a quick wipe with a soft rag and a water-based cleaning solution.
Stains are a bit harder to deal with. Try a mixture of vinegar and water. You can use a sponge to scrub away the stain.
Do not scrub too hard, or you could damage the paint and underlying material. Also, make sure to remove any excess moisture with a dry cloth to avoid creating water stains.
Speaking of water stains, you want to avoid them like the plague. Once you get a water spot, it is virtually impossible to remove it. This is especially true if you have wood crown molding.
How to Keep Your Crown Molding Clean for Good
Cleaning all the crown molding in your house is a major commitment. It can take hours. If this is the first time you’re cleaning your molding, it can even take days.
That is why it’s so important to maintain clean crown molding. Here are our top three tips for doing just that.
Dust Frequently
Dusting your crown molding every few weeks is a great way to reduce staining and build-up. You can use a long-handled duster, a household broom, or the brush extension on your vacuum cleaner.
Many DIYers also swear by dryer sheets for dusting. Dryer sheets attract fine particles of dust, dirt, and even pet hair. Dryer sheets also leave an anti-static film behind, too, which can keep your molding cleaner for longer.
Deep Clean When Necessary
You can deep clean your crown molding using the tips we listed above. But avoid over-cleaning your molding. Only deep clean your crown molding with cleaning solutions and scrubbers when needed.
Deep cleaning your molding too often could damage the paint. And if you have wood crown molding, over-cleaning could ultimately damage the finish or even lead to rot.
Call a Professional
If you’ve been neglecting your crown molding, you are probably dealing with a lot of dust and grime build-up. The longer you let the dirt sit, the harder it is to clean. Getting a professional cleaning can give you a clean slate to start with.
Also, different types of crown molding require different cleaning methods. For example, water-based cleaners may damage molding made of plaster or stained wood.
For these reasons and many more, it is always a great idea to call a professional to clean your crown molding. It will save you a ton of time. And with a cleaner’s expertise, you won’t damage your expensive molding, either.
Kathleen’s Crown Molding Cleaning Services
Got dirty crown molding? Clean it up with these tips for deep cleansing your molding and keeping it that way for good.
If you need a little assistance cleaning the molding in your home, Kathleen’s Cleaning Service can help. We have locations in Henrico, VA and Largo, FL. Contact us for an instant cleaning quote today!