21st July 2026
Skirting boards do more than make a room look ‘finished’. They create a seamless transition between the wall and the floor, help to conceal cables and wires, protect the base of your walls from hoovering and wear and tear marks, and even leave room for flooring expansion gaps.
Because they serve so many purposes, it is important to keep on top of maintaining them. This can include simple cleaning, or in some cases, reattaching or fixing them.
Skirting boards are often overlooked when it comes to home renovations and upgrades. Most people think big: painting walls, replacing furniture, and refitting flooring. But something as simple as re-vamping your skirting boards could give your home a new lease of life. You’d be surprised that a simple bit of caulking and regular cleaning could transform your space to look cleaner, tidier, and refreshed.
If your skirting needs replacing entirely, you can check out our guide on how to replace faded or scuffed skirting boards. However, if there is still life in them yet, read on to find out how you can easily maintain them without breaking the bank!
Table of Contents
- Should I maintain or replace my current skirting boards?
- How to clean skirting boards
- Inspecting damage and how to fix skirting boards
- How to caulk skirting boards
- FAQs
- Final thoughts
Should I maintain or replace my current skirting boards?
There are many factors that will affect your decision to either replace or upgrade your current skirting boards. There are also pros and cons to each. Check out the table below to help you make an informed decision.
| Painting/fixing/cleaning benefits | Replacing benefits |
| Can DIY | Skirting will have a longer lifespan due to being brand new |
| Cheaper; no labour costs if doing yourself | You can choose the material, for example, wood or MDF |
| Can do it around your own schedule and do not have to wait for installer availability | A professional will likely be fitting for you so you can trust that the work is being carried out by experienced and qualified hands |
How to clean skirting boards
Cleaning your skirting boards is much easier than you might think! And you probably have everything you need in your home already. Follow the easy steps below.
You will need:
- A dry microfibre cloth
- A bowl of lukewarm water
- Mild soap
- A hoover with either a brush or crevice attachment
- A cloth or sponge
Method:
- Start by using a dry microfibre cloth to dust them. This will make them smooth and free of any debris for later cleaning.
- Hoover the skirting with a brush attachment. If you don’t have one of these, most hoovers come with a crevice tool, which is perfect for those hard-to-reach ridges that skirting boards sometimes have.
- Using mild soap and lukewarm water, gently scrub the skirting boards using a cloth or sponge. Be sure not to scrub too hard or use any harsh chemicals, as this may lift existing paint and could even damage the material underneath. Use a fresh cloth and bowl of water to rinse off any suds.
- Let your skirting air dry naturally. Open windows if the weather is appropriate or switch on a fan to help speed up the process.
If there are any stubborn stains left that just won’t lift, you might want to consider repainting your skirting boards altogether. Just be sure to use a stain block primer first.
Inspecting damage and how to fix skirting boards
Knowing how to fix skirting boards could just save you the more costly method of replacing them entirely. But first, it is important to know what to look for in terms of damage and how to spot this.
Damage to skirting boards can include:
- Dents
- Cracks
- Gaps
- Chips
- Moisture entering
- Loose boards
Dents are where the skirting looks ‘pressed in’. How to fix these will depend on whether your skirting boards are made from wood or MDF, and is explained below. Gaps and loose skirting can be re-attached using either filler or screws and a drill. For cracks, caulking is generally the best method. Moisture damage will require inspection of where the water ingress is coming from and possible professional attention.
Dents and chips
For unfinished wood, you can use what is known as ‘the swelling method’, which involves using steam from an iron. Alternatively, for painted and MDF skirting and chips, using wood filler is the best method.
Unfinished Wood
You can use the ‘swelling method’ on bare or unfinished wood skirting for dents. For chips, see the method for MDF and painted wood. The swelling method will only work on skirting that has absolutely no finish, including varnish, paint, and other coatings.
What you will need
- A semi-wet/damp cloth
- Waterproof duct tape or heavy-duty masking tape
- An iron set to 200 degrees Celsius/400 degrees Fahrenheit
Method:
- Identify the dent and choose an appropriately sized cloth that will cover it.
- Wet the cloth and wring it out so that it isn’t soaking wet.
- Secure the moist cloth at the edges over the dent using the waterproof tape.
- Set your iron to 200 degrees Celsius, or the setting generally used for cotton. Steam over the cloth for about 30 seconds, avoiding the tape at the edges.
- Repeat step 4 a few times until your dent ‘pops’ out! Be sure to take small breaks between each 30 second steam.
MDF and painted wood
For painted wood and MDF skirting, filling the dent is the best way to sort it.
You will need:
- Scraping tool or metal scraper
- Sandpaper (120 or 180 grit is best)
- Resin-based wood filler (we recommend Ronseal)
- Sharp utility knife
- Primer
- Paint of your choice (Either satin, eggshell, or gloss preferably)
Method
- Using your scraper, scrape away any peeling paint. Lightly sand the dent to prepare it for the filler which will help it stick. Dust or vacuum away any debris.
- Mix the two components of your wood filler together. Most come with a resin and a hardener that form a chemical reaction when mixed. Follow the instructions on the packaging for exact amounts.
- Using a clean scraper or flat metal spatula, apply the filler over the dent. Don’t worry about making it too neat, you’ll be perfecting it later.
- When you’ve applied the filler to your satisfaction, wait around 10 minutes for it to dry, or until it forms a firm, rubbery consistency.
- Using your utility knife, cut away the excess filler to make it more flush to the skirting board.
- Wait for the filler to fully dry, then sand it down to perfect the finish and dust away the debris.
- Prime and paint the skirting to make it uniform.
Gaps, cracks, and loose skirting boards
For smaller gaps, or if you don’t have a drill, you can simply use some folded paper towel and slide it into the gap, then use your filler over the top. If you really want to secure your skirting boards against the wall, we recommend drilling and screwing them in place. The type of drill bits you use will depend on what your skirting and walls are made from.
‘Quick fix’ method
You will need
- Powder based filler (such as Polyfilla)
- Kitchen roll or paper towel (for smaller gaps, or if you don’t want to use screws)
- Metal scraper
Method
- Mix up your powder based filler.
- Taking a sheet of paper towel, fold it in half from the top down, horizontally. Fold this in half vertically from right to left, to make a square. Turn it anticlockwise once so that the main ‘fold’ is at the top, now fold it horizontally, from the top down once more, then one more time. You should now have a rectangular shape consisting of several layers.
- Using your scraper, insert it into the folded paper towel so that it is covered on both sides. Push the paper towel into the gap so it fits just below the surface. Do this all along the loose skirting.
- Take your polyfiller and use the scraper to apply it neatly to smooth out the gap and wait for it to dry.
- Once the filler is dry, you can sand it down to make it completely smooth, then finish as you desire.
Screw & drill method
If you want to properly secure your skirting, you can reattach it using screws and a drill.
You will need:
- Drill
- Brad point bit (can be used on both wood and MDF skirting)
- Masonry bit (for masonry walls) or multi-purpose bit (for hollow plasterboard or drywall)
- Counter sink bit
- Screwdriver bit
- Wall plugs
- Screws
- Hammer
Method:
- Using a brad point bit, drill a hole through the skirting, and stop before you reach the wall. Important: Make sure you don’t drill directly under any plug sockets, as you may risk drilling through wires. Space out your drill holes well on either side.
- Change your drill bit to either a masonry bit or multi-purpose bit, drill into the same hole, but this time, drill into the wall. For masonry, you may want to switch your drill to the hammer setting if it has one.
- Switch to your counter sink bit and drill into the same hole to create a groove for the screw head. This will help it sit flush so you can prime and paint over it without it looking unsightly.
- Insert your wall plug into the drilled hole, then insert the screw into the wall plug using a hammer so that it passes through the skirting and into the wall.
- Using a screwdriver bit, drill the nail into the wall (on a lower speed if your drill has one). You should see the skirting slightly tighten to the wall as you drill in the screw.
- Repeat this along the skirting.
Alternatively, you can remove the skirting board entirely and use silicone to glue it back on. You can then caulk over the gap at the top. This is explained in the ‘How to caulk skirting boards’ section of this guide.
Moisture penetration
If you notice any damp patches on your skirting, this may be caused by:
- Rising damp
- An internal plumbing or pipe leak
- External leaks from gutters or drains entering through the wall
The most important step is to identify what is causing the moisture ingress and contact a professional for their advice, as you may need to replace your skirting boards entirely. If you are thinking of doing this yourself, check out our guide on how to replace skirting boards or how to fit skirting boards.
Cracks
For cracks, caulking is the best method, explained in the section below.
How to caulk skirting boards
You can caulk skirting boards as a method for repairing cracks and gaps. If you’re refitting the existing skirting board to the wall, use silicone to attach it back on first, then use the method below. Caulking is also the best method if you’re wondering how to attach skirting boards without nails.
Caulking over gaps, cracks, and loose skirting boards
You will need:
- Decorator’s caulk
- Caulk gun
- Damp microfibre cloth
Method:
- Start by preparing your skirting boards for caulking. The best way to do this is by wiping them with a damp microfibre cloth, focusing on the area around the gap or crack. Ensure the area is dry before applying the caulk.
- Load your decorator’s caulk into the gun following the manufacturer’s instructions. Cut the nozzle using either a sharp utility knife or a junior hacksaw. Tip: It is better to cut a small amount off of the nozzle to start with, then if you find you need a thicker amount of caulk, cut the nozzle down a little at a time to get the amount of caulk you need.
- Apply a line of caulk along the gap you wish to fill. Start with less than you think – you can go over it with more if you need, but removing is messier and more difficult than applying an extra layer.
- Wet your finger and run it along the caulk covering the gap. This will smooth it out and make it look neat. The water will prevent the caulk from sticking to your finger.
- For wider gaps, you may need to repeat these steps if the caulk starts to sag into the gap.
- Leave the caulk to dry (we recommend waiting at least 24 hours) before painting.
FAQs
How often should you clean skirting boards?
In order to keep your skirting boards looking fresh and well-maintained, we recommend dusting them at least once a week, and cleaning with mild soap and water once a month to remove any buildup of dirt and grime.
Should you caulk skirting boards before or after painting?
Preferably, you should paint your skirting boards after caulking, making sure they are fully dry, and the area is clean. You can either decide to paint the caulk the same colour as the wall (which will hide it), or if you paint it the same colour as your skirting boards, it will make them appear thicker/taller.
How long does caulk take to dry?
Despite many manufacturers producing ‘fast drying’ caulks, we recommend waiting at least 24 hours just to be safe. Painting over wet caulk runs the risk of blotches, a ‘sticky’ and uneven finish, or the paint cracking.
Final thoughts
Knowing how to maintain and upgrade your skirting boards is easier than you think! Thanks to the simple step-by-step instructions in this guide, you’ll feel confident to take on the challenge yourself. This small, underestimated DIY project may just transform your space without breaking the bank on brand new skirting. If you have any more questions, or feel that your skirting boards do in fact need replacing altogether, check out our range, or give us a call on 01752 422 501.
