How to clean carpet on stairs
Are you looking for effective ways to clean your carpeted stairs? Then continue reading this article for safest solutions.
Cleaning carpeted stairs is a challenging task especially if you are doing it for the first time. However, the right cleaning techniques and effective products can make this process easy for you.
Carpeted stairs accumulate dirt, dust and pet hairs. Deep clean and vacuum the carpeted stairs regularly for improving its appearance and ensuring longevity.
Let’s start this guide and explore the different ways to clean your carpeted stairs!
An Ultimate Guide to Clean Carpeted Stairs
Carpeted stairs can be cleaned by different methods. You can either opt for a manual method or a machine method to clean the carpet on the stairs.
Below is the detailed process for cleaning carpeted stairs; let’s discuss them in detail.
Method # 1 – Manual Cleaning of Carpeted Stairs
Manual cleaning of carpeted stairs is time-consuming and requires extra effort. But it is an effective method that eliminates dirt and stains and leaves a clean carpet.
- Supplies you need
For proper cleaning of carpeted stairs, you need different tools and cleaning agents. Here is the list;
- A vacuum cleaner
- Broom or carpet brush
- Water and detergent mixture or carpet shampoo
- Soft cleaning towels
- Scrub brush having soft bristles
- Spray bottle or water bucket
- Warm water for cleaning
- Vacuum thoroughly
Your cleaning treatment for carpeted stairs starts with vacuuming. Use a crevice tool and upholstery attachment with a vacuum cleaner. Now thoroughly clean the stairs while vacuuming edges and corners.
It is an effective cleaning method that eliminates loose dust, dirt and debris from the carpeted stairs.
- Spot Treatment
If your carpeted stairs have spots or stains, immediately follow spot treatment. Otherwise, these dirt spots will spread to a wide area.
Start the process by making a mixture of carpet shampoo. Also, you can make a mixture of warm water and gentle detergent. Now take a soft-bristled scrub brush and apply one of the above-mentioned mixture on the stained areas.
Make sure to do gentle scrubbing on the stained areas and avoid harsh scrubbing. Let the solution sit for a few minutes. It is quite helpful in loosening the stains.
- Thorough Cleaning
In the next step, you have to do a general cleaning of the carpeted stairs. For this purpose, you need a spray bottle or bucket. Take warm water in it and make a mixture with gentle detergent and shampoo.
After preparing the mixture, scrub every stair by dipping the scrub brush in the solution. Scrub the stairs in a circular motion. Thoroughly scrub the stained areas of carpeted stairs.
- Removes Excess Moisture from the carpeted stairs
Don’t apply excess water on the carpet as it can cause mold growth. Excess water application on the carpet will increase the drying time. You can remove excess water from the carpet using multiple methods.
Take a clean cloth or towel and absorb the excess water from the carpet. Blot the carpet by firmly pressing down the cloth or towel. Repeat this step until the excess moisture is removed from the carpet.
Now let the carpet air-dry completely. It may take overnight to dry out completely. Open windows and fans can reduce the drying time of the carpet. As air circulation speeds up the drying process.
- Vacuum Again
When your carpeted stairs dried out completely, vacuum them again. Use an upholstery attachment or a handheld vacuum for this purpose. This step eliminates the loose dirt and provides you with clean carpeted stairs.
Method # 2 – Machine Cleaning of Carpeted Stairs
Apart from manual cleaning, machine cleaning is also an effective cleaning solution. Below are the machine cleaning methods that you can follow to clean the carpeted stairs.
- Vacuuming
Vacuuming the carpeted stairs is quite important to maintain cleanliness. Start vacuuming the carpeted stairs from the top. You should use an upholstery attachment or a handheld brush. It helps to remove pet hairs, dirt or debris. Don’t forget to vacuum the edges or corners of carpeted stairs.
Make sure to vacuum the carpeted stairs regularly to prevent dirt accumulation. It maintains the texture of the carpet and prolongs its life.
- Steam Cleaning
Steam cleaning is one of the effective ways to clean the carpeted stairs. It can efficiently remove the stains, dirt and debris from the carpet. However, keep in mind that the steam cleaner that you are using should be specifically designed for carpeted stairs.
Before using the steam cleaner on the carpeted stairs, always read the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Process of Steam Cleaning
Take your steam cleaner and fill it with water. Read the manufacturer’s instructions before filling the water in the steam cleaner. Now let the water heat up.
After this step, apply steam cleaner on the carpeted stairs starting from the top. Carefully cover each step and make sure to steam the stained areas.
Don’t use carpeted stairs until they are completely dry.
Manual Vs. Machine Cleaning
| Methods | Cost | Pros | Cons |
| Manual Cleaning | $10-$20 including all the needed supplies | Cost-effectiveCan be done for spot treatment | Requires a lot of time and effort |
| Vacuum Cleaning | $100-$300 | Great for deep cleaning | Expensive option |
| Steam Cleaning | $100-$300 | Removes allergens and great for deep cleaning | Expensive choice |
Factors affecting the cleaning of carpeted stairs
Multiple factors affect the cleaning of carpeted stairs. Let’s discuss some of them.
- Material of Carpet
The material and type of carpet will affect the cleaning process of carpeted stairs. Different materials of carpet have different cleaning requirements.
For example, pile height can decide the cleaning techniques of a carpet. If you have a high pile carpet it will be quite hard to clean it as compared to low pile carpets.
- Cleaning Method
Choosing the right cleaning method for carpeted stairs is quite important. You should go for different cleaning options for deep cleaning or spot cleaning.
Vacuuming is a very effective method to eliminate dirt and debris. Choose the cleaning method wisely so it does not affect the texture of the carpet.
- Amount of dirt
If your carpeted stairs have stains or spills, you should follow spot treatments. Then follow the general cleaning method. For dirt and debris, use a vacuum cleaner regularly.
- Cleaning Products
Always use high-quality and effective cleaning products for your carpeted stairs. Moreover, incorrect use of cleaning products can minimize their effect.
Apart from the above-mentioned factors, multiple other factors influence the cleaning process of carpeted stairs.
Challenges associated with Carpeted Stairs
Along with the various benefits of carpeted stairs, it has some challenges as well. Let’s have a look at them so you can be well aware of the potential challenges.
Stains – Accidents and spills can happen anywhere. If the stains are fresh, you should remove them immediately. Because older stains are difficult to remove. Follow effective cleaning techniques to get rid of stains and spills.
Maintenance – The main challenges associated with carpeted stairs are dirt, dust and pet hairs. Make sure to clean and vacuum carpeted stairs at regular intervals.
Damage – The texture and quality of the carpet affect over time. The lifespan of the carpet can be prolonged by taking proper care of the carpeted stairs.
These are some of the main challenges associated with the carpeted stairs. You can eliminate these risks by following regular cleaning and maintenance methods.
Can we get professional help in cleaning the carpeted stairs?
Yes, professional carpet cleaning comes with a lot of benefits. When you hire a professional, it ensures the quality and safety of the carpet.
Hiring a professional carpet cleaner saves you time and money. To clean your carpeted stairs on your own, you have to go to the market and search for the best carpet cleaners. Moreover, some carpet cleaners have chemical compounds that are dangerous and affect your health.
Considering these factors, hiring professionals are helpful as they are experienced and know the safest and most effective products for this purpose. Furthermore, they know the variety of carpet cleaning products that are suitable for various carpet types.
What should be the cleaning interval for the carpeted floor?
Multiple factors affect the interval of carpeted stairs cleaning. Have a look at the below-mentioned guidelines for cleaning carpeted stairs.
- A home with pets and young children must go through professional cleaning after 6 months. It helps to maintain a clean and fresh carpet.
- Low-traffic areas require deep cleaning after 1 to 2 years.
- On the other hand, high-traffic areas e.g. stairs require professional cleaning after 1 year. Professional cleaning helps to eliminate dirt and dust from the carpeted stairs.
If someone is sensitive to allergens in your household, make sure to hire a professional carpet cleaning team after 6 months. It reduces the allergen buildup in the carpet.
Final Words
Carpeted stairs are aesthetically pleasing and add warmth to your living space. But at the same time, it is quite hard to clean them.
There are various DIY methods to clean the carpeted stairs on your own. Cleaning of carpeted stairs involves various techniques and effective products to get optimal results. However, you can hire a professional carpet cleaner to save your time and effort.
Improve the aesthetics of your home and experience peace of mind by deep cleaning your carpeted stairs!
FAQs
How can I clean my carpeted stairs at home?
Carpeted stairs can accumulate a lot of dirt and dust from your footwear. So it is important to clean and vacuum carpeted stairs at regular intervals. You can also combine different DIY techniques with vacuum cleaning.
How can I protect my carpeted stairs?
Using a Carpet Protector Spray can be beneficial. It minimizes the risk of stains and makes the cleaning process easy for you.
Is it possible to clean carpeted stairs by hand?
Yes, it is possible to deep clean the carpeted stairs manually. Make a mixture of water and detergent and prepare a cleaning solution. Using this mixture, scrub the carpet with a soft-bristle brush.