If you have carpeted staircases, you know they are one of the most high-traffic areas of your home. They receive constant foot traffic and, as a result, get damaged easily. The only way to prevent this is with regular deep cleaning.
In this blog, we have discussed two of the most effective ways to clean carpeted stairs, one by hand and the other without it. So read this step-by-step guide to restore your carpeted staircases’ appearance and prevent expensive replacements.
Steps to Clean Carpeted Stairs By Hand
First, let’s look at how to clean your carpeted stairs when you don’t have a machine and don’t want to rent one.
1. Vacuum From the Top
Regular vacuuming is the best way to extend your carpet’s lifespan. The same goes for carpeted staircases. So start your cleaning by vacuuming the stairs. Start at the top of the stairs so you don’t have to worry about the dirt ruining your efforts.
Use a brush attachment with your vacuum to gather dirt and dust from hard-to-reach places. Go over all the stairs twice.
2. Make the Cleaning Solution
Next, you should make the cleaning solution (skip the step if you are using a store-bought cleaner.) Mix 1 cup of white vinegar into 2 cups of warm water and add one tablespoon of liquid dish soap.
Test out this solution on a small area of your carpet stairs to ensure there is no fading or discolouration.
3. Address Stains
If there are stains on your staircase, address them first by spraying the cleaning solution on them. It will give more time to the solution to work on the stained areas and will help you remove the stain from your carpet effectively.
4. Start Cleaning the Stairs
Start cleaning the stairs from the top and make your way down. Spray the cleaning solution on the carpet and use a scrubbing brush to work the solution into the fibres. Repeat the process for all the stairs. Then, rinse all the stairs with plain water and blot with a dry microfiber cloth to remove excess moisture.
5. Let it air-dry
After you finish cleaning, let your carpet air-dry without interruption. Open up the windows for thorough drying.
Steps to Clean Carpeted Stairs With Machine
If you buy or rent a carpet cleaner, here is how to clean your carpeted staircase. The first two steps of vacuuming and spot treatment of stains will remain similar in both methods.
1. Get the Machine Ready
If you rent a carpet cleaner from a rental store, test it out in the store to ensure proper functioning. Before using the machine, fill the tank with the cleaning solution ( as recommended by the machine manufacturer) and hot water up to the mark. Then, test it on a small spot for signs of damage.
2. Clean the Stairs
Take the machine to the topmost stair and start cleaning from there. Move the machine to and fro on the staircase two to three times to remove the accumulated grime effectively. Move slowly, but avoid stopping at a spot for too long, as that can damage the carpet.
3. Let the Area Dry Undisturbed
After going over the staircase with the machine, allow it to dry for at least 4-5 hours before using it again. This step is necessary , as improper drying can lead to various issues like mould growth.
You can give your carpeted staircase its old look back using any of these two methods. But it is also important to protect your carpeted staircase by limiting dirt and dust in your home and applying a carpet protector to repel the excess dirt and spills.
