How To Keep Carpeted Stairs Clean? 13+1 Tips To Keep Your Carpets Clean

Are your stairs carpeted? Getting up and down stairs is safer and more comfortable when carpets are installed. However, many homeowners find it difficult to maintain.

Most people opt to install carpet on their stairs for two major reasons, one because it adds a nice touch to the home, and the other is to prevent accidents since stairs can be slippery.

Whilst adding carpet to your stair is a brilliant idea, you will have to deal with dirt, debris, spills, stains, and dirty footprints. So, how do you keep carpeted stairs clean?

There are several ways, and among them, vacuum cleaning is the most popular choice. However, you can also use a stiff broom, hand scrub, dry shampoo, or get help from a professional.

14 Tips On Keeping Your Carpeted Stairs Clean

It is common for stairs to be one of the most-used areas in a home, as people carry laundry up and down them for cleaning, using the restroom, and carrying other things up and down.

It is more likely that these stairs will get damaged and stained if children or pets are present, especially if they are carpeted. However, keeping your carpet clean doesn’t have to be a hassle. Cleaning carpets can be made easier with the help of these tips.

1. Spot Clean Stains As They Happen

Spot clean stains as soon as they happen with a carpet cleaner, or a white towel dipped in water and vinegar.

The quicker you act, the easier it will be for you to clean the stain up. If you wait too long, the stain will become much harder to remove later.

2. Make Use Of Your Vacuum Cleaner

Vacuum cleaners are extremely helpful; you can use them to clean your carpeted stairs and any other type of surface to remove all kinds of dirt and small gravel fragments.

However, your vacuum cleaner won’t be able to do its job properly if it isn’t the right size for the work. Standard vacuum cleaners are too large and heavy and aren’t designed to clean carpeted stairs.

That’s why you get a small, light vacuum cleaner that is easy to handle. Most lightweight models come with different attachments. Attachments are quite handy, so buy a model that includes those freebies.

We are sure you are wondering, “what’s the best vacuum attachment for cleaning carpeted stairs?” Of course, the answer is always the brush roller attachment.

This attachment can remove debris from the deepest part of the stair carpets, which can help the carpet last way longer. The best time to clean your carpeted stairs is to clean when you are housekeeping or cleaning other carpets.

Doing so will save you time, and your carpeted stairs will be protected from dirt regularly. Pieces of advice, when you are vacuuming, start at the top of the carpeted stairs and finish at the bottom.

This way, you will be able to remove most of the dirt, thanks to gravity. Then, when you test this out, you will understand it more clearly. Also, never vacuum the carpeted stairs when it is wet.

3. Use A Stiff Broom

Using a stiff broom is a rather old method to clean any surface. But, regardless of what you think, this was the only cleaning tool humans had before vacuum cleaners.

A stiff broom is an excellent substitute if you don’t have a vacuum cleaner, specifically a small one that can clean the carpeted stair. A stiff broom is far lighter than any vacuum cleaner so anyone can use it without sweat.

Using it will make your carpet seem lovely and clean. However, the stiff broom is not as good as a vacuum cleaner at the end of the day because it isn’t suitable for deep cleaning.

To use a stiff broom to lift dirt from your carpeted stairs, always begin at the top and work your way down.

You will have to clean the stairs regularly to get rid of dirt if you use a stiff broom. However, you can try vacuuming after sweeping the stair carpet to give the carpet a nice touch.

4. Hand Scrub Helps A Lot  

Scrubbing carpeted stairs by hand may appear to be arduous labor. However, it is the most effective approach to removing spots or stains. Get a carpet cleaner and mix it with water until you see light foams. After that, begin scrubbing the carpet with a scrub brush, and you will see the carpet steps are good as new.  

If there is any stain on the stair carpet, you will need a stain remover since normal shampoo or carpet cleaners can’t get rid of the tough stains. There is a plethora of stain removers available on the market. Make sure to buy a good one.

5. Nothing Beats Steam Cleaning

Steam cleaning your carpeted stairs is the finest thing you can do for them. You won’t be able to tell if the carpet is a brand new or old one once it has been steam cleaned.

But the drawback of steam cleaning is it is not inexpensive. You may rent a steam cleaner from your local grocery store or home improvement store from time to time but doing so on a daily basis is not so practical.

Maybe you can think about purchasing a steam cleaner since it will prove to be worth paying the high price after a while. The first steam cleaners that were available for retail purchase when they first became available were enormous machines.

Recently, carpet cleaners have become smaller and lighter, but they remain cumbersome to carry, especially the full-sized models. To remove dirt from the carpet fibers on the steps on your property, you can purchase small compact handheld units that can help you.

6. Dry Shampoo Works

You can also use dry shampoos as they can lift away dirt and grime by pulling the particles up to the surface of the fibers.

For the best result, after dry shampooing, you can use a small handheld vacuum to get rid of residual dirt. Although using dry shampoo on the carpet won’t completely remove any type of stains.

7. Carpet Cleaning Shampoo Gives The Best Results

To maintain the appearance of your staircase carpet, shampoo it at least four times a year, even though you won’t need to do it every time you clean it.

While shampooing each step by hand takes more time, it is safer than using a bulky, heavy machine. Instead, follow the instructions on the carpet shampoo you purchase and apply it using a scrub brush.

8. Make Sure Your Stairs Are Dry

Excess moisture will remain on your carpet stairs after rinsing the shampoo. Wet/dry vacuums help remove water as much as possible. To prevent mold and mildew from growing on your carpet, ensure it is completely dry.

Test the carpet’s dryness by standing on a paper towel for 30 seconds and then removing it. Repeat this step if any wet spots are noticed. Whenever possible, try not to walk on your carpet for at least 12 hours after the cleaning.

9. Protect The Carpet On The Stairs By Putting Down A Carpet Protector

In contrast to carpet runners and treads, this covers the stairs more thoroughly to prevent stains, dirt, and other problems. In general, they are used for construction projects and typically do not last very long.

Your cleaning job may be made harder if remnants are left on your carpet after adhesive has been applied. In cases where your household suffers from stains or dirt, it might be worthwhile to invest in a vacuum cleaner.

10. Install A Vinyl Carpet Runner Or Treads On The Stairs

Using a vinyl carpet runner will make your stairs easy to clean. If you want your runner to be effective, it should adhere to the carpet or grip tightly to it. Although the vinyl surface is slippery, especially with socks, use caution.

Many people are also sensitive to the smell of vinyl and do not want it nearby. You can also add non-slip stair treads to your carpet to protect it from becoming dirty or worn in the places most stepped on by people.

11. Block Direct Sunlight By Installing Blinds

There is often a window in the doorway of a home that illuminates the staircase. In contrast, direct sunlight and ultraviolet rays can prematurely fade fabrics and help stains settle in more deeply.

If you want to reduce the effect of sun rays, you might consider installing blinds or room darkening curtains. Although blinds are more effective than window-darkening curtains in keeping out the sunlight, they also cost more, require more upkeep, and are less attractive.

12. Make Sure Doormats Are Placed On Both Sides Of Entry Doors

On both sides of the entrance doors, people can wipe dirt and grime off doormats as they enter and leave. If the outdoor mat is sheltered from the weather and other elements, people can take off their shoes and leave them on them.

In addition to bacteria, chemicals, and fecal matter, shoes also carry several other substances. All the debris you track in from outside will collect on the carpet, and shoes are more abrasive on carpet fibers, causing the carpet to appear worn out.

13. An Annual Deep Cleaning Is A Good Idea

To remove pet dander, dust mites, pollen, and other contaminants from the carpet fibers, a deep clean is necessary, in addition to vacuuming. Renting equipment or hiring a cleaning service offers more power and is better suited to bigger job sizes.

It is important to remember that any deep carpet cleaning will involve a solution that involves water. Cleaning services usually use methods to dry carpets faster to prevent mold and bacteria from growing. You should therefore allow the area to dry and keep pets and small children away during this period.

Do note that the cost of professional carpet cleaning is not cheap. The services they provide will cost you. However, despite the cost, the pros outweigh it. Compared to what you can probably achieve on your own, a pro has superior equipment that produces like-new carpets much faster.

Additional Tips

• It is possible to clean carpets at any time of the year.
• There is no better time of year to remove all of the salt and debris from the winter weather than spring.
• It is a great idea to clean your shoes and clothes in the summer so that you do not bring pollen and mud inside with you.
• Cleaning your carpets in the fall will ensure that they are in good shape for the holiday season when you spend more time indoors.
• While you are mostly inside during the winter, it is also a perfectly acceptable time to have your carpets cleaned to remove all the pollutants from the outside and clean them up.
• As you hunker down inside to stay warm, you will be able to improve the air quality in the house as you hunker down.

FAQs

1. How Can I Protect Carpeted Stairs From Damage When Remodeling The House?

There are many ways to protect the carpeted stairs temporarily. For example, you can use a resistant drop cloth if the stair is in a low-traffic area. But if it doesn’t work, the area is high traffic; use a stair protector film with adhesive at the back.

2. How many times in a year should I clean my carpeted stair?

If you use any normal tool to clean the carpet, such as a stiff broom, you must regularly clean the carpeted stairs. You can do vacuum cleaning once every few weeks. However, it would help if you deep clean your carpeted stair at least once every three months.

3. Can I Put Stair Treads On Carpeted Stairs?

Yes, you can add stair treads on carpeted stairs. They are completely safe to use, and they also prevent carpet damage as well as accidents.

4. How Can I Choose The Right Carpet For My Stairs?

To get the right carpet, you must consider several factors, such as style, pattern, and color. Also, the carpet material must be of a certain thickness, not so thin or thick. It has to be hard, resistant to dirt, and also resistant to wear and tear. Buy the strongest and best quality carpet to avoid replacement for many years.

The Bottom Line

Carpeted stairs can be a real pain to keep clean. And the dirtier they get, the harder it is to clean them. You need to vacuum and clean the stairs frequently, but this is not always possible.

The methods outlined above can be used to keep carpeted stairs clean. To extend stair carpets’ life, protect them against sunlight, dust, and dirt, and replace the carpet when necessary.

A properly maintained carpeted staircase can increase its quality and durability, preventing the need for carpet replacement. In addition, keeping your carpet clean eliminates stains and odors and pollen, mold, and other airborne pollutants.

FAQs 

1. How can I protect carpeted stairs from damage when remodeling the house?

There are many ways to temporarily protect the carpeted stairs. If the stair is in a low-traffic area, you can use a resistant drop cloth. But if it doesn’t work, the area is a high-traffic one, use a stair protector film that has adhesive at the back.

2. How many times in a year should I clean my carpeted stair?

If you use any normal tool to clean the carpet, such as a stiff broom, you need to clean the carpeted stairs regularly. You can do vacuum cleaning once every few weeks. However, you should deep clean your carpeted stair at least once every 3 months.

3. Can I put stair trades on carpeted stairs?

Yes, you can add stair trades on carpeted stairs. They are completely safe to use and they also prevent carpet damage as well as accidents. 

4. How can I choose the right carpet for my stairs?

To get the right carpet, you must take into account several factors, such as style, pattern, and color. Also, the carpet material has to be of a certain thickness, not so thin or thick either. It has to be hard, resistant to dirt, and also resistant to wear and tear. Buy the strongest and best quality carpet to avoid replacement for many years.

Final Verdict

In the quest to maintain pristine carpeting on stairs, understanding the pivotal role of stair runner carpets and carpet protectors becomes indispensable. These tools are not just accessories but essential guards against the damage caused by constant foot traffic. To protect high traffic areas effectively, consider the strategic installation of a durable vinyl runner. This not only shields the carpet from wear but also eases the cleaning process. Regular cleaning, coupled with immediate spot treatment using a clean cloth, can significantly mitigate the effects of spills, preserving the carpet’s appearance. Moreover, for stubborn stains that challenge your routine cleaning efforts, turning to professional cleaning services ensures a deep cleanse without compromising the integrity of your carpet on stairs. Embracing these practices ensures your stair carpets remain a testament to cleanliness and durability amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Sometimes you might find random wet spots on your carpet. There are more answers to how to protect carpeted stairs from dirt that we didn’t mention in this article, such as using a plastic protector. You shouldn’t use this item since it is a serious health hazardous product. To extend stair carpets’ life, protect them against sunlight, dust, and dirt, and replace the carpet when necessary.