Cleaning the carpet on your stairs is never a fun task. It’s all too easy for dust and debris to build up there, and you have to climb each step multiple times throughout the cleaning process. Luckily, there are numerous methods that can help restore your stairs to brand new. This article will give you a few methods to choose from, including a step-by-step process using machines and a few DIY options to try. Let’s get started!
Steps To Clean Carpet On Stairs With Machinery
The most efficient way to clean carpet on stairs is with machinery. For this job, you can utilize a vacuum, a wet/dry vacuum, a steam cleaner, or a carpet cleaner, depending on what you have on hand. Let’s look at the steps involved when using this machinery to clean carpet on stairs.
Step 1: Vacuum Up The Debris
The first thing you need to do is loosen up the debris stuck in your stairs’ fibers. Take a stiff brush and brush each step to remove all the debris. Make sure to get each corner, as these are perfect traps for dirt and dust. Once the debris is out, you need to vacuum it up. If you don’t have a stiff brush, you’ll simply vacuum each step to remove as much dirt as possible.
Step 2: Use A Steam Cleaner Or Carpet Cleaner
Once all the debris has been cleaned up, it’s time to wash the carpet. The best ways to do this are by using a steam cleaner or a carpet cleaner machine. Follow the instructions for these machines and use the recommended cleaning solution. Start cleaning at the top of the stairs and work your way down, cleaning in a left-to-right motion.
Step 3: Allow The Stairs To Dry
Once you are finished cleaning, you need to let the stairs dry before you use them again. You can let them dry overnight, but this increases the risk of mold or bacteria growth. If you have a wet/dry vacuum, this can significantly speed up the process. You can also use absorbent towels to reduce as much moisture as possible.
Step 4: Vacuum Again
Once the stairs have thoroughly dried, it’s time for a final vacuum. This is to ensure you pick up any debris you may have left behind during the cleaning process. If you used a wet/dry vacuum in the previous step, you might not need to do this.
Methods To Clean Carpet On Stairs By Hand
If you have a carpeted home, you probably have at least one of the machines listed above. But if you don’t have one or you prefer to clean your stairs by hand, there are multiple methods you can utilize to clean the carpet on your stairs by hand.
Carpet Cleaner Method
The most straightforward option is to find some carpet cleaner at your local store and follow its directions to clean your stairs.
However, if you don’t have any carpet cleaner or want to use more natural products, you can make your own using some common household items. For example, a very popular recipe that people use to clean their stairs utilizes vinegar, salt, and essential oils. The vinegar helps deodorize the carpet, the salt helps with debris, and the essential oil gives your home a lovely aroma.
For this solution, mix one-part vinegar with two parts of water in a spray bottle. Add a few teaspoons of salt to the mix, as well as a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Spray the stairs with your mixture and scrub the area with a clean cloth. After you’re done with this step, go over the stairs with just water and allow the stairs to dry.
Depending on how much salt you add, you may need to vacuum your stairs once they dry. It’s also important to note that you should refrain from using essential oils in this mix if you have pets since many essential oils are toxic to animals.
Diluted Vinegar Method
If you don’t want to make the recipe above, you can simply use vinegar to clean the carpet on your stairs. For this method, add ¼ cup of vinegar to a bucket full of warm water. Use a scrub brush to remove debris and a cleaning brush to clean your stairs with the vinegar solution. Afterward, get a bucket of cold water, dip a towel into it, and use the towel to wipe each step. With either step, try not to get the stairs too wet, or else they will take a long time to dry, which could lead to mold growth.
Baking Soda Method
Baking soda is another great resource that can help clean your stairs. There are two ways you can utilize baking soda for cleaning. For the first method, add 1/4 cup of baking soda to a spray bottle of warm water. Then, spray the solution on each step, starting with the top. Give the solution a few hours to dry. If you use too much baking soda, you may need to vacuum your stairs afterward.
The second method works best if you are trying to tackle specific stains. For the second method, spread a generous amount of baking soda directly on the stains you are trying to clean. Then, get a spray bottle full of hot water and spray it over the baking soda. Allow the baking soda to sit for a few hours to absorb the dirt and spill. Then use either a towel or vacuum to clean up the solution.
Laundry Detergent Method
You can also utilize your liquid laundry detergent for cleaning your stairs. For this method, mix ¼ cup of liquid laundry detergent with a gallon of warm water. Dip a cleaning brush in the mixture and use it to scrub your stairs. Scrub in a circular motion to remove tough stains. Once finished, get a bucket of cool water, dip a towel in it, and use the towel to clean the stairs and remove the detergent solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does It Cost to Clean Carpet on Stairs and Landings?
Many people don’t realize how much work goes into cleaning a carpeted staircase. Not only do you have to vacuum the carpet, but you also have to spot clean any stains. And if the carpet is particularly dirty, you may need to shampoo it as well. As a result, the cost of cleaning a staircase can vary widely depending on the size of the staircase and the condition of the carpet. In general, you can expect to pay between $2 and $3 per step. So, if you have a staircase with 20 steps, the total cost of cleaning would be between $40 and $60. Of course, this is just an estimate—the actual cost will depend on the specific situation. But it’s a good starting point for budgeting purposes.
Generally speaking, the average cost for a professional to clean a staircase with a landing is between $70 and $100.
How To Get Odor Out Of Carpeted Stairs?
Carpets are especially susceptible to holding onto smells, and stairs can be particularly difficult to keep fresh. If your carpeted stairs are in need of a refresh, there are a few simple steps you can follow to get rid of any unwanted odors. First, vacuum the stairs thoroughly, paying extra attention to any areas that seem particularly hairy or smelly. Next, mix together a solution of vinegar and water and use this to scrub down the stairs. Vinegar is one of the most eco-friendly carpet cleaners, and will help to neutralize any odors, and the steam from the hot water will help to loosen any dirt or hair that is embedded in the carpet. Finally, allow the stairs to dry completely before vacuuming again.
Final Thoughts On Cleaning Carpet On Stairs
Cleaning the stairs may not be a fun chore, but it is satisfying to complete. Whether you want to clean your stairs by hand or with the help of machinery, you have multiple methods and resources to help you out. By following any of the methods mentioned in this article, you will have perfectly clean carpeted stairs again in no time.