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carpet cleaning on a staircase in a home

How To Clean Carpet On Stairs

picture of Samer A.
by Samer A.On March 6, 2024

Stairs are one of the home's high-traffic areas. Daily contact with shoes, tights, and bare feet means they'll pick up dirt and garbage and slowly get stained over time. Carpeted stairs can be a stunning complement to any home and a pain to clean. 

However, using suitable instruments and strategies, cleaning carpeted stairs can be fast and easy. In this article, we explore some tips and tricks for effectively grooming carpeted stairs, avoiding common mistakes with carpet cleaning, understanding how to clean carpet stairs, and protecting the carpet on stairs by hand or with a machine. After applying these strategies, you can see proper carpet cleaning results.

Best Way To Clean Carpeted Stairs

Here are our most valuable tips on how to clean your stair carpet the easy pathway.

1. Scrape Off Excess Hair

The first step in cleaning carpeted stairs is to extract any extra hair. Use a pet hair remover brush to scrape away as much hair as possible.

2. Use A Lightweight Vacuum

You'll be able to vacuum the remaining carpet more quickly and efficiently because you scraped off extra hair. Use a lightweight handheld vacuum cleaner instead of having a heavy vacuum up and down the stairs. A soft brush extension with your vacuum can be used to clean your stairs if you don't have a handheld vacuum. In any case, having a general cleaning done before any carpet cleaning might be a good idea to keep in mind.

3. Use Carpet Shampoo 

Next, shampoo your carpet. A deep cleaning on your stair carpet will help clear stains and lift old implanted fur, hair, and other debris and dirt.

4. Use A DIY Solution 

You can use a DIY carpet cleaner solution on your carpets. Before utilizing the DIY solution all over your stair carpet, spot-test it on a small portion of your carpet first. You should ensure that it doesn't stain the carpet. 

You can make your carpet shampoo at home with two tablespoons of laundry detergent, one scoop or about three tablespoons of an OxiClean-type stain remover, ¼ cup of an oxygen base cleaner, one teaspoon of fabric softener, and a liquid measure of water. 

5. Dry The Stairs

Let your stairs fully dry after shampooing on your carpets. Remind everyone in your house to avoid walking on the carpeted stairs until they have dried to prevent adding more dirt to the carpet and interfering with the drying process.

6. Vacuum One More Time 

Finally, you'll want to do one last vacuum to meet good standards. Once the stairs are dry, the carpet may not be as squeaky clean as you want. Vacuuming will ensure you've finally removed all the dirt and debris from your carpet. 

7. When Should I Clean The Carpet? 

Cleaning the carpet is comfortable once you break it down into actionable stages. However, it is still a labour-intensive chore. That said, it's not a task you must do every day. General vacuuming can be accomplished weekly. Shampooing can be done every quarter. Deep cleaning and additional steaming can be done once or twice a year. Use pet hair remover to extract pet hair and clean your stair carpet.

Cleaning A Stair Carpet By Hand

There are several various ways you can clean a carpet without a machine:

Regularly Cleaning With A Stiff Brush Or Broom

This means you will have to deep clean it less often. Clean the stairs from top to bottom so your feet don't push dirt into the carpet, and manage the debris at the bottom with a dustpan and scrub.

Employing Carpet Shampoo

Mix the carpet shampoo with water and scrub this mixture into stains utilizing the brush (don't do this if you have a threaded carpet). After removing the mixture with the cloth, towel the affected area or stand on it to help it absorb moisture.

Using White Vinegar And Water

If you need to rinse the detergent out of a stair carpet, you can mix a quarter of a cup of white vinegar and a gallon of water into a solution to use with a scrubbing brush.

How To Utilize A Machine To Clean A Stair Carpet

There are two primary strategies for using a machine to clean carpets on stairs. These are vacuuming and steam cleaning. Mostly handheld or lightweight, vacuums create perfect carpet cleaning solutions because they move and manoeuvre fast along edges and fit into junctions.

A steam cleaner or carpet cleaning machine is your best option for in-depth carpet cleaning. These can be found in specialist shops or open to rent from professional services and can extract everything from pet hair to deeply embedded dirt.

Where Should You Begin When Cleaning Carpet Stairs?

When cleaning carpeted stairs, begin at the top and work your way down to the footing. This method can prevent accidentally transmitting dirt, dust, or debris from the lower stairs onto the clean upper stairs.

Starting at the top also permits you to clean each stair entirely without risking skipping any spots or leaving behind any cleaning solution. As you work your path down, you can confirm that each stair is completely dry before proceeding to the next one to prevent any potential mistakes or falls. The most important part of cleaning carpeted stairs is remembering to use the right products and techniques without damaging the carpets.

In conclusion, carpeted stairs can be a beautiful addition to any home. Carpeted stairs present a range of advantages, from protection and noise reduction to insulation and layout choices. A regular carpet maintenance schedule not only contributes to a more beneficial living environment but also boosts the life of your mat. Carpeting may be an excellent option for a home renovation or to modernize your stairs.

Commonly Asked Questions

How do I clean carpet on stairs effectively?
Vacuum the stairs thoroughly, focusing on edges and corners. Then, use a carpet cleaner or steam cleaner with a handheld attachment for deeper cleaning.
What tools do I need to clean carpet on stairs?
You will need a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment, a carpet cleaner or steam cleaner with a handheld attachment, and possibly a carpet brush.
How often should I clean the carpet on stairs?
Stairs should be vacuumed weekly, with a deep clean every 3 to 6 months, depending on traffic and use.
What is the best way to remove stains from carpet on stairs?
Blot the stain with a clean, damp cloth. Then, apply a carpet stain remover according to the product's instructions. Scrub gently, then rinse and blot until the stain is removed.
Can I use a regular carpet cleaner for stairs?
Yes, but ensure it has a handheld attachment for easier use on stair surfaces.
What are some tips to maintain clean carpets on stairs?
Use a mat at the base of the stairs to reduce dirt, remove shoes before using stairs, and regularly vacuum to prevent dirt buildup.
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