Your beautiful carpeted stairs will become dirty over time. It’s not your fault, especially if they’re used frequently. However, it is your responsibility to clean them regularly to keep them looking fresh and clean. Vacuuming your carpet is indeed helpful but not sufficient to fully clean your carpeted stairs. That’s why you need to learn new methods to get the desired result.
There are plenty of approaches you can use to clean your carpeted stairs. Some of these techniques are inexpensive, while some of them require a deep pocket. Therefore, in order to cover everything, we’ve made a fantastic guide on how to clean carpeted stairs with and without a machine.
Table of Contents
How to Clean Carpeted Stairs Using a Machine
Pick Up Large Objects
Before you start cleaning your carpeted stairs, check to see if there are large objects sitting around. These items can be toys, papers, or anything that kids or pets usually pick up.
These objects can clog your vacuum’s hose, which might slow down the cleaning process. So, before you start cleaning the stairs, simply gather this stuff to ensure a smooth and effortless cleaning operation.
Vacuum the Carpeted Stairs
Stairs are used on a regular basis and often several times per day, which means they’re considered high-traffic areas. As a result, they tend to collect dirt, dust, slime, and so on too quickly. Therefore, you need to vacuum them regularly to protect against dirt accumulation.
In addition, regardless of your cleaning approach, always start by vacuuming the carpeted stairs to remove surface dust. By adopting this strategy, you’ll be able to identify the areas that require more attention. Also, don’t forget to start from the top way down to the bottom.
Another thing that can be handy during your cleaning process is a stiff brush. This tool won’t only remove surface dust but also the embedded one. The same method can be applied with a vacuum brush attachment.
In cases where the brush cannot reach small nooks, we recommend using a dull object instead of a scrubbing brush. For example, corners are difficult to clean with a large brush. Therefore, a butter knife can do the trick. Simply scrape the corner gently to loosen dirt before vacuuming it.
Bring Out your Carpet Cleaning Machine
Cleaning the stairs with a carpet cleaning machine is quite simple. All you have to do is fill up the tank with the appropriate cleaning solution and work your way from the top down to the bottom.
You can either purchase a commercial cleaning solution or make your own. The only thing we recommend is choosing a cleaning product that is suitable for the type of carpet fabric.
Obviously, your carpet will be moist after you’ve cleaned it. Therefore, we recommend providing adequate ventilation to accelerate the drying process.
Remark: Mold and mildew can grow in a damp carpet if it is left wet for a long period of time.
Vacuum the Carpeted Stairs One More Time
Once your carpeted stairs have completely dried, we recommend passing your vacuum one last time. This has nothing to do with its cleanliness but rather with attractiveness.
Carpet with long piles may not look good after you’ve washed it. Therefore, using your vacuum, in this case, is simply to restore your carpet’s original appeal.
How to Clean Carpeted Stairs Without a Machine
Even if you don’t have a carpet cleaning machine, you can still clean your carpet by hand. It indeed requires a lot of energy, but I can guarantee you that if you follow the techniques mentioned below, you’ll obtain the same result as you’d do with a machine.
Carpet Shampoo
If you have carpet shampoo sitting around, now is the time to use it. Simply combine the shampoo with a bucket of hot water and thoroughly mix the solution.
Afterward, clean your carpeted stairs with a scrubbing brush dipped in the solution. You should be aware of heavily soiled areas from the start, as I’m assuming you’ve previously vacuumed your stairs.
Then, using a dry towel and a bucket of clean water, try to absorb the solution by wringing it out well before reusing it. This way, you’ll be able to soak up the moisture while also accelerating the drying process.
Baking Soda
This technique is quite effective in cleaning carpeted stairs and removing odors. It does, however, necessitate the use of a regular vacuum. Here is how to use it:
Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda all over your carpeted staircases. Then, using a clean cloth, rub the ingredient over the carpet to help it penetrate the fibers. Next, using a spray bottle, mist the baking soda with a bit of hot water.
After that, we recommend leaving baking soda for 2 to 3 hours before removing it. Once it has dried, vacuum it up with your regular vacuum.
This approach is both fast and affordable for restoring the beauty of your carpeted stairs.
Vinegar
In a bucket, combine 1/4 cup white vinegar and 1 gallon (3.8 liters) of warm water. Scrub your carpeted staircases from top to bottom using a scrubbing brush dipped in the solution. After that, absorb the moisture with a dry cloth or towel.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should You Clean Carpeted Stairs?
You should vacuum your carpet on a daily basis. However, if you’re too busy or you can’t do it for whatever reason, then we recommend vacuuming at least once a week.
When it comes to shampooing the carpet staircases, you’d be fine if you could do it every 3-4 months.
Can You Walk On The Stairs After Cleaning Them?
We highly advise avoiding walking on carpeted stairs until they have thoroughly dried.
Is It Expensive to Clean Carpeted Staircases?
If you don’t rent a carpet cleaning machine and follow the old-school cleaning techniques, then no, it’s not expensive to clean carpeted staircases.
Conclusion
As usual, we hope that this article was helpful for you. If you liked it, please leave us a comment sharing with us the most effective tip that you went across above. You also can share this article on social media so you can help your friends and family member clean carpeted stairs perfectly well.
Also, if you have a wool rug at home and you are a pet owner, we recommend reading our recent guide on how to clean dog urine from the carpet.
What is the best way to clean stair carpet?
The best way to clean stair carpet is to vacuum it thoroughly first and then use a carpet cleaner or spot cleaner specifically designed for stairs to remove any stains or dirt. A small handheld vacuum or a brush can also be used to remove any remaining dirt or pet hair.
How do you clean carpet stairs without a vacuum?
It is recommended to use a vacuum to clean carpet stairs as it is the most efficient method. However, you can also use a carpet brush or a stiff-bristled brush to manually loosen and remove dirt and debris. Then, use a dustpan and brush to sweep up the debris.
How do you refresh carpet on stairs?
To refresh carpet on stairs, you can use a carpet cleaning powder or foam designed for use on stairs. Apply the product according to the manufacturer’s instructions, work it into the carpet fibers with a stiff-bristled brush, and let it sit for the recommended amount of time. Then, vacuum the stairs thoroughly to remove the product and any dirt or debris that was lifted from the carpet.
How often should you clean stair carpet?
It is recommended to clean stair carpet at least once every 6 to 12 months, depending on the level of foot traffic and the amount of dirt and debris that accumulates.
Should I use vinegar to clean my carpet?
While vinegar is a common household cleaner that can be effective on certain types of stains, it’s not typically recommended for use on carpets. Vinegar is acidic, and using it on carpet could potentially damage the fibers or cause discoloration. It’s best to stick to a cleaning solution specifically formulated for carpets or consult a professional cleaner.
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